Medical Tour: All Around the University – Firsts & Inventions in the History of Medicine
Russell Square underground station, London
Guided by Rick Jones or Ronnie Haydon
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Weekly | 2.30 pm | 4 pm | Winter Summer | Reserve Online |
N.B. this walk will not take place on the following dates:
07-11-2024 14-11-2024 21-11-2024 28-11-2024FIRST THINGS FIRST – IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Ronnie’s Medical Tour: All Around the University begins at Russell Square tube. She sets the scene and then we’re off, on the trail of thrilling medical discoveries and breakthroughs.
The very streets (and buildings) where they happened. Sites where medical history was made, sites which commemorate significant medical events such as the first vaccination, anaesthetic antibiotic, antiseptic, artificial insemination, free health service and the discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA.
The tour celebrates the success of the medical profession in its ongoing fight against Covid.
We end back at Russell Square tube station.
Christoph Karner –
Like Janet I was on the medical tour on June 14 guided by Ronnie, and I wholeheartedly agree with everything Janet has so wonderfully written below.
Janet –
Ronnie was our guide and we struck gold: friendly, fun and fascinating. Wasn’t sure what to expect given the title and whether it would be too highbrow for me. It wasn’t! There is so much hidden away on our London streets you just need to look and have somebody like Ronnie with you! Thank you for your knowledge and research, and for your acknowledgement of all those who have made such a difference to our lives. Loved it!
Sue –
An excellent walk around UCL. Ronnie certainly knows her subject and is clear in the delivery of it. From smallpox to Covid, Bentham to Whitty via Nightingale, the odd mosquito, Orwell and Corum. Fascinating couple of hours.
Patrick Egan –
We enjoyed our walk very much with Ronnie, she is very knowledgeable and had a great passion on letting us know all about this amazing walk, so informative. We would definitely recommend this walk. Thank you Ronnie
Janet –
An interesting walk around Bloomsbury, pointing out medical-themed details that you otherwise wouldn’t notice. Ronnie is a very pleasant and knowledgeable guide.
Charlotte –
My mother and I (and dog Percy who was given a warm welcome) thoroughly enjoyed Ronnie’s informative tour around UCL, the University hospital and other related sights. Loved how the walk celebrated humans who cared and reformed for their fellow humans and especially the focus on women’s contributions in medicine. Ronnie’s passion and knowledge really shone through. We so often hear constantly about the negative nature of humanity in life and this was refreshing. The area is really buzzing and vibrant, reflecting the genuine diversity of London. Thank you Ronnie for a fascinating afternoon.
Craig Jones –
I completed this walk yesterday. I have taken many London Walks previously and, although not a medic, enjoyed this one immensely. Rick Jones’ knowledge is encyclopedic and I thoroughly recommend this walk to anyone wanting to find out more about this corner of London and the many ground-breaking medical luminaries who worked there. After or before the walk, take time to have a walk around Bloomsbury Square Garden and read all the boards. I won’t spoil it for you but there’s lots to interest and educate you!
Janet Russell –
I studied at Edinburgh University and thought all the best discoveries and firsts in medicine were Scottish. Rick’s fascinating and informative walk set the record straight. A most enjoyable walk with so many random anecdotes along the way.
Thank you Rick
C Kao –
Been on Rick Tour on 1/26/23 , it was raining , but Rick kept it entertaining ,and informative , good to seek the ink with art and medical history , and literary connection , fantastic !
Alex –
Excellent and engaging tour of medical London. Having previously walked by many of the sites on the tour in oblivion, I will never again fail to spot the mosquitoes, ticks, and rats on the balconies of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine! Rick is a walking Wikipedia of local knowledge. Highly recommended!