Since the creation of its Medical School in 1862, the University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital have been linked in an enviable relationship in clinical education and medical research. In 1864, three medical undergraduates became the first students at the then Melbourne Hospital, thereby laying the foundation for a continuous line of students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, who have received their clinical training at the RMH.

In 1944, the liaison between the two institutions was further strengthened when the RMH moved from Lonsdale Street to its present location and the university and the hospital became neighbours on Royal Parade. Then in 1955, the appointment of the first University Professors of Medicine and Surgery, located at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, cemented this relationship and provided the nucleus of a formidable partnership in medical research.

This collaboration continues to this day, with continued joint research projects and ventures providing a nexus between hospital and university: between teaching, research and clinical applications of discoveries for the benefit of the wider community.

The University of Melbourne Departments of Medicine and Surgery at The Royal Melbourne Hospital celebrated 50 years of partnership at a special event held on 24 July 2007.

A Celebration of Partnership

     The Stewart Legacy

     Department of Medicine
    James Stewart Professors of Medicine
     Department of Medicine - a short history
     Research highlights

     Department of Surgery
    James Stewart Professors of Surgery
     Department of Surgery - a short history
     Research highlights

     Teaching in Medicine & Surgery

Dr James Stewart's impact on Victoria extends back to the goldrush era of the 1850s, and his bequest to the University of Melbourne in 1909 helped establish first the Stewart Lecturers, and then from 1955, the James Stewart Professors of Medicine and Surgery in the university departments at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Use the links above to view historical information and photos, which will be part of a display at the 50th anniversary celebrations.