Around 180 first year medical students will today (September 28) become the first intake to start their medical training at the new flagship Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning in Healthcare.
Previously University of Aberdeen medical students split their studies in first year between the main campus at Old Aberdeen and Marischal College in the centre of town, where anatomy was taught.
Now - bar the odd lecture at Old Aberdeen - the brand new base for medical students is the £21M state-of-the-art Suttie Centre which only opened its doors in June.
The building - one of the most advanced teaching and training centres of its kind in the UK - features the very latest technology, includinga digital video system for teaching rooms which allows students’ interactions with simulated patients to be recorded and reviewed later with their tutors.
Another feature is its award winning environmental design which involves rainwater harvesting for flushing toilets, wooden slats on the outside for temperature control and a structure which maximises the use of natural daylight.
Striking artwork is displayed around the building and includes a stunning construction suspended between the roof and floor which comprises MRI images of MRI pioneer Professor John Mallard and local businessman Ian Suttie who made a major donation to the building.
Another of the centre’s major attractions is the roof terrace that offers spectacular views over the city skyline.
Professor Hamish McKenzie, Head of the Division of Medical and Dental Education at the University, said: “The Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning in Healthcare is a tremendous medical training and teachingcentre of which Aberdeen can be extremely proud. We certainly hope our brand new first year medical students agree!”
The Suttie Centre is a partnership between the University and NHS Grampian.
As well as being used by medical students, the centre is also a training facility for all healthcare professionals wishing to learn new skills or brush up existing ones.