Professor Mary Ann Lumsden, BSc Hons, MB.BS, MRCOG, MD, FRCOG
Mary Ann Lumsden is Professor of Medical Education and Gynaecology, Head of the Section of Reproductive & Maternal Medicine and Head of Division of Developmental Medicine at the University of Glasgow. She is an Honorary Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Contact detailsReproductive & Maternal Medicine |
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Profile
Mary Ann graduated from Medicine from St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, University of London in 1977. Her MD was awarded in 1985.
Mary Ann’s past appointments at the University of Glasgow include Senior Lecturer and Reader before being awarded a personal chair.
Research
Surgical treatment of menstrual problems
The study that included follow up to 12 months has now been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, giving information regarding the aspects of safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Further funding has been obtained to continue the follow up for 5 years in order to provide further information on long term outcomes.
The mechanism of hot flushing
Hot flushing is the commonest symptom experienced by menopausal women and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Many women are now reluctant to take HRT and alternatives are being developed. However, it is important to understand better, the mechanism of hot flushing and also to have good biomarkers for the assessment of potential new treatments. One such biomarker is currently under investigation with a grant from the Translational Medicine Research Collaboration. This study is investigating the potential of Laser Doppler Iontophoresis as a biomarker for hot flushing in healthy postmenopausal women. Further studies are proposed to study new treatments in both healthy postmenopausal women and also, those with breast cancer.
The Role of Psychometric Testing in the Admissions Process to Medicine
The overall aim of this project is to determine if Psychometric Testing has a place in the Admissions process for Medicine both in terms of identifying those who would be most suitable for a career in medicine and also, to determine if they could be used to facilitate widening participation.
The Admissions Project
One thousand applicants to the Scottish Medical Schools sat a battery of psychometric assessments in 2001 and 2002. The results were not made available to those involved in Admissions and did no inform the process. The applicants were followed through the Admissions cycles of 2002 and 2003 and factors determining success or failure in gaining a place have been investigated. Those successful in gaining admission are now approaching the end of their undergraduate training. Some recently graduated and the remainder will graduate in the summer of 2008. Analyses are underway to assess the value of the tests in predicting success or otherwise.
The Working in Health Access Programme (WHAP)
This project was carried out by the Scottish Medical Schools and Stirling University and aimed to widen access to medicine and veterinary medicine. The pupils in S3 of 59 schools with low participation rates in Higher Education sat a battery of psychometric tests and then took part in an awareness raising programme aimed at encouraging them to consider a career in medicine, veterinary medicine or other health professions. The project commenced in 2003. Initially, 2500 pupils were involved and 1000 of these took part in the awareness raising activities. There was a significant increase in the number applying to study medicine in the Scottish Medical Schools. Further studies will take place to see if Psychometric Testing might be useful in identifying those with potential to enter medicine in the future.
The Working in Health Access Network (WHAN)
This project is the extension of the WHAP project and is a collaboration of a greater number of universities throughout Scotland who have health related courses and also further education institutes. A greater number of schools are now involved and although socio-economic deprivation is still an important component, other disadvantaged groups such as ethnic minorities, remote and rural and those who are disabled are also being targeted. Awareness raising activities are being organised that initially, are very general in pupils of 13 or 14 upwards and then become more specific as the pupils become more senior. The effect of the activities on motivation will be investigated as well as whether is an impact on applications to FE and HE.
Current Funding
Long Term (3-5 years) follow up and MRI imaging of the REST cohort trial. Chief Scientists Office. January 2007 for 2 Years 9 months.
A study to investigate the value of Laser Doppler Iontophoresis as a biomarker for Vasomotor symptoms, TMRI Ltd. April 07 for 1 year.
Collection of Blood, Urine and Tissue Biopsy to Identify Potential Soluble Biomarkers of Endometriosis. Pfizer Global Research & Development. May 06 for 18 months.
The Working in Health Access Network, Scottish Funding Council, 1st July 2007 for 3 years.