Professor David and Dr Agnes Dow: A lifetime dedicated to enabling student success

Professor David Dow

Born in 1887, David Rutherford Dow grew up in Crail, Fife, where his father served as the local GP and Medical Officer of Health. This early exposure likely sparked his lifelong passion for medicine.  After attending Waid Academy in Anstruther, David began his medical studies in 1906 at the University of St Andrews, which then encompassed both St Andrews and Dundee. His initial lectures took place in St Andrews, while his clinical training, crucial for aspiring doctors at the time, brought him to Dundee.   

A highly successful student, David excelled in his studies, earning medals and graduating with distinction as an MB ChB in 1911. His early career saw him gain valuable experience at Dundee Royal Infirmary and in London before a brief stint as a ship's surgeon.   

Returning to academia, David was appointed a lecturer in anatomy at St Andrews in 1913, delivering a comprehensive course while also assisting his father's practice in Crail. His commitment to research led to an MD with commendation in 1924, focusing on arteriosclerosis, the hardening of the heart’s arteries.

In 1925, Professor Dow made a significant move to Dundee, taking up the prestigious Cox Chair of Anatomy at University College, Dundee. He dedicated an impressive 33 years to this role, shaping the learning of countless medical students in the city until his retirement in 1958.   

His contributions were recognised through his fellowships with the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1932. Professor Dow's research focused primarily on the heart, including detailed studies of its valves and arteries, often working with specimens provided by the renowned Sir James MacKenzie.   

Professor Dow's deep commitment to medical education and research in Dundee left a lasting impact. He was a respected figure within the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland, serving as its Honorary Secretary in Scotland for many years. His life’s work stands as an inspiring legacy for those pursuing medical careers in Dundee today.

Dr Agnes Dow

Born in Anstruther in 1900, Agnes Watson Morton grew up in a local family, excelling in her studies at Waid Academy, where she won the Dux Medal. After a year of art studies in Edinburgh, Agnes embarked on a university education at the University of St Andrews in 1920. During her time there, she was actively involved in student life, serving as President of the Women’s Union and Secretary and Treasurer of the Students’ Representative Council.

Following her graduation with a Master of Arts degree in 1923, Agnes qualified as a teacher and spent some time teaching in England. However, a significant change was on the horizon. After returning to her hometown of Anstruther in 1927, she was encouraged to pursue a career in medicine, a decision believed to have been influenced by her future husband, Professor David Rutherford Dow.

Agnes matriculated at the University of St Andrews for a second time in 1928, this time to study medicine, and she qualified as a doctor with an MB ChB in 1934.

Following in the footsteps of her future husband, Dr Agnes Morton began her medical career as a House Surgeon at Dundee Royal Infirmary. In 1936, she took on a part-time role as Medical Officer at the Dunfermline College of Physical Education for young ladies. During the Second World War, when the College relocated to Aberdeen, she commuted frequently from her home in Dundee while also lecturing in Anatomy at the Bute Medical School in St Andrews.

In 1942, Agnes married Professor Dow.  When he became Master at Queen’s College, Agnes resigned from her posts at the Dunfermline College of Education and St Andrews University in order to devote more time to helping her husband in his new role.

Dr Agnes Dow's journey reflects a dedication to learning, service, and a supportive partnership that played a significant role in the academic life of Dundee. Her diverse experiences and commitment to education and healthcare left a lasting impression.

Their lasting legacy

Professor David and Dr Agnes Dow shared a deep commitment to their students, maintaining contact long after graduation and offering support. This affection for their students was clearly mutual.

Their dedication was formally recognised. In 1959, the University of St Andrews awarded David an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD). Later, in 1968, Agnes also received an LLD from the newly established University of Dundee, a fitting acknowledgement of her significant contributions to university life over many years.

Professor David Dow died in 1979 at the impressive age of 92. Dr Agnes Dow also lived a long and impactful life, passing away just before her 98th birthday in 1998. In her will, she made two very generous bequests.  Firstly, she left their family home in Crail to the University of St Andrews for visiting academics. Eventually a new Dow House was established in St Andrews itself in 2015.  Secondly, she established the Dow Memorial Trust under her will. This Trust was created with the primary aim of supporting medical and dental teaching in the University of Dundee, ensuring the Dows’ vision of accessible and high-quality education continues to thrive in the city to this day.