Alexander Biggam facts for kids
Sir Alexander Gordon Biggam (born April 14, 1888 – died March 22, 1963) was a Scottish doctor and soldier. He held important roles in medicine. He was a Major-General in the army. He also led the study program for advanced medical students in Edinburgh.
Contents
Life of Sir Alexander Gordon Biggam
Biggam was born in Stranraer, Scotland, in 1888. His father was J. Biggam.
Education and Early Career
He went to George Watson's College in Edinburgh. Later, he studied at the University of Edinburgh. He earned his first medical degrees in 1911. In 1924, he received a higher medical degree. He began his career as a doctor and surgeon at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Military Service and Awards
In 1912, Biggam joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. This is the medical branch of the British Army. He served in France during World War I. He was injured in 1915. After that, he served in India from 1916 to 1921. He received an award called the OBE. This was for his work with the Waziristan Field Force in India.
Work in Egypt and Beyond
From 1926 to 1933, Biggam worked in Cairo, Egypt. He was the head of the medical unit at Kasr-el-Aini Hospital. He also taught medicine at the Egyptian University. For his work in Egypt, he received the Order of the Nile, 3rd class. He also helped examine medical students in Khartoum and at the American University of Beirut. In 1937, he became an honorary physician to King George VI.
World War II and Later Life
During World War II, Biggam served in India and Burma. He was a top medical advisor to the Army from 1941 to 1947. He received more honors for his service. He became a CBE in 1940. In 1944, he was made a CB. He was knighted as a KBE in 1946.
After the war, he returned to Scotland. In 1947, he started teaching tropical medicine at the University of Edinburgh. In 1950, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers.
