Anaesthetist turned novelist recognised at UWS

An anaesthetist turned novelist has been recognised as part of University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) graduations.

Dr Marisa Haetzman, one of Scotland’s literary rising stars, was celebrated as part of a ceremony taking place at Paisley Abbey today (Friday 5 July).

Dr Haetzman is a historical novelist who has used her medical career, advanced study, and passion for history to become a successful writer. Following completion of her medical degree at the University of Glasgow, during which she won the Hunter Medal for Pharmacology, she graduated in 1990 and practiced in Glasgow, London, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

A Member of the Royal College of Physicians and a Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, she was a consultant anaesthetist for 10 years before returning to her alma mater to undertake a master’s degree in the history of medicine. She became fascinated by the life and work of Dr James Young Simpson, the Edinburgh physician and obstetrician who discovered the anaesthetic effects of chloroform in 1847.

This interest in the medicine of the past led to a successful collaboration with crime writer, and husband, Christopher Brookmyre (under the pseudonym Ambrose Parry) resulting in a series of historical crime novels set in nineteenth century Edinburgh.

This collaboration has now resulted in four novels dealing with wide-ranging themes from women’s place in education and wider society to the tension between altruism and ambition in the practice of medicine. The first three books were shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The most recent books in the series, A Corruption of Blood and Voices of the Dead were both shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger.

Their partnership has recently extended its reach to include scriptwriting, with the Ambrose Parry novels and Brookmyre’s The Cut being adapted for television.

Rae Riach delivered Marisa’s laureation speech, which reflected on Dr Haetzman’s inspirational career.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Graduation is the pinnacle of the University calendar. It gives us the opportunity to both reflect on the amazing achievements of our students and to celebrate this most important of milestones with their friends and families, as well as the whole UWS community who have supported them throughout their time at university.