RAMM Exhibition includes University’s medical innovation
On Saturday 1 October, Queen Street’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum welcomed a new medical exhibition. Displays include artifacts pioneered by the University of Exeter’s medicine department and medical education programme.
A Picture of Health: Exeter’s Medical History examines the health and wellbeing of the residents of Exeter from the 18th century to the modern day. The exhibition displays several recent acquisitions, most notably the Exeter Hip Implant. The implant was first created in a partnership between the University and the former Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Trust.
In November 1970, Exeter engineer Dr Clive Lee and NHS Surgeon Professor Robert Ling combined forces to produce the new implant, which is produced by Stryker. The new design was revolutionary as, unlike earlier designs, the implant was able to self-tighten and so required significantly fewer follow-up surgeries. Since the implant was first rolled out, it has helped one million patients in the years 2010-2020 alone.
Professor Janice Kay, Provost at the University of Exeter, said: “I’m delighted to see our cutting-edge research and education featured as part of this important exhibition”. She continued: “We’re very proud to have an impact in a city with a rich culture and history of health activity.”
We’re very proud to have an impact in a city with a rich culture and history of health activity.
Professor Janice Kay
In addition to the Exeter Hip Implant, other exhibits include original portraits which hung on the walls of the Devon & Exeter Hospital, which opened in 1743. The exhibition also includes the first display of recently identified medical artifacts from RAMM archives.
The exhibition continues until 22 January 2023. Staff and students from Exeter Medical School will partake in several events surrounding the exhibition, including a RAMM Lates event on November 11.
