Born 24 November 1915, Kilbarchan, Scotland.
Died 13 February 1993.

A pioneering surgeon who was first to understand the rejection grafts of tissue taken from a donor as an antigen-antibody reaction.

Connection to the University of Glasgow: Alumnus
GU Degree: MB ChB, 1938;

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Achievements

The following achievement is associated with Thomas Gibson:

Developing our understanding of tissue transplantation
When Tom Gibson and Peter Medawar (later Sir) described the 'Second Set' phenomenon in 1943 they laid the foundations for tissue transplantation.

Honours

The following honours are associated with this person:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
• Honorary Degree
• Lister Medal

Biography

Thomas Gibson (1915-1993) was a surgeon and graduate of the University whose research formed the basis of modern tissue transplantation techniques.

Gibson graduated MB ChB in 1938 (with commendation) and having worked as an assistant surgeon in the MRC Burns Unit in Glasgow Royal Infirmary between 1942-1944 he then served abroad as an army maxillofacial surgeon. On being demobilised in 1947 he returned to Scotland, being appointed as Consultant Plastic Surgeon to the West of Scotland Plastic and Oral Surgery Service. The service was initially based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary but subsequently became the Plastic Surgery Unit to Canniesburn Hospital, where Gibson later became Director from 1970-1980.

Gibson received many awards and accolades including an honorary DSc and Visiting Professorship from the University of Strathclyde and the prestigious Lister Medal, awarded by the three Royal Colleges of Surgeons in the United Kingdom in 1987. He published widely on a range of topics associated with plastic surgery, notably tissue mechanics and cartilage.