Thomas Acheson Harden Carter

After graduating Thomas Acheson Harden Carter (“Harden”) gained his membership of the Royal College of Physicians, worked in paediatrics in New Zealand, returned to Scotland to train in general practice (gaining membership of the Royal College of GPs), and then began training in public health. He won the prestigious Littlejohn Gairdner prize before starting his first consultant appointment.

Harden Carter was a highly esteemed consultant in public health and worked in three adjacent Scottish health boards: Fife, Forth Valley, and Lothian. He drew on his qualifications and experience in general medicine and general practice in a highly productive public health career. His research and publication record was remarkable among his peers.

He worked closely and effectively with clinicians, patients, and managers to develop innovative services well ahead of their time. An early example was …