Donald, Ian (1910-1987)

Scottish obstetrician who introduced ultrasound (very high-frequency sound wave) scanning. He pioneered its use in obstetrics as a means of scanning the growing fetus without exposure to the danger of X-rays. Donald's experience of using radar in World War II suggested to him the use of ultrasound for medical purposes.

Donald was born in Scotland and educated at Warriston School in Moffat, Fettes College, Edinburgh, and Diocesan College Cape Town, South Africa. He studied medicine at London University, finishing in 1937. During World War II, he served as a medical officer in the Royal Airforce Volunteers Reserve (RAFVR), was mentioned in dispatches, and awarded the MBE for bravery. In 1951 Donald became reader in obstetrics and gynaecology at St Thomas Medical School, London. During this time, he received a scholarship from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for work on neonatal respiration and in 1954 he accepted the Regius Chair of Midwifery at Glasgow University. He also supervised the planning and design of the Queen Mother's Hospital, Glasgow, which opened in 1964.