Dugald Christie (missionary)

Dugald Christie as a Student, ca. 1880 (imp-cswc-GB-237-CSWC47-LS8-002)

Dugald Christie was a Scottish missionary and physician known for his significant contributions to medical missions in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on April 27, 1855, in Scotland, Christie dedicated much of his life to improving healthcare and spreading Christianity in northeastern China, particularly in the region of Mukden (modern-day Shenyang).

Early Life and Education

Dugald Christie was born into a devout Christian family. His early education instilled in him a strong sense of duty towards missionary work. He pursued medical studies with the intention of serving as a medical missionary, a decision that led him to attend the University of Edinburgh, where he received his medical degree. His education not only equipped him with medical knowledge but also with a profound commitment to his faith and humanitarian service.

Missionary Work in China

After completing his medical education, Christie was appointed by the Scottish Missionary Society to serve in China. He arrived in Mukden in the early 1880s, a time when China was undergoing significant social and political upheaval. Christie's work began at a small hospital, but his vision and dedication quickly led to the expansion of medical missionary efforts in the region.

Under Christie's leadership, the Mukden Medical Mission was established. This institution grew to include a hospital, a medical school, and several dispensaries throughout the region. Christie's approach to missionary work was holistic; he believed that providing medical care opened doors for spiritual conversations and was an integral part of spreading the Christian faith.

Contributions to Medical Education

One of Christie's most enduring legacies is his contribution to medical education in China. He founded the Mukden Medical College in 1912, which was among the first institutions in China to offer Western-style medical education to Chinese students. The college played a crucial role in training a new generation of Chinese physicians, many of whom went on to make significant contributions to medicine in China.

Christie's curriculum combined medical instruction with Christian teachings, reflecting his belief in the importance of spiritual well-being in addition to physical health. His work laid the foundation for modern medical education in northeastern China and established a model for integrating medical and missionary work.

Later Years and Legacy

Dugald Christie continued his work in China until his death on July 24, 1936. Throughout his life, he remained committed to improving healthcare and advancing the Christian faith in China. His legacy is evident in the continued operation of the institutions he founded, which have evolved but still reflect his vision of combining medical care with missionary work.

Christie's contributions to medical missions and education in China have been recognized both during his lifetime and posthumously. He is remembered as a pioneer in medical missions, a dedicated physician, and a devout Christian missionary.

See Also

• Medical missions
• History of Christianity in China
• Western medicine in China