Professor Carolyn McDonald - Laureation
In the name and on behalf of the Senate, I have the privilege to present for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa, Professor Carolyn McDonald.
Today we recognise Professor Carolyn McDonald, former Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for the Scottish Government - an occupational therapist by training, a national clinical leader of distinction, and a tireless champion of equitable, person‑centred care.
Professor McDonald’s career spans four decades of service to health, social care and education. Having graduated as an occupational therapist in 1985, she has spent her entire professional life working in Scotland across acute, community and public health settings, supporting people of all ages and needs. From frontline clinical practice to strategic leadership, her career has been defined by her deep understanding that health is not simply about treatment, but about enabling people to live full, meaningful lives.
Before her appointment in January 2020 as Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, Professor McDonald served as Director of Allied Health Professions in NHS Fife, where she led system‑wide change and played a key role in the integration of health and social care services. In that role, she demonstrated an exceptional ability to translate policy into practice, ensuring that national priorities resulted in tangible improvements for individuals, families and communities.
As Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, Professor McDonald was the most senior professional adviser to the Scottish Government for the 14 allied health professions, representing the third largest clinical workforce in NHS Scotland. She provided expert advice to government ministers on education, workforce development, research, regulation and service innovation, and led the national strategic direction for rehabilitation as Scotland’s National Clinical Lead for Rehabilitation. Through this work, she has elevated the visibility, influence and impact of allied health professions at the very heart of policy and decision‑making.
Her impact extends well beyond policy. Professor McDonald is widely respected for her commitment to collaboration with universities, health boards and professional bodies, and for championing education that is evidence‑based, practice‑focused and socially responsive. She is an Honorary Professor at Queen Margaret University, reflecting her long‑standing relationship with our institution grounded in our shared values - particularly a belief in education as a force for public good and social change.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to occupational therapy and allied health professions, Professor McDonald was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in 2025, the highest honour of the profession. This award recognised not only her individual achievements, but her unwavering commitment to ensuring the collective voice of allied health professionals is heard, valued and central to delivering person‑centred care.
What makes Professor McDonald’s career so closely aligned with the values of Queen Margaret University is not only the scale of her influence, but the principles that underpin it. Her leadership is inclusive and compassionate. Her focus is consistently on prevention, rehabilitation and reducing inequality. And her work demonstrates the power of applied knowledge - of research, education and professional practice - to improve lives and shape healthier, fairer societies.
It is only a few months since Professor McDonald retired from service as Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, but her legacy is clear: stronger national leadership for Allied Health Professions, clearer strategic direction for rehabilitation, and a workforce better positioned to meet Scotland's future health needs.
To all our graduates today, Professor McDonald’s career offers a powerful example of how professional expertise, when combined with integrity, collaboration and a commitment to service, can influence systems as well as individuals. It shows that leadership is not about distance from practice, but about remaining connected to people and purpose.
Chancellor, in recognition of her distinguished career, her national impact on health and social care, and her embodiment of the values and ambitions of Queen Margaret University, I have much pleasure in inviting you to confer upon Professor Carolyn McDonald the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University.
