Sisters graduate at the double

Milligans mirror each other at uni... and into work

Sisters Maureen and Anne Milligan attended school together and live under the same roof, so it’s only fitting they graduated from university on the same day after studying for the same medical degree – and are now preparing to begin work as doctors in the same hospital.

The super-bright Coatbridge siblings both secured bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery degrees after studying at the University of Glasgow. And the Shawhead sisters’ impressive achievements were completed when Maureen – who graduated with first- class honours – scooped the university’s Brunton Memorial and Robert Fullerton joint prizes, awarded to the “most distinguished graduates in medicine of the academic year”.

Proud parents Maureen and Thomas, and aunt and uncle Maureen Joyce and George Milligan, were in attendance for the girls’ graduation ceremony – with mum and dad also invited for a special get- together beforehand.

Maureen, 23, told the Advertiser: “It was a busy but really great day and we all enjoyed it.

“Our parents and aunt and uncle loved being part of it all; mum and dad got special treatment and were taken to the Principal’s house.

“It was extra special to be able to graduate alongside my sister.

“I did six years at university – a year more than Anne – as I did an intercalated degree, which is how we ended up in the same year.”

Anne, 22, added: “It was slightly surreal graduating with Maureen but a really lovely experience.

“We were sat right beside each other at the ceremony and our family were very close to the front row; we got called up to get our degree right behind each other too.

“Everyone was really proud of us and it was the perfect culmination of my five years at the university.”

Reflecting on her Brunton Memorial and Robert Fullerton joint prizes success, Maureen said: “I didn’t expect it at all; I got an email a few days before the ceremony telling me I had won the awards and was really thrilled.

“It’s fantastic to get extra special recognition and win such prestigious honours; even though it meant I had to get up on stage in front of a packed audience twice!”

Maureen and Anne – who attended St Andrew’s High and St Bernard’s Primary schools – visited several US states on a well- deserved holiday just before their graduation. And the pair are now looking forward to embarking on careers in the medical profession together.

Anne explained: “We are both starting jobs at University Hospital Hairmyres next month in general medical and general surgery, on rotation.

“This is a really great way for us to begin our careers and we’re both looking forward to it immensely.”

Maureen added: “I loved my time at university and can’t wait to begin work at the hospital.

“It’s also nice to be able to share the experience with Anne; it’s a brilliant starting point for us both.”

Photo by the University of Glasgow Proud moment Anne, left, and Maureen Milligan were joined by their parents on their graduation day

Stateside adventure The pair soak up the sun during their recent trip to America

School days Anne and Maureen during their time at St Bernard’s