1. Medical Education:
After finishing high school, Paterson pursued medical studies at the University of Edinburgh. In 1910, he earned his medical degree with a focus on physiology and psychiatry. He later worked as a house surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
2. Missionary Work:
Paterson had a deep interest in missionary work and had strong religious beliefs. In 1912, he joined the China Inland Mission (CIM), a Protestant missionary society based in London that focused on sending missionaries to China.
3. Missionary Service in China:
Paterson traveled to China in 1913 as part of the CIM. He served as a medical missionary in various provinces of China, providing healthcare to remote and underserved communities. He also engaged in evangelism and preached the Christian faith to local people.
4. Medical Facilities Development:
Paterson was instrumental in establishing medical facilities in China, particularly in the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Qinghai. He founded several hospitals and clinics to provide medical care and improve healthcare conditions in rural areas.
5. Psychiatric Work:
Paterson became particularly interested in psychiatry during his time in China. He treated and counseled patients with mental illnesses, and his work contributed to the understanding of mental health issues in the region.
6. Explorations:
Apart from his medical and missionary work, Paterson also engaged in exploration. In the early 20th century, he carried out expeditions in Tibet and other parts of China. His explorations led to scientific and geographical discoveries, and he recorded his findings and experiences in books and journals.
7. Publications:
Paterson authored several books and articles documenting his medical and missionary experiences, as well as his explorations in China. Some of his notable publications include "The Kingdom in Tibet" and "The Man Who Rode the Tiger."
8. Later Years:
After serving in China for several years, Paterson returned to the United Kingdom due to health issues. He continued to write and speak about his experiences in China and advocate for missionary work.
9. Recognition:
Paterson's contributions to medicine, missionary work, and exploration were widely recognized. He received numerous honors, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society for his exploration work in Tibet.
Alexander Brown Paterson's dedication to both medicine and missionary work, as well as his involvement in exploration and advocacy, made him a notable figure of the early 20th century.