Maria Coats
MBBS BSc MSc PhD FRCS LLB DPLP RNrtd
Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary and Emergency General Surgeon at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Expert witness in general and HPB surgery.
About Me
I qualified from Royal Free and University College London Medical School in 2005, intercalating a BSc in Aviation, Diving, Altitude and Aerospace Medicine at King's College London. I completed Higher Surgical Training in the East of Scotland subspecialising in Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, with a fellowship in HPB and Transplant Surgery at The Freeman Hospital Newcastle and an EAES fellowship at Rikshospitalet, Oslo. I was appointed Consultant in Glasgow in 2020 and have been Trauma Lead for Glasgow Royal Infirmary since 2025.
Alongside my surgical career I hold an LLB in Scots Law, a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and a Diploma in Legal Medicine. I have completed Expert Witness Training with the Expert Witness Institute and provide expert witness services within my scope of practice, bringing both clinical authority and legal rigour to every instruction.
Research & Publications
I completed an MRC-funded PhD and was awarded the Post Graduate Research Prize at the University of Dundee. My current academic interests are focused on clinical trials, revision of national guidelines and risk scoring relating to clinical practice.
Research Theses
A comparison of 4 different oxygen delivery systems at altitude
King's College London
Prognostic Biomarkers in Oesophago-Gastric Cancer
University of Edinburgh
Optical Projection Tomography as a Diagnostic Tool for Colorectal Polyps
University of Dundee
Books & Chapters
Carter R, Dickson EJ and Coats M. Blumgart's Surgery of the Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas, 2-Volume Set (7th Edition), Chapter: Acute Pancreatitis (2023)
Coats M, Shimi S (Editor), Chapter: Oesophago-gastric Motility Disorders. Frontiers in Oesophagogastric Surgery 2016, Bentham Science Publishers
Co-Editor of Oxford Handbook of Surgical Techniques (currently under revision)
Specialities & Scope of Practice
HPB Specialist Interests
- Gallstones
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatic Surgery
- Gallbladder Surgery
- Bile Duct Injury
- Bile Duct Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Pancreas
- Pancreatic Cysts
- Pancreatic Cancer Screening
General Surgery
- Hernias
- Lumps and bumps
- Emergency general surgery (e.g. bowel obstruction, appendicitis, perforation)
Endoscopy
- ERCP
- EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound)
- SpyGlass Cholangioscopy
- Duodenal Stenting
- Diagnostic Upper GI Endoscopy
- Shockwave Lithotripsy for Pancreatic Stones
Medico-Legal Services
I provide expert witness services within my scope of practice, drawing on dual qualifications in medicine and Scots Law.
Initial Consultation
Free 15-minute consultation available for medico-legal enquiries to discuss your case and requirements.
Fees
All fees agreed at the outset prior to commencement of work.
Turnaround
Report delivered within 3 weeks from point of instruction.
Charity & Other Interests
Outside the operating theatre, I am committed to improving outcomes and raising awareness for patients with pancreatic disease. I am a founding trustee of Pancreatitis Scotland, a charity dedicated to supporting patients and families affected by pancreatitis, funding research and advocating for better care across Scotland.
I have supported charities through endurance events over the years, including running the London Marathon for the Cardiomyopathy Association in 2009 and cycling Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity. I am currently training to run the London Marathon 2026 for Pancreatic Cancer Action.
Contact Me
Whether you have a clinical enquiry, medico-legal instruction, or would like to discuss a case, please use the form to get in touch.