Samuel Donnelly of Ireland was on the list of Gentlemen who since 31st August 1836 had offered themselves as Candidates for the Diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and after producing satisfactory evidence that they had completed the course of study prescribed by the College, had been admitted to examination and found fully qualified to practise the arts of Anatomy, Surgery and Pharmacy and received Diplomas as Licentiates of the College accordingly - Edinburgh Medical and Surgical journal
Naval Career
Appointed assistant surgeon on the Talbot in the Mediterranean in March 1838 - Navy List
Appointed surgeon to the Phoenix in the Mediterranean in 1842 Navy List
Appointed to the Hecla in the Mediterranean in February 1843 Navy List
Surgeon Superintendent - Convict Ships
Surgeon Superintendent on the St. Vincent in 1850; Lady Montagu in 1852; Adelaide in 1855; Edwin Fox 1858.
Samuel Donnelly was employed as surgeon on the convict ship St. Vincent to Hobart in 1850.
Appointed Surgeon to the convict ship Lady Montagu from Plymouth to Hobart 9 December 1852