b. 12 July 1849, Bond Head, Canada -d. 29 Dec 1919, Oxford, England
Physician, professor of medicine, Johns Hopkins University
William Osler was born in Bond Head. He trained in medicine at U of T and McGill, where he began his teaching career. In 1889 he became the first professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins U. He was particularly expert in diagnosis of diseases of the heart, lungs and blood. His textbook, The Principles and Practice of Medicine, 1892 and frequently revised, was considered authoritative for more than 30 years. He helped create the system of postgraduate training for physicians that is followed today. He moved to England in 1905, and was created a baronet in 1911.
More detail: Raised in Dundas, Canada W; MD, McGill, 1872; postgraduate training in England and Europe; lectured in medicine and pathology, McGill; published extensively and built international reputation as an astute and humane clinician; joined faculty of U of Pennsylvania, 1884; professor of med., Johns Hopkins U., 1889. His importance stems from his contributions to knowledge in a wide spectrum of clinical fields, his educational activities both in person and through his writings, his stimulation of students who later became leaders of the medical profession, his enthusiastic support of scientific libraries, and his example as a person of integrity, equanimity and sincere humanity. His description of the inadequacy of treatment methods for most disorders was a major factor leading to the creation of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in NY City. He bequeathed his extensive library in the history of medicine to McGill U. He died of pneumonia in 1919, developed after a lengthy trip of consultation. His ashes rest in the Osler Library, Montréal.
Sources: The Canadian Encyclopedia, 1988 (Charles G. Roland)
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