Canadian Medical Hall of Fame to Induct U of T Alumna and a Professor

A trailblazing female physician and a biochemist, both with deep connections to the University of Toronto, have been named to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

Dr. Bette Stephenson and Professor David MacLennan will enter the hall with four other 2013 inductees whose work has improved health in Canada and globally.

Stephenson is a role model for women in medicine. She graduated from U of T with a medical degree in 1946, and as a co-founder of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, she helped balance the number of graduates choosing family medicine over other sub-specialties. She later became the first female president of the Canadian Medical Society and served as a cabinet minister in the Ontario legislature.

David MacLennan, a Professor in U of T’s Banting and Best Department of Medical Research and Department of Biochemistry, has advanced the understanding of muscle diseases such as malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening condition often linked to drugs for general anesthesia. His work has also provided insight into the cause of exercise-induced sudden cardiac death.

“Dr. MacLennan’s genetic studies of proteins that regulate muscle contraction and relaxation have enabled identification of patients at risk for malignant hyperthermia, who can now be given safer anesthetics,” said Catharine Whiteside, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at U of T and Vice-Provost, Relations with Health Care Institutions. “Dr. Stephenson, in a remarkable variety of roles including physician, administrator and politician, has had a major impact on health care in Canada.”

“We are thrilled the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame has recognized the extraordinary achievements of Dr. Stephenson and Professor MacLennan,” said Whiteside.

Other 2013 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inductees are Dr. Antoine Hakim, Dr. Arnold Naimark, Dr. Claude Roy and the late Dr. Ian Rusted. They will join the 95 laureates honoured since 1994.

“These remarkable individuals have earned their place of honour among Canada’s most distinguished medical heroes. Their legacy will live on through the Hall of Fame where people everywhere can learn about their great service to humankind and be inspired to follow in their footsteps,” said Dr. Stewart Hamilton, Board Chair of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. “This year’s inductees have overcome incredible challenges to improve the lives of countless others and as fellow Canadians we can be extremely proud.