Plastic surgery has had a long and proud history in Toronto. In 1921, Dr. E. Fulton Risdon, considered by many to be the father of Canadian plastic surgery, started practice as the city’s first plastic surgeon. He continued to work at Toronto Western Hospital for 45 years. His contributions to the discipline of plastic surgery are still evident today in the areas of mandibular and craniofacial surgery.
The ensuing years saw a great deal of activity and development as plastic surgery grew into a bonafide specialty. In 1958, the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Toronto was established. Today, the Division incorporates the activities of over 60 surgeons across all the Toronto teaching hospitals, including the University Health Network (Toronto General, Toronto Western, and Princess Margaret Hospitals), Mount Sinai Hospital, the Hospital for Sick Children, St. Michael’s Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Women’s College Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Michael Garron Hospital, North York General Hospital, and Trillium Health Centre, providing clinical expertise in all areas of plastic surgery.
History of Plastic Surgery Links
- History of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons
The “History of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons” by Dr. Leith G. Douglas was published in 1983 and covers the history of this Society from its founding in 1947 until 1982 - The Gillies Archives
A large archive detailing the activities of Sir Harold Gillies, one of the forefathers of modern Plastic Surgery - National Archives of Plastic Surgery
The National Archives of Plastic Surgery is the largest repository in the United States devoted to documenting the history of plastic surgery
Division Chairs
Nov 2022 – Present |
Dr. Mitchell H. Brown, Interim Chair |
July 2013 – Oct 2022 |
Dr. Christopher R. Forrest, Chair |
2011 – 2013 |
Dr. Christopher R. Forrest, Interim Chair |
2006 – 2011 |
Dr. Dimitri Anastakis, Chair |
1996 – 2006 |
Dr. Peter Neligan, Chair |
1986 – 1996 |
Dr. Ralph Manktelow, Chair |
1963 – 1986 |
Dr. W.K. Lindsay, Chair |
