posted on May 17: Celebrating 30 years of innovation in the health sciences
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/30YearsMUMC.jpg”]First Convocation and then an anniversary. There is much to appreciate in the Faculty of Health Sciences in the month of May. The 30th anniversary of the Health Sciences Centre, which opened in May 1972, provides an opportunity for us to celebrate both the innovation in the design of this facility and the innovative spirit and workings within it.
When it opened its doors in 1972, McMaster's Health Sciences Centre “reduced architects' offices everywhere to a hush of awed admiration,” noted Canadian Architect last year. Thirty years later, its design and architecture persist as the hallmark of the centre's education and health care.
The “hush of awed admiration” lives on today in the successes and achievements of the many talented and accomplished individuals who have studied and worked in this building over the past three decades.
The Health Sciences Centre has been the home of many firsts, reflective of innovative trends and advances in our approach towards learning and the provision of health care.
The opening of the building in May 1972 occurred simultaneously with the creation of our medical school and its new curriculum, a curriculum without lectures and exams. Our first health sciences dean, John Evans, willingly undertook the development of a new system of education and his efforts resulted in an entire faculty devoted to the principles of problem-based and self-directed learning which other universities, such as Harvard, have followed.
Some highlights since the building's opening:
7 Fraser Mustard, the second dean and another innovator, discovered through medical research that aspirin can prevent heart attacks. He updated the medical school to serve as a model to other universities and to stimulate further advancement in PBL.
7 Jack Hirsh's research achievements include pioneering work in investigating the problems associated with thrombosis and vascular disease and improving the safety of oral anticoagulant therapy.
7 James Orbinski, a 1989 of McMaster's medical school, became a founding member of Midecins Sans Frontihres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Canada with fellow McMaster graduate Dr. Richard Heinzl. In 1999, Orbinski accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of MSF.
These brief snapshots represent a small sampling of the long list of accomplished people associated with the Health Sciences Centre's education, research and health care services. Many contribute to the innovative building of our centre, each adding to our image as a resourceful, imaginative, creative and inventive institution, building the reputation of innovator. Thirty years of innovative building celebrates the people of the Health Sciences Centre, past, present and future, as well as the structure.
Note: An exhibit is on view in the Health Sciences Centre lobby (Main St. entrance) until the end of May.
To view a related story on the 30th anniversary of the Health Sciences Library click here
