I- The need for an “All Hernia Hospital”!!!
Dr. Edward Earle Shouldice graduated from the University of Toronto in 1916. By 1940, Dr. Shouldice was operating a private medical and surgical practice, lecturing at the University of Toronto, and pursuing research work in areas of advancing medical knowledge.
During World War II, he was called to serve on the Medical Examining Board. Dr. Shouldice, a major in the army, found that many young men willing to serve their country had to be denied enlistment. These men needed surgical treatment to repair their hernias before they could be pronounced physically fit for military training.
In 1940, hospital space and doctors were scarce, especially for this non-emergency surgery that normally took three weeks of hospitalization. Dr. Shouldice resolved to do what he could to alleviate the problem. Contributing his services at no fee, he performed an innovative method of surgery on seventy of these men, hastening their induction into the army.
The delighted recruits soon made known their success stories and by the war's end, more than 200 civilians had contacted the doctor and were awaiting surgery. The scarcity of hospitals beds however, created a major problem. There was only one solution, Dr. Shouldice decided to open his own hospital.
(Source: Shouldice Hospital official website ‘www.shouldice.com’)
II- Background and History on Shouldice Hospital
In 1945, the dream came true and the Shouldice hospital opened its doors for the first time welcoming incoming patients. It started with one nurse, one secretary, one cook, one operating room and Dr. Shouldice performing two operations a day.
As result of his success, Dr. Shouldice was forced to expand. In 1953, he purchased a beaut ...