2015 INDUCTEE John McCrae, MD Patient Care, The Early Days - Health Care Pioneers

John McCrae posthumously inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Lest We Forget

“In Flanders Fields” was carved into the Memorial Chamber in the newly opened Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, Ottawa.

As a testament to his leadership and skills, Dr. McCrae became the first Canadian to be appointed Consultant Physician to the British armies in the field.

Dr. John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields”, following the death of Lt. Alexis Helmer from Ottawa

The poem was published in Punch Magazine in December and was soon known around the world.

Outbreak of War

At the outset of the First World War, Dr. McCrae was one of the earliest Canadians to enlist in the war effort. He served as a medical officer and was later promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

When Governor General Earl Grey established an exploration expedition from Norway House in Manitoba to Hudson’s Bay, Dr. McCrae served as the expedition’s physician.

After the South African War, Dr. McCrae returned to Canada to study pathology.

He then stayed in Montreal to practice medicine. He became a pathologist for the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal Hospital while also finding time to lecture at McGill University.

Spirit of Service

Dr. McCrae accepted a pathology fellowship at McGill University, but postponed this opportunity to join the second contingent of Canadian soldiers in the South African War.

While completing medical school, Dr. McCrae continued to nurture his love of writing. In 1894, he won a Saturday Night short story competition.