1994 INDUCTEE Wilder Penfield, MD Brain & Mind, Leadership in Organizational Development, The Early Days - Health Care Pioneers, Health and Medical Education & Training

Born:

January 26, 1891

(Spokane, Washington)

Died:

April 5, 1976

Education:

BLitt, Princeton University (1913)
Merton College, Oxford
MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (1918)

Awards & Honours:

1967: Companion of the Order of Canada

1960: Lister Medal for Contributions to Science

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Developed an effective treatment for epilepsy and created a functional map of the brain

A pioneering clinician and distinguished medical researcher

With a determined passion to unveil the inner complexities and mysteries of the human brain, Dr. Wilder Penfield made ground breaking advancements in neuroscience that would forever change the treatment of epilepsy. His vision was to unite scientists from various disciplines to ultimately advance the neuroscience field and improve our understanding of the human brain. As a result, he established the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI). As Director of the MNI, Dr. Penfield made significant breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of various forms of epilepsy and of brain scars resulting from trauma.

Key Facts

Became Montreal’s first neurosurgeon

Made significant discoveries about which body functions were controlled by which brain segments

Conducted studies on a wide range of topics including the mechanisms of headache and the role of the hippocampus in memory mechanisms

His compassion and integrity made him highly regarded by his peers, students and patients

Was a noted author and humanist, displaying broad interests and talents in biography and ethics

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

Dr. Penfield’s lifetime of surgical experience and research mark him as one of the giants of neuropathology and neurosurgery. Not only do some of his surgical techniques remain in use but, due to his vision and revolutionary forethought, the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital endures to this day. As an international leader in brain research and multi-disciplinary collaboration, the MNI continues to educate and mentor new generations of scientists.

1994

May 25, 1997
Wilder Penfield posthumously inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

London, Ontario
1960
After almost three decades as Director of the MNI, Penfield retired

Never one to seek rest, he remained active in various endeavours. In addition to writing medical biographies and historical novels, he also co-founded the Vanier Institute of the Family.
1950s
While developing the Montreal Procedure, Penfield was able to create functional maps of the brain
Brain & Mind
This ability to identify which parts of the brain controlled different body functions advanced the scientific understanding of memory, dreams and consciousness, emotions and sensation, and informed the development of treatments for various brain disorders.
1952
Alongside his colleague, Dr. Herbert Jasper, Penfield refined a surgical technique named the “Montreal Procedure”
Brain & Mind
Using the patient’s guidance, the technique involved probing the brain to identify the exact location of scar tissue responsible for epileptic seizures in the patient. The removal of this tissue proved effective for the treatment of epilepsy.
1934
The Montreal Neurological Institute was established
Leadership in Organizational Development
Penfield realized his vision of a multidisciplinary institute where members worked together to advance understanding and treatment of neurological conditions.
1928
Noting his success in neurosurgery, McGill University recruited Penfield to teach and work at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal

He agreed and convinced his surgical partner, Dr. William Cone, to join him.
1921
Penfield served as surgeon at the New York Neurological Institute

After becoming disillusioned with surgeons’ limited capacity to treat a number of ailments, Penfield travelled to Germany where he spent two years studying the causes of epilepsy
1918
Penfield graduated from medicine at Johns Hopkins

He then completed his internship under Harvey Cushing in Boston at Peter Brent Brigham Hospital.
1914
After finishing his literature degree at Princeton University, Penfield decided to pursue medicine

A Rhodes scholarship enabled him to study at Merton College, Oxford, where he was influenced by many great medical teachers, such as Sir William Osler.