History

Dr. Jonathan C. Meakins was appointed McGill’s first full-time Professor and Chair of Medicine in 1924, supported by a Rockefeller Foundation grant. Meakins established the department’s research infrastructure at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), creating a model that integrated clinical practice with scientific inquiry. His publication, Respiratory Function in Disease (1925), was among the earliest significant works in pulmonary medicine and set a precedent for research-driven medical education. Meakins’ recruitment of Dr. Ronald Christie in the early 1930s further bolstered McGill’s focus on respiratory physiology, leading to critical publications on lung mechanics and blood gas abnormalities in diseases like emphysema and pulmonary edema. 

Dr. Maude Abbott’s contributions were pivotal in establishing McGill’s reputation in cardiology. Her Atlas of Congenital Heart Disease (1936), based on extensive research and autopsy specimens from the Montreal General Hospital (MGH), became a foundational text in understanding heart malformations. Abbott’s innovative classification methods greatly influenced clinical approaches to pediatric cardiology and positioned McGill as a leader in the field.

On February 23, 1948, Dr. John MacLean, a Canadian Forces urologist who had started working at the RVH in 1945, performed Montreal’s first hemodialysis using Dr. Kolff’s artificial kidney. That procedure marked the start of a hemodialysis program in Quebec and established the department as a leader in nephrology. This program not only saved lives but also set the stage for subsequent kidney transplant initiatives.

Dr. Ronald Christie, who returned to McGill as the Chair of Medicine in 1956, played a crucial role in advancing pulmonary research. His tenure saw significant developments, including the co-founding of the Meakins-Christie Laboratories in 1972, which became a hub for groundbreaking respiratory research. These laboratories attracted experts like Dr. David Bates and Dr. Joseph Milic-Emili, whose work on the mechanics of breathing and small airway diseases contributed to global advancements in respiratory medicine.

Dr. John Beck’s tenure focused on endocrinology and education. His research on the pituitary and adrenal glands enriched the understanding of hormonal influences on metabolism and pregnancy. Beck was instrumental in developing clinical scholarship programs that trained generations of physicians for academic leadership roles. His contributions laid the groundwork for modern approaches to medical education at McGill, ensuring that teaching and research remained integral to the department’s mission.

Dr. Barry Posner’s work in endocrinology, particularly his discovery of the endosomal system in insulin signaling, revolutionized understanding of cellular receptor functions. His research contributed to developing effective treatments for diabetes and other metabolic disorders, showcasing McGill’s commitment to advancing clinical medicine through basic science.

At the Jewish General Hospital (JGH), Dr. Mark Wainberg made groundbreaking strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. His discovery of lamivudine (3TC), an antiretroviral drug, transformed treatment paradigms and greatly improved patient outcomes globally. Wainberg’s advocacy for equitable access to HIV treatment underscored McGill’s commitment to global health initiatives.

Dr. Bob Fraser and Dr. Peter Paré’s co-authored Diagnosis of Diseases of the Chest became an influential text in pulmonology, emphasizing diagnostic approaches that shifted medical practice towards pattern recognition. This publication further solidified McGill’s reputation for leadership in respiratory medicine. 

Dr. Ernesto Schiffrin, former Associate Chair and a distinguished James McGill Professor, has made significant contributions to hypertension research. His work on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system led to advancements in the development and use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. Schiffrin’s research has influenced global hypertension treatment protocols, maintaining McGill’s status as a leader in cardiovascular medicine. 

McGill’s modern approach to interdisciplinary research was highlighted by the establishment of the “World-Class Teams” initiative, fostering collaboration among experts in various medical fields. This initiative exemplifies the department’s ongoing dedication to translating research into clinical practice to address emerging health challenges.

The recruitment of Canada Excellence Research Chairs such as Dr. Dana Small in Metabolism and Brain, and Dr. Darcy Wagner in Lung Regeneration, represents McGill’s forward-thinking strategy. These appointments bring cutting-edge research on dietary impacts on brain function and innovative lung regeneration techniques, ensuring that McGill remains at the forefront of medical science.