Sir William Osler
- Born:
- July 12, 1849, Bond Head, Ontario, Canada
- Died:
- December 29, 1919, Oxford, England
- Nationality:
- Canadian
- Profession(s):
- Physician, Professor of Medicine, Medical Author
Early Life and Education
- Born to Reverend Featherstone Lake Osler and Ellen Free Pickton.
- Educated at Trinity College School and later at Trinity College, Toronto.
- Received his medical degree from McGill University in 1872.
- Undertook postgraduate studies in Europe, including at University College London and in Berlin and Vienna.
Career and Major Achievements
- Lecturer at the Montreal Medical Faculty of McGill University (1874-1884).
- Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (1884-1889).
- Professor of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief at Johns Hopkins University (1889-1905). Significantly shaped medical education at Johns Hopkins, emphasizing bedside teaching.
- Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford (1905-1919).
- Knighted in 1911.
- Established the first residency program for postgraduate medical training in North America.
Notable Works
- The Principles and Practice of Medicine (1892): A highly influential medical textbook that went through multiple editions. A search for "William Osler biography books pdf" will often lead to discussions of this seminal work and biographies analyzing its impact.
- Equanimitas (collection of essays and addresses)
- Extensive contributions to medical literature and journals.
Legacy and Impact
Sir William Osler is considered one of the "Fathers of Modern Medicine." His emphasis on bedside teaching, clinical observation, and humane patient care revolutionized medical education and practice. He is remembered for his contributions to medical literature, his role in establishing residency programs, and his lasting impact on the art and science of medicine.