Sir Thomas George Roddick

Roddick, Sir Thomas George

Sir Thomas George Roddick, surgeon, medical administrator, politician (b at Harbour Grace, Nfld 31 July 1846; d at Montréal 20 Feb 1923). A McGill medical graduate, he introduced Joseph Lister's antiseptic system to Montréal in 1877, a system that greatly reduced infections after surgery. He was the first chief surgeon of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montréal, professor of surgery and dean of medicine of McGill. His greatest achievement came in 1912 with the creation of the Medical Council of Canada, which provided a system of common examinations throughout the provinces for those seeking a licence to practise medicine. This followed 18 years of patient and tireless effort, including 8 years as an MP (1896-1904). In recognition of this and other services, he was knighted in 1914.