History of the Patients' Reunion

(click HERE for reunion pictures)

Dr. Earle Shouldice
Original Shouldice Building The Original Hospital In 1947 a few of the patients of Dr. Earle Shouldice approached him with the suggestion of a get-together, where fellowships could be renewed and an opportunity given to keep in touch with one another and with him. Dr. Shouldice favoured the idea because it would give him an opportunity of implementing a cherished plan of an annual check-up of all patients for research purposes.

Consequently, in January 1948, about 100 patients held such a reunion in downtown Toronto at the Royal York Hotel. The idea caught on, and it has developed into an annual event which has grown to include about 1,000 patients annually.

A committee made up of former patients, assisted by Shouldice staff, have continued to arrange for this gala event which includes dinner, entertainment, camaraderie, and an examination of their hernia repair.

The annual Shouldice patient reunion continues to provide an opportunity to renew a spirit of fellowship unequalled in medical history anywhere else in the world.

For more information about past or upcoming patient reunions, please see the whats new page.