Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

Dr. William T. Mustard 1914-1987

Photos by Alan L Brown - September 2006

Here, in some bushes, beside the north driveway entrance to the Hospital for Sick Children at 550 University Avenue, stands a 1991 Toronto Historical Board plaque honouring Dr. Mustard. Here's what it says:

Procedures pioneered by William Thornton Mustard (born 8 August 1914 in Clinton, Ontario) had a historic impact on the field of surgery. He attended the University of Toronto Schools and the University of Toronto Medical School. During WWII while Mustard was stationed in England, the value of his work in the repair of damaged leg arteries was recognized by his appointment as a member of the Order of the British Empire. He joined the staff of the Hospital of Sick Children in 1947 where he specialized in pediatric surgery. In 1951, his innovative muscle transfer procedure for children disabled by polio minimized their need for crutches bringing international recognition. He moved exclusively into the field of pediatric cardiac surgery in 1957 and five years later performed the first surgery to correct transposition of the great vessels of the heart, a previously fatal congenital defect. In April 1976 he was invested as a member of the Order of Canada. He died 11 December 1987.

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.657308 -79.388875

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Posted August 14, 2010
In 1962 Dr. Mustard performed open heart surgery for a hole in the heart on me at age 4yrs at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. How very very fortunate I was to have been priviledged to his excellent skills and expertise. I am now 52 yrs living in Canberra Australia and still to this day have a great heart and thanks to Dr. Mustard competed in a number of the gruelling 14km City to Surf fun runs held each year in Sydney. I too will always be grateful to Dr. William Mustard - thank you so very much!
Kind Regards, Leslie Learmont, Canberra Australia

Posted July 12, 2010
I was operated by Dr. Mustard on 1969 when I was 8.5 yars old. Today 49 years older my fittness is very good so good actually that I'm a pilot. Thanks to Dr. Mustard brain and hands I'm alive having a family and 2 healthy children. I do not remeber him but I'll always be gratefull.
George

Posted June 10, 2010
If it wouldn't have been for Dr Mustard I wouldn't be here today ....he performed heart surgery on me in 1959..I was born with a hole in my heart..I was 12 years old when he perforrmed the surgery...i am now 63 years old...Rosemarie Luoma

Posted September 15, 2009
In 1971, Dr. Mustard performed his famous "Mustard procedure" on me and saved my life. I am currently 49 years of age and have two healthy boys of my own. I remember him as a very kind man and thanks to him I have lived this long. Mary Cowling

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