IN MEMORIAM - CLARE BAKER
Clare Baker
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Dear Colleagues,
I report with sadness the death of Dr. Clare Baker
on August 10, 2010. Dr Baker joined the staff of St
Michael's Hospital in 1953 where he pioneered the
introduction and development of cardiac surgery.
Clare was considered a master
surgeon by all who were fortunate
enough to work with him.
Thousands of patients benefitted
from his knowledge, judgment,
skill, and compassion
until his retirement from active
practice in 1990. Clare had
much to be proud of from
his career as a cardiac surgeon
including receiving the Order of Canada and being
listed as one of the 100 Alumni of Influence at the
University of Saskatchewan.
Colleagues, fellow health care professionals,
and all who benefitted from knowing Clare will
undoubtedly miss this fine man.
Our thoughts go out to his family during this
time of mourning.
David Latter
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Clare Baker performed the first heart transplant in
Canada that resulted in long term success. It was performed
during the epidemic of premature heart transplants
in 1968, but unlike most others, his patient
survived 6 and a half years. Clare was also one of the
earliest proponents of open heart surgery done without
transfusion. 147 Jehovah's Witnesses benefited
from his meticulous surgical technique. In addition to
his training at the University of Toronto, he completed
studies in the Hague, Utrecht and at Johns Hopkins
University where he studied with Alfred Blalock and
Henry Bahnson. He served as chief of cardiac surgery
at St. Michael's Hospital for 37 years.
M. M. based on reporting from
Patricia Holtz in the Globe and Mail. Aug 24, 2010.
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