London, Ont. - A trailblazer during his long and storied medical career, spanning more than six decades, today Dr. H.H. (Hugh) Allen added a couple of million more reasons to view him as a Canadian icon in women's health care.
In an event held at London Health Sciences Centre's Victoria Hospital, Dr. Allen announced that he is donating $2 million to London Health Sciences Foundation. The gift will help build long-term stability for the endowed fund that supports the Allen-Carey Award of Excellence. In 1998, Dr. Allen's vision and generosity, along with that of his colleague Dr. Lewis Carey, established the award, which provides support for one year of studies for each award recipient.
Through the Allen-Carey Award, recipients from across Canada have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills at one or more national or international centres of excellence in the area of women's health. Recipients are also exposed to mentors of the highest quality, allowing for the further development of leadership skills in addition to those related to clinical care and research. Areas of study include obstetrics and gynaecology, gynaecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology and women's health nursing.
The award has been endorsed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
Today's donation continues a pattern of generosity that was evident in the 1950s when, before OHIP began reimbursing physicians for patient care, the rule in Hugh Allen's medical practice was "don't bill the cancer patients."
In recognition of Dr. Allen and his philanthropic support of LHSC and Women's Care, the reception/birthing/triage entrance on level four of the North Tower at Victoria Hospital now bears the name: H.H. Allen Obstetrical Triage.
QUOTES:
"Medical science is rapidly changing. The application of new information to clinical settings in women's health requires interested and talented individuals who are innovative and scientifically sound." Dr. Hugh Allen
"With its unique, national scope, the Allen-Carey Award helps build London Health Sciences Centre's reputation as an influential hub for learning and a centre of medical excellence. Dr. Allen continues to inspire that excellence here and across Canada." Murray Glendining, LHSC President and CEO
"Thanks to Dr. Allen's generosity today, the award that Dr. Allen and Dr. Carey inspired and helped establish will continue well into the future, creating a legacy of innovative, compassionate and exemplary women's care." Dan Ross, LHSF Senior Advisor, Campaign and Community Partnerships
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About Dr. H.H. (Hugh) Allen: London Health Sciences Centre President and CEO Murray Glendining notes that, in his own person, Dr. Hugh Allen exemplifies the hallmarks of a successful teaching and research hospital: providing compassionate and exceptional care of patients, supporting ground-breaking research and innovation in health care, enabling advanced learning and inspiring a passion for patient-centred care in medical practitioners.
Dr. Hugh Allen was a man who saved lives by pioneering treatments for women with cervical cancer (he is credited with more than 20 innovations in gynaecological and oncological surgery, many of them international firsts) and who ushered in new life (sometimes delivering more than 500 babies in one year).
As an innovator, Dr. Allen advanced the quality of medical care for women and as a teacher his expertise and influence helped motivate hundreds of skilled and compassionate caregivers. He is a clinician who not only taught students and residents the knowledge and skills of clinical obstetrics and gynaecology; he also inspired and supported them to become academics and researchers. Former residents under his charge went on to become full professors and department heads at UBC, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Western, McMaster, Toronto, Ottawa, McGill and Dalhousie.
His exceptional teaching ability has been recognized with many awards including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Duncan Graham Award, which honours an outstanding, lifelong contribution to local, national and international education.
His foresight and dedicated service ensured the early development of gynaecologic oncology services in Western Ontario and his efforts were fundamental for the development of the sub-specialty in Canada. He has also had an impact internationally with his role as a visiting lecturer and consulting physician for women's care programs around the world.
Tomorrow (25 September, 2015) marks the 22nd annual, H.H. Allen Clinical Education Day at Western University; an annual teaching event named in honour of the career and accomplishments of this remarkable physician, educator, innovator and philanthropist.
For More Information:
www.schulich.uwo.ca/obsgyn/about_us/events/2015/hh_allen_clinical_education_day.html
www.lhsf.ca/hospital-priorities/current-fundraising-projects/women's-care/allen-carey-award
About London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) The foundation is a registered charity accredited by Imagine Canada and the Better Business Bureau, linking donors and health care experts together in pursuit of medical excellence at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). To see why doctors, researchers, nurses and staff at LHSC dedicate their lives to providing great patient care, to pursuing medical discovery and innovation, and to constantly improving through education; why patients are grateful for the extraordinary care they provide; and why donors and volunteers are so committed to supporting their vital work, visit www.lhsf.ca/whatsyourwhy.
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voice: 519.685.8527 page: 519.685 8500 x13737 alexander.peterson@lhsc.on.ca