The Queen’s community is remembering Henry Dinsdale, a long-time professor in the School of Medicine, Department Head, and Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences, who died May 30 at the age of 91.

A world-class neurologist, Dr. Dinsdale was equally passionate about teaching, research and patient care. He worked diligently towards making a difference and raising standards, and achieved both throughout his career.

Henry graduated from the Queen’s School of Medicine in 1955 and trained in neurology at the Maudsley Hospital, the National Hospital, Queen's Square, London and the Harvard Neurological Unit before returning to Queen's in 1963 to take up a faculty position.

In his clinical career, Dr. Dinsdale touched the lives of countless patients, demonstrating unwavering dedication and a high level of expertise. He was known for his remarkable diagnostic skills, going above and beyond to identify and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.

As a mentor, he inspired and guided numerous medical professionals, imparting his wisdom and instilling in them a sense of duty towards their patients. His commitment to teaching and guiding the next generation of doctors left an indelible mark on the medical community.

In 1999, he received the Order of Canada for being “deeply committed to the provision of first-class health care” and for his “profound impact upon the Canadian medical profession.”

He served as president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Canadian Congress for Neurological Sciences. He was a founding member and president of the National Council on Ethics in Human Research and held executive roles at the Medical Research Council of Canada and the American Academy of Neurology. He was a fellow of the American College of Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians of London, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of South Africa.

A Celebration of Life took place at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts on June 18.

The Dr. Henry B. Dinsdale Lectureship was established in his honour by the Department of Medicine along with gifts from family, friends, and colleagues, to bring prominent speakers on topics related to neurological diseases or medical leadership to Queen’s.