Article

Francis John Shepherd

Published Online December 13, 2007

Last Edited December 16, 2013

Francis John Shepherd, anatomist, surgeon, dermatologist, medical administrator, art connoisseur and critic (b at Como, Qué 25 Nov 1851; d at Montréal 18 Jan 1929). Shepherd revolutionized the teaching of anatomy at McGill.

Shepherd, Francis John

Francis John Shepherd, anatomist, surgeon, dermatologist, medical administrator, art connoisseur and critic (b at Como, Qué 25 Nov 1851; d at Montréal 18 Jan 1929). Shepherd revolutionized the teaching of anatomy at McGill. In his time it was a common saying that McGill medical graduates "knew their anatomy." His diagnostic power, surgical judgement, technical skill and knowledge of anatomy made him one of the most successful and reliable surgeons of his generation. He was also a pioneer dermatologist. As a medical administrator, he served McGill as dean of medicine. As an art connoisseur and critic, he commanded sufficient respect to be president of the Art Association of Montréal and chairman of the board of trustees of the National Gallery at Ottawa.