Dr. Henry Shimizu was one of Edmonton’s most respected plastic surgeons. He dedicated his life to the University of Alberta Hospital, where he mentored medical students and residents, sharing his knowledge and passion for advancing plastic surgery.
A talented artist as well, Shimizu created stunning oil paintings inspired by his childhood memories in the Slocan Valley. His contributions to Canadian plastic surgery remain significant. More on iedmonton.net.
Early Life and Career
Henry Shimizu was born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, in 1928. His father, Shotaro Shimizu, worked on the railway in Edmonton. Henry pursued his medical studies at the University of Alberta, known for its inclusive and high-quality education, even for Japanese Canadians at the time.
Accepted into the university, Henry graduated in 1954. He completed his general surgery residency in 1960 under Dr. Walter Mackenzie, head of surgery, who organized advanced plastic surgery training for Shimizu in New York. It was agreed that Shimizu would return to Edmonton after completing his courses.
Shimizu trained at the University of Pittsburgh, working under Dr. Willy White, a respected surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery and burn treatments. In 1962, Shimizu returned to Edmonton and established the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Alberta. The program gained recognition across the province for its groundbreaking advancements, particularly in burn treatments. Throughout his career, Shimizu performed hand surgeries, treated burns, and reattached limbs, giving countless patients a second chance.
Canada’s First Hand Transplant
On July 15, 1974, a groundbreaking moment in Canadian microsurgery occurred. Shimizu was working alongside Dr. Garry Lobay, who had just returned from six months of training in microsurgical techniques under Dr. Harry Buncke in San Francisco. During lunch, Lobay revealed six microsurgical sutures stitched into his hand by Buncke—Canada’s first exposure to such specialized tools.
That day, Shimizu received a frantic call from a paramedic reporting that a young woman had lost her arm in a lawnmower accident while napping in a field. Shimizu instructed the paramedic to place the severed limb in a bag of ice and transport the patient immediately to the hospital.
With the hospital’s operating rooms closed for the day, Shimizu quickly arranged to perform the surgery at Charles Camsell Hospital. A skilled nurse familiar with microsurgical instruments, having trained in Melbourne, assisted him.
The surgery began at 6 p.m., four hours after the accident. Shimizu meticulously repaired tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. When the clamps were released, the woman’s hand turned pink instantly. Under Shimizu’s careful observation for 20 years, the patient regained function in her hand. This groundbreaking operation marked Canada’s first successful hand transplant.
A Surgeon’s Legacy
Henry Shimizu became a respected member of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery, serving as its secretary and later as president. His dedication to medicine and his artistic contributions earned him the Order of Canada.
Now retired, Shimizu leads an active life, enjoying time with his large family, traveling, playing golf, and painting. His legacy as a surgeon and artist continues to inspire many.