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Dr. William T. Mustard 1914-1987

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

In some bushes, beside the north driveway entrance to the Hospital for Sick Children at 555 University Avenue, stands this 1991 Toronto Historical Board plaque honouring Dr. Mustard. Here's what it says:

Coordinates: 43.657308 -79.388875

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Procedures pioneered by William Thornton Mustard (born 8 August 1914 in Clinton, Ontario) had a historic impact on the field of surgery. He attended the University of Toronto Schools and the University of Toronto Medical School. During WWII while Mustard was stationed in England, the value of his work in the repair of damaged leg arteries was recognized by his appointment as a member of the Order of the British Empire. He joined the staff of the Hospital For Sick Children in 1947 where he specialized in paediatric surgery. In 1951, his innovative muscle transfer procedure for children disabled by polio minimized their need for crutches bringing international recognition. He moved exclusively into the field of paediatric cardiac surgery in 1957 and five years later performed the first surgery to correct transposition of the great vessels of the heart, a previously fatal congenital defect. In April 1976 he was invested as a member of the Order of Canada. He died 11 December 1987.

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted June 11, 2018
My name is Joanne Simard. I was born in Moonbeam, Ontario, Canada in 1951. I had tetralogy of fallot with dextrocardia and complete situs inversus. Dr. Mustard did my first surgery in 1953, then did the complete correction in 1965. I am now almost 67 and in good health. I would love to get my medical file from Sick Children in Toronto, but I was told they don't have those files. What a shame, we were part of medical history and the proofs are gone. See attached signature from Dr. Mustard (he called me a pink girl because I was a blue baby) and a picture of me that was published in the Toronto Star after my surgery in 1953. Thanks to Dr. Mustard a pioneer.
Joanne Simard [email protected]

Photo Source - Joanne Simard

Photo Source - Joanne Simard

> Posted April 23, 2018
Dr. Mustard performed surgery on me in 1952 for what I understood to be club foot (no arch). Both my mother and I agreed to have the surgery performed on one foot at a time, thus enabling me to get around on crutches. Each surgery required one year of healing before the last cast was removed. Scars were on my shins and also the outside of my ankles. Three months were spent in the country branch of the Sick Kids Hospital in Thistletown Ontario. If not for this marvellous surgeon I certainly would not have been enjoying the wonderful life I have today.
George Lawrence [email protected]

> Posted June 9, 2014
I was born in Toronto in 1944 and contracted polio in 1947. The paralysis and subsequent damage affected both legs. After a stint at the isolation hospital at Thistletown I began what were to be numerous visits to The Hospital For Sick Children, where I met Dr. Mustard. My Mother and I would attend the clinic at Sick Kids and when our name was called, we'd be ushered in to see him, usually in the company of interns or other doctors listening intently to his diagnosis of my situation and his opinion on the best course of action.
He'd address me by name and my Mother would be simply,..."Mother". As a child I remember unduly noticing the freckles on his fairly bald, tanned head as he inspected my legs and feet, but the calm reassurance in his voice erased any concern as to his knowledge or ability. He'd have me walk back and forth, commenting occasionally to his audience as he determined how to correct the damage to my legs, then not long after, we'd be contacted by the hospital and advised of when to show up for the operation. This happened five times and after each operation my ability to walk without falling or tripping over myself was improved. I progressed from two full leg braces and splints at night to one full brace, then a short brace on one leg, then to none....all due to operations performed and in some cases created by this man who was there to help me and thousands of kids affected negatively by polio and other crippling conditions.
The last time I saw him was in 1963. I was preparing to move to Los Angeles, California and my Mother insisted on my visiting Dr. Mustard one last time. He had long since become deeply and fortuitously involved in cardiac procedures, a field in which he quite predictably excelled, but because I was one of his long-time patients he agreed to see me in his office. After the preliminary greetings, I did the usual pants-off walk-around for him and he suggested a remedial procedure to finally straighten my left leg, but only if I really wished. I was 18 and life was out there waiting, so I declined. His last professional comment to me was, "Brian, I still can't quite figure out how you can walk." But of course, he could....and of course, I did.
I owe my life, as it developed, to Dr. Mustard. I travelled extensively, rode a bike regularly and worked in California and Germany, and finally the T.T.C. in Toronto for 32 years. I will be 70 years old this year and have never forgotten the unpaid debt to this man who introduced only hope and optimism to my life.
Yours Truly, Brian Hoag, Gabriola Island, British Columbia.

> Posted February 6, 2014
Hi. I am currently writing an article based on the life and works of Dr. William Mustard to educate fellow Canadians and instil pride in one of the greatest men this country has ever produced. I would like to talk to anyone who knew him personally or was one of his patients. If interested, please email me at [email protected]
Thank you for your support.

> Posted January 18, 2014
These comments are so wonderful and heartwarming to read. I was under Dr. Mustard's care from the age of 8 years until 13 years, 1954 thru 1959. I am now 67 years old. My 4 surgeries were for tendon and muscle transfers to correct a cub foot birth defect. As many others have professed, I went on to live a healthy and active lifestyle as a child and an adult, because of the tremendous work of this devoted and dedicated doctor. I think of him very often. Every time I put on socks and shoes, the scars of his handiwork are still there and I thank him for his great gift to me. Two months ago, I had a very successful full hip replacement surgery, (on the same leg as club foot) First time in a hospital since 1959. Royal Victoria Hospital and Dr. Alberto Casses in Barrie did a great job.
DFB

> Posted January 25, 2013
Dr. Mustard did most of my surgery at SickKids almost 40 years ago, I had a hole, ASD, VSD, and MR . He fixed the hole and a split in the mitral valve but left the leak in it . ( Since I was still growing I had to be monitored over the years to see what was what before anything else could be done) I don't remember meeting him ever. The only thing I remember was asking someone in the operating room what he looked like he said " He is a short, bald, jolly old fellow" well I passed out thinking it was Santa Clause. I went home with the precautions no running around, no gym class, stay quiet and later no kids. I did none of that I joined any activity I could and played with my friends, I also have 3 kids and a 6 year old grandchild. Then 5 years ago came the news I waited for my whole life "It's time" my Cardiologist said " I'm referring you to a surgeon." After all the tests were completed the surgeon told me I should never have survived having my kids. Sept. 2007 he fixed the rest of my heart and gave me a mechanical mitral valve. I will be on blood thinners the rest of my life. Even after all that and more I'm 46. I thank him immensely for giving me the start I needed.

> Posted May 14, 2012
My beloved wife and the mother of our 3 children, Dr. Jacqueline Proner, passed away on March 6, 2012 at age 49. She had a Mustard Procedure performed by Dr Kirkland in Birmingham, Alabama. She was a physician, a wonderful mother, an expert skier and so much more. I am grateful that Dr. Mustard invented his procedure.
David Gelfarb

> Posted May 5, 2012
I too was a blue baby born with a hole in my heart. I had my surgery in June 1959. If Dr. Mustard hadn't given me the operation I would not be here with my 2 beautiful. Coincidence my brother-in-law also had had the same operation 2 years later.

> Posted March 7, 2012
Dr. Mustard performed my surgery in October 1959 when I was 7. I remember my hospital stay to this day. My parents and I travelled from the east coast, as there wasn't a surgeon in the area able to do the surgery at that time. There was a girl named "Sandy" in the same ward who had cardiac surgery after mine. Not sure of her outcome. I was a blue baby in need of a patent ductis and my prognosis was not good. Thanks to Dr. Mustard, I am still here.

> Posted January 15, 2012
Being born in November 1961, shortly there after, I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and required surgery on 3 separate occasions, 1962, 1964 and lastly 1975. Spent the 1st 3 years of childhood at the Hospital for Sick recovering. I too was operated by Dr. Mustard (the 'great one') and am very grateful for what he has done for me. I had the pleasure to meet him after my 3rd surgery back in May 1975. He did tell that I would be good now for well into my 80's. I believe him, but, I plan on going for the '100'. My dad's mom lived to '95'. I graduated from SickKids to Toronto General back in 1982 and am very grateful to doctors I have met. 'World Glass Professional Men & Woman, God Bless them all. To 'Dr. Mustard' he is known to me as 'the Great One', thank my for looking after me at my time of need.
Lucy

> Posted December 5, 2011
My mother always told me that my older brother Daryl Rochon was the first child to receive the congenital heart defect (hole in the heart) operation by Dr. Mustard. The timing (born in 1959 and he was 4 years old) works out perfectly. He lived until he was 27 years old and died of an enlarged heart that was beating "off the charts". The doctors in Timmins , Ontario at St, Mary's Hospital (now closed) said the only option was to "stop the heart and try to restart it. Daryl never was revived. His heart by this age in 1985 was the size of a football and he was "emaciated looking. The doctors did not want to "mess around" with his heart because on paper, he should not be alive but the heart was somehow working. Was he this first child? he mentions that it is a boy. I am wondering if my mother Muriel and father, Sylvia (Sye) Rochon of Timmins were telling me the truth. A friend of hers had a child with the same condition but did not have this operation and he died at 16 years of age, so technically my brother was given 10 more years by Dr. Mustard.

> Posted November 29, 2011
I, too was operated on by Dr. Mustard. it was for scoliosis and it was my second surgery. The first was done by Dr. Lemesiurier. I did meet and joke with him. He was a great doctor and humanitarian, short, but with a great sense of humour. He shall be missed.
Barb Rubinoff

> Posted August 11, 2011
Dr. Mustard performed experimental surgery in the early to mid 1950's taking parts of bones from my shin on my polio stricken right leg, and using them to prop forward my paralyzed foot. His actions provided me with the ability to then learn and do EVERYTHING that anyone else could do, including skating, bike riding, gymnastics, etc. I am now 62 years old, an active wife, mother, and grandmother and I am still going strong. I don't recall too much related to my time at Toronto Sick Kids except for the Iron Lung, the therapy tubs, lots of kind staff. God Bless those who try new things to help people!

> Posted June 23, 2011
Dr.Mustard 1st did surgery on me at 4 yrs old in 1961.At that time tetrology had not been perfected for a small heart,so he did a shunt from my left arm. By the time I was 12 he did the main surgery in 1969. I am 54 years old & am now finally going to have to have the valve replaced by winter. Lately i've been experiencing shortness of breath & tiredness, so its finally time. My ticker has beat (without a problem) for all those years on the work that he did & also invented. I am married & have 3 children that are healthy. I remember him telling my father about how he caught this barracuda fish (that was hanging on his office wall) at one of the pre surgery visits (when I was very young) & I remember him bringing doctor Cristian Bernard (yeah, the south african doc that did the 1st heart transplant) by the heart ward at sick kids after my surgery at 12. Thats it ! Thats all I can remember about a man that saved & gave me life for who knows how long. So, I hope that some of his relatives check out this sight once in a while & fellow patients of his, to understand what a remarkable man he was & I thank him from the (hole) bottom of my HEART. hope yah got my joke.
Brian Mac.

> Posted April 10, 2011
In May 1974 I had the Mustard procedure done at Sick Childrens Hospital as well as 2 holes in my heart patched. I was 4 years old and weighed 24lbs at that time. Now today I am 40 years old and have 2 beautiful and healthy daughters. I recall meeting him, and actually have a plastic heart that he gave to my parents to help them understand what he was going to fix and how this was going to save my life. Dr. Mustard was a wonderful doctor, and I owe my life to him. Thank you, Laura Lightfoot-Antle

> Posted March 18, 2011
I am so fortunate to have found this website. Dr. Mustard performed surgery on me in July 1968, when I was 13 days old. With his talent and Dr. Ian Trussler they gave me my life, the first successful surgery of it's kind at Toronto Sick Kids Hospital. I never got the chance to meet him, but always wanted to. I have recently moved back to Ontario to attend Mac/Mohawk to study to become a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer. Yesterday we learned about the famous Mustard Technique. Although it was not Transposition of the Great Arteries, he obviously had a great impact on my life. Thank you for this website. I will now go to see this plaque in between terms. Good health to you all!
Scott. ps; if anyone has any knowledge regarding Dr. Ian Trussler I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you

> Posted February 4, 2011
I was 8 years old when Dr. Mustard performed my surgery. That was 1967. It is now 2011 and I'm now 52 married with 2 grown children, who probably would not be here if it wasn't for Dr. Mustard. My parents were italian immigrants and he was very instrumental in helping my mother make the right decision. He will forever be in my heart.
Lily

> Posted September 24, 2010
Hospital for Sick Children is actually located at 555 University Ave. Standing at the Plaque for Mary Pickford and turning 55 deg. to the left you can see this plaque for Dr. Mustard. [Editor's Response: I have now corrected the address. Thanks.]

> Posted August 14, 2010
In 1962 Dr. Mustard performed open heart surgery for a hole in the heart on me at age 4yrs at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. How very very fortunate I was to have been privileged to his excellent skills and expertise. I am now 52 yrs living in Canberra Australia and still to this day have a great heart and thanks to Dr. Mustard competed in a number of the gruelling 14km City to Surf fun runs held each year in Sydney. I too will always be grateful to Dr. William Mustard - thank you so very much!
Kind Regards, Leslie Learmont, Canberra Australia

> Posted July 12, 2010
I was operated by Dr. Mustard on 1969 when I was 8.5 years old. Today 49 years older my fitness is very good so good actually that I'm a pilot. Thanks to Dr. Mustard brain and hands I'm alive having a family and 2 healthy children. I do not remember him but I'll always be grateful.
George

> Posted June 10, 2010
If it wouldn't have been for Dr Mustard I wouldn't be here today ....he performed heart surgery on me in 1959..I was born with a hole in my heart..I was 12 years old when he performed the surgery...I am now 63 years old
Rosemarie Luoma

> Posted September 15, 2009
In 1971, Dr. Mustard performed his famous "Mustard procedure" on me and saved my life. I am currently 49 years of age and have two healthy boys of my own. I remember him as a very kind man and thanks to him I have lived this long.
Mary Cowling

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