Canada's first neurosurgeon, significantly shaped the field's development in Toronto from 1923 to 1952. His contributions and achievements during this period include:

Foundation of Neurosurgery in Toronto: McKenzie founded the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto, establishing the foundation for the field in Canada

Training and Mentorship: He was known for his dedication to training and mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons. McKenzie trained several residents, many of whom became leaders in the field. His training approach emphasized clinical practice and surgical skills.

Surgical Innovations and Techniques: McKenzie was known for his surgical skill and innovative approaches. He advocated for internal decompression methods in glioblastoma management, which provided temporary relief for patients. He also explored new techniques for treating spasmodic torticollis and chronic subdural hematoma.

Development of Medical Devices: He developed skull tongs for the management of cervical spine fractures and dislocations and created a reservoir for ventricular access in patients with tuberculous meningitis, a precursor to later developments like the Ommaya reservoir.

Research and Publications: McKenzie contributed to the field through his research and publications, presenting his work internationally, including at the Society of British Neurological Surgeons.

Collaboration and Multi-Disciplinary Approach: He collaborated with other medical disciplines, particularly in managing patients with paraparesis associated with scoliosis, and was involved in developing techniques for brain abscess treatment in the pre-antibiotic era.

Kenneth G. McKenzie's tenure was marked by his commitment to clinical excellence, innovative surgical techniques, and the training and development of future neurosurgical leaders, laying a strong foundation for the field in Toronto and beyond.

The E. Harry Botterell era (1952 - 1962) at the University of Toronto Division of Neurosurgery was marked by significant contributions and advancements in the field.

Leadership Transition: Botterell succeeded Kenneth G. McKenzie as the division chair of neurosurgery and chief of neurosurgery at Toronto General Hospital (TGH) in 1952, following McKenzie's retirement from active neurosurgical practice.

Advancements in Surgical Techniques: During his tenure, Botterell collaborated with other doctors to develop hypothermia and the surgical treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. He also created the 'Botterell scale' for grading the severity of illness after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Spinal Cord Injury Care: Botterell was deeply committed to the care of spinal cord injured patients. Influenced by his wartime experiences, he established Lyndhurst Lodge, an Ontario-wide facility for spinal cord rehabilitation. This was the first institution of its kind in North America, showcasing his organizational and administrative skills.

Founding the Canadian Paraplegic Association: He played a crucial role in founding the Canadian Paraplegic Association, further highlighting his dedication to spinal cord injury care.

Career Path and Education: Botterell was born in 1906 in Manitoba and graduated from the University of Manitoba's medical school in 1930. He served overseas during World War II and was deeply influenced by the British neurological community.

Post-Chairmanship Roles and Honours: After his tenure as division chair, Botterell moved to Kingston in 1962 to become Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Queen’s University, holding various administrative roles until 1974. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1978 and received honourary degrees from multiple universities. The E.H. Botterell Lectureship in Neurosurgery was established in his honour at TGH and the University of Toronto.

Botterell's era was characterized by significant surgical innovations, a strong focus on spinal cord injury care, and influential leadership in both clinical and academic settings.

The era of Thomas P. Morley as the head of the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto (1962 - 1979) was marked by significant developments and contributions to the field.

Leadership and Expansion: Morley became head of the Toronto General Hospital (TGH) division of neurosurgery in 1962 and chairman of neurosurgery for the University of Toronto in 1964. He held these positions until 1979, during which he expanded the Toronto training program to include two residents per year.

Formation of the Wellesley Hospital Neurosurgery Unit: Morley played a crucial role in forming the neurosurgery unit at the Wellesley Hospital, which opened in 1968. He recruited Ken Livingston to be the first neurosurgeon and chief of the service at Wellesley Hospital.

Diversification of Training Sites: Under Morley's leadership, there was a shift from TGH being almost the sole training site for adult neurosurgery at the University of Toronto. He introduced regular rotations to other hospitals, including St. Michael’s Hospital, the Toronto Western Hospital, the Wellesley Hospital, and the Hospital for Sick Children for pediatric neurosurgery.

Leadership Roles and Retirement Activities: Morley held several leadership positions during his career, including president of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society and vice-president of the Society of Neurological Surgeons and the Neurosurgical Society of America. After retiring from surgery in 1985, Morley became the general editor of the Canadian Medical Lives Series, contributing biographies of distinguished Canadian doctors.

The Morley Prize: In 1986, the Morley prize was established in the University of Toronto division of neurosurgery to recognize the resident who presented the best research paper each year, signifying his lasting impact on the field.

Morley's tenure was characterized by expansion and diversification of neurosurgical training, leadership in various neurosurgical societies, and contributions to the broader medical community through his post-retirement activities.

The Alan R. Hudson era (1979 - 1989) at the University of Toronto Division of Neurosurgery was marked by significant organizational changes and leadership in neurosurgery.

Educational and Clinical Reorganization: Hudson, who became head of the U of T Division of Neurosurgery in 1979, implemented significant changes in the resident training program. He reduced the number of resident training sites by two, combining Toronto General Hospital (TGH) and Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) at the Western location and discontinuing resident assignments to the Wellesley Hospital.

Leadership at St. Michael’s Hospital: Before his tenure as head of the Division of Neurosurgery, Hudson was the chief of neurosurgery at St. Michael’s Hospital, succeeding Bill Horsey.

Career Progression and Contributions: Hudson graduated from medical school at the University of Cape Town in South Africa in 1960 and was certified by the Royal College in 1968. He had a strong interest in anatomy, which influenced his career path in neurosurgery.

Later Roles and Achievements: After leaving his role as head of the Division in 1989, Hudson became the chief surgeon at the Toronto Hospital (Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals). In 1991, he became president of the Toronto Hospital and played a crucial role in its amalgamation with the Princess Margaret Hospital to form the University Health Network. During his presidency, he reorganized the trauma services in Toronto, establishing St. Michael's as the only downtown adult trauma service.

Hudson's era was characterized by strategic reorganization of training programs, leadership in neurosurgical practice, and significant contributions to the broader medical community in Toronto.

The Charles H. Tator era (1989 - 1999) as Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto was a period of significant achievements and contributions to neurosurgery. Here's a summary of the key aspects from this period:

Leadership Roles: Tator was the Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto from 1989 to 1999. He also served as chief of the neurosurgery group at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) from 1984 to 1993, and as associate director of the Playfair Neuroscience Unit at TWH from 1990 to 1999.

Innovations in Training and Research: Tator was instrumental in the creation of the Dan Chair, the first endowed chair in the Division of Neurosurgery. He was the first neurosurgeon to chair the Department of Surgery Research Committee and created the Morley Prize for neurosurgery research presentations. Tator also appointed a separate Program Director for the division, aligning with the guidelines of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPS(C)), and recruited notable figures like Andres Lozano to the division.

Advancements in Spinal Cord Injury and Concussion Research: His long career included significant contributions to spinal cord injury and concussion research. Tator established the first Acute Spinal Cord Injury Unit in Canada at Sunnybrook Hospital in 1974.

Founding Injury Prevention Organizations. In 1992, Tator founded Think First Canada/Penser d’Abord, an injury prevention organization, and served as its president until 2007. This organization later amalgamated with others to form Parachute Canada. He also founded the Canadian Concussion Centre at TWH in 2010.

Recognition and Honours: Tator was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2000 and was promoted to Officer in 2017, reflecting his significant contributions to neurosurgery and public health.

Charles H. Tator's era was marked by his dedication to neurosurgical education, research, and his pioneering work in spinal cord injury and concussion treatment and prevention.

The James T. Rutka era (1999 - 2010) at the University of Toronto Division of Neurosurgery was a period marked by distinguished leadership and significant advancements in the field.

Leadership and Direction: James T. Rutka served as the Chairman of the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto from 1999 to 2010. Under his leadership, the division continued to grow and contribute significantly to the field of neurosurgery.

Educational Background and Career Path: Rutka studied chemical engineering at Princeton University before entering medical school at Queen's University, where he was also notable as the quarterback of the football team. After graduating from medical school, he completed his postgraduate training in neurosurgery, including a clinical fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at SickKids.

Contributions to Pediatric Neurosurgery: Rutka was Director of the Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre at SickKids since 1998, reflecting his significant contribution to pediatric neurosurgery and brain tumor research. He also held the Harold Hoffman Chair in Pediatric Neurosurgery at SickKids.

Research and Development: His research interests included the use of MR-guided focused ultrasound in treating various conditions, including primary and secondary brain tumors, and investigating its potential in Alzheimer’s disease and movement disorders. This innovative approach aimed to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduce amyloid plaque burden.

Rutka's era at the University of Toronto Division of Neurosurgery is noted for his distinguished career, leadership in pediatric neurosurgery, and innovative research in neuro-oncology and treatment techniques.

The Andres M. Lozano era (2010 - 2020) at the University of Toronto Division of Neurosurgery was a period of remarkable growth and innovation.

Leadership and Academic Excellence: Andres Lozano served as Chairman of the Division of Neurosurgery from 2010 to 2020, during which he held the Dan Family Chair in Neurosurgery. He has an impressive academic record, including being one of only two surgeons to hold the rank of University Professor at the University of Toronto, a distinction awarded to only about 0.5% of all UofT surgical faculty.

Expansion and Recognition of the Program: Under Lozano's leadership, the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto became the largest in North America. The program also ascended from 4th to 1st place in North America based on the number of papers published and citations. This achievement reflects the division's significant impact and contribution to the field of neurosurgery.

Development of Sub-Specialties and Faculty Recruitment: Lozano oversaw the performance of 6000 operative procedures per year across four sites and promoted the development of sub-specialty areas such as vascular oncology, spine surgery, and gamma-knife surgery. He was instrumental in recruiting six new faculty members and increasing the number of endowed chairs in the division to 17.

Cross-Departmental Appointments and Awards: Lozano was cross-appointed to the Department of Medicine (Neurology) in 2011 and the Department of Medical Imaging at the University Health Network in 2015. His contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Gold Medal Award in Surgery from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPS(C)).

Andres M. Lozano's tenure was characterized by substantial growth in the division, enhanced academic standing, and advancements in neurosurgical specialties, solidifying the division's status as a leader in neurosurgery both nationally and internationally.

The Gelareh Zadeh era (2020 - Present) at the University of Toronto Division of Neurosurgery represents a historic and significant period in the field.

Historic Appointment: On September 1, 2020, Gelareh Zadeh became the first female chair of neurosurgery in Canada, taking the position of chair of the UofT Division of Neurosurgery and the Dan Family Chair in Neurosurgery. She has also been the head of the Division of Neurosurgery at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) since March 2020.

Educational and Professional Background: Zadeh attended the University of Manitoba, earning a BSc in mathematics and microbiology, and an MD with a BSc in anatomy. She completed her neurosurgical training and a PhD focused on brain tumor angiogenesis at the University of Toronto. Zadeh also trained in radiosurgery and spent a year as a radiobiology fellow at University College London.

Research Contributions and Leadership: Zadeh's research has been primarily focused on the molecular regulators of the brain tumor microenvironment, particularly in regard to tumor angiogenesis and metabolism. She established a UHN brain tumor biobank in 2011 and has held significant positions in the Society of Neuro-Oncology, including serving as its president from 2020 to 2022.

Recognition and Awards: Zadeh has received numerous awards for her contributions to research and teaching, including the PAIRO Resident Advocate Award, the Bernard Langer Surgeon-Scientist Award, the Ross Fleming Surgical Educator Award, the Wightman-Berris Academy Individual Teaching Excellence Award, and the Hudson Faculty Teaching Award.

Contributions to International Neuro-Oncology: She has played a crucial role in international neuro-oncology, including chairing the International Outreach Committee for the Society of Neuro-Oncology, initiating the Sub-Saharan Africa Society for Neuro-Oncology, and founding the International Meningioma Consortium.

As the Zadeh era is just beginning, there are ambitious plans to further develop the Surgical Scientist program in Neurosurgery. This pioneering program, the first of its kind in North America, is integral to the ethos of the Department. It uniquely offers all surgical trainees the opportunity to engage in research at the master's and doctoral levels during their residency, setting it apart from other training programs. This initiative becomes increasingly vital as securing grant support for research grows more challenging. Therefore, support is needed to create future opportunities for the next generation of surgical residents, fellows, researchers, and faculty.

Additionally, there are plans to enhance the Dan Family Chair in Neurosurgery. This effort aims to usher in a new era of support for current and ongoing research, knowledge translation, and hands-on training. This endeavor is not just about sustaining the legacy of excellence in neurosurgery; it's about propelling it forward to support health leaders, fostering inspired leadership, innovation, and excellence in neurosurgical education, research, and practice.