| THE
PLUNKETT FOUNDATION HISTORY |
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| The Plunkett Foundation was established in November of 1997 by Steven Plunkett of London, Ontario as a legacy to his parents, Dr. Earl Plunkett and Corinne Plunkett. | |
| Dr. Plunkett was an internationally respected physician, fertility authority and teacher. Born in Hamilton on April 12, 1922, Dr. Plunkett received his medical training at The University of Western Ontario, the Simpson Maternity Pavilion in Edinburgh and was a McLaughlin Fellow under one of the pioneers in endocrinology, Professor Hamblen at Duke University. | |
| As Chief of Gynecology at London's University Hospital, this gifted physician and teacher developed the foremost in vitro fertilization centre in Canada. Following his retirement from UWO in 1986, he was appointed Chief of Gynecology and Research at Toronto General Hospital. | |
| Nationally, Dr. Plunkett served as Chairman and Director of the Canadian Committee on Fertility Research, was a member of the Advisory Committee to the Minister of Health, was President of the Canadian Fertility Society and the Canadian Association of Professors. He was a Fellow of the American Gynecological Society, a consultant to the Ontario Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation and a member of the Board of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. | |
| Dr. Plunkett was one of a select group of international experts, brought together to approve the new concept of endocrine suppression of ovulation by a hormone found in a plant. This led to the development of the first birth control pill. At UWO he worked with renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Drake, researching the surgical and endocrine control of hormonally active cancers such as in the breast and prostate. Their work together helped produce major breakthroughs in the field of endocrinology. | |
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Dr. Plunkett passed away on January 12, 1997. He will be remembered by his patients, fellow physicians, students and researchers for the excellence of his clinical care, his ground-breaking research, his love of teaching and as the founder of the first major research unit in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Western Ontario. |
Today, The Plunkett Foundation assists others who continue the legacy of excellence so exemplified by Dr. Earl Plunkett. The Foundation awards grants to support medical initiatives.
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