Author: Museum of Health Care

The Museum of Health Care (MHC) shows how Canadians have preserved health and managed disease, pain and suffering. The Museum strives to connect visitors of all ages with the experience of people in past times and provide context and perspective on today's health issues. Our blog is regularly updated with interesting and insightful entries by MHC staff and volunteers. Learn more about who we are and what we're working on. We welcome your feedback and comments.

Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor Honoured with Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Award

September 9, 2025

The Kingston Economic Development Corporation has named Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor as one of this year’s recipients of the Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Award. Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor is the Director of the Museum of Health Care and has played a pivotal role in shaping Kingston’s cultural heritage sector since 2020. … More Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor Honoured with Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Award

The Early Years of Occupational Therapy in Kingston

August 18, 2025

The adoption of a therapeutic approach at the Kingston Asylum [had] proved a great success in the treatment of ‘chronic mental disease’ – using occupations in the form of work and craft to compliment routine treatment. This laid the groundwork for a new medical profession in Canada: occupational therapy. … More The Early Years of Occupational Therapy in Kingston

Help shape the future of the Museum of Health Care!

August 11, 2025

The Museum of Health Care is seeking feedback from our audiences to better understand visitor experience and perceptions of the museum. Your input will help us shape future exhibitions and programs to enhance visitor enjoyment, learning, and engagement. Estimated Time to Complete: 5-10 minutes Complete the survey for an entry to win one of five $20 … More Help shape the future of the Museum of Health Care!

What Role Can Medical Museums Play in 2SLGBTQI+ Communities?

June 30, 2025

As Dr. Ashley Waddington noted in her interview with us here, gender diversity and its expression cannot be limited to the medical practices we’ve come to group under gender affirming health care today. Historically, transgender, Two-Spirit, intersex and gender non-conforming or genderqueer people have existed independently of medical services like surgery or hormonal therapies. … More What Role Can Medical Museums Play in 2SLGBTQI+ Communities?

Part 2: Gender affirming care in Kingston: in conversation with Dr. Ashley Waddington

June 27, 2025

To explore the topic of gender affirming care, we spoke to Dr. Ashley Waddington, an Associate Professor in the division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen’s University. This is the second part of an interview with Dr. Waddington. … More Part 2: Gender affirming care in Kingston: in conversation with Dr. Ashley Waddington

Part 1: Gender affirming care in Kingston: in conversation with Dr. Ashley Waddington

June 27, 2025

To continue exploring the topic of gender affirming care, Associate Professor in the division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen’s University.l … More Part 1: Gender affirming care in Kingston: in conversation with Dr. Ashley Waddington

Selling the Cure, Inventing the Culture: The Commodification of Indigenous Peoples in Patent Medicine Marketing

June 27, 2025

June marks National Indigenous History Month. At the Museum of Health Care, we recognize the harms Indigenous Peoples experience in health care systems across North America. … More Selling the Cure, Inventing the Culture: The Commodification of Indigenous Peoples in Patent Medicine Marketing

Outdoor Walking Tours begin June 20th

June 16, 2025

Pulse of the Past: A Walk Through Kingston’s Medical History Step back in time to discover Kingston’s rich medical history! This guided outdoor walking tour traces the successes and sacrifices to establish of one of Canada’s oldest public hospitals and the Queen’s School of Medicine. This tour weaves through the city’s historic streets to offer … More Outdoor Walking Tours begin June 20th