More than 60 years ago, as U of T’s active and energetic students were creating a growing demand for sport medicine services, Dr. David MacIntosh was recruited to the Hart House Surgery to extend student-athlete care at what is now believed to be North America’s first sport medicine clinic.  “Dr. Mac”, as many knew him, made legendary contributions to both the world of orthopaedic sport medicine and to the University of Toronto itself.  A brilliant pioneer whose work benefit people around the world, Dr. MacIntosh passed away peacefully on January 12 at the age of 98.
 
During his early years at U of T, many of Dr. MacIntosh’s patients were students who suffered from torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL), an often-debilitating injury of the knee. MacIntosh’s surgical talents and hands-on experience led him to discover the best diagnostic test and pioneer the world’s first successful surgery for the management of ACL injuries, both groundbreaking developments in the field.
 
In 1979 sport medicine at Hart House migrated to the Warren Stevens Building, where the renowned David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic continues to thrive today. As staff and services expanded, the clinic has become a destination for droves of active people at U of T and beyond. MacIntosh retired in 1984, but his legacy continues in the legions of physicians and surgeons who honed their expertise under his guidance.
 
Among them is Dr. Doug Richards, the MacIntosh Clinic’s current medical director, who remembers Dr. MacIntosh as much for his devotion to the Blues as for his outstanding expertise. “Dr. Mac’s tireless efforts, attending our clinic on countless weeknights, and our stadium and arena on countless weekends, will never be forgotten,” said Richards.  “We know that he bled blue and white.  His loyalty, hard work and excellence made him the best possible role model for our Varsity Blues and other student-athletes.”

 
Donations in Dr. MacIntosh’s memory can be made online to the David L. MacIntosh Sports Medicine Clinic or at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education's alumni office (55 Harbord St., Toronto, ON  M5S 2W6).