Maude E Abbott - physician and scientist of international fame

Dr Maude E Abbott (1869 to 1940) is the only Canadian and the only woman represented in Diego Rivera's great mural of the History of Cardiology in Mexico City. She gained this place among the world's famous physicians and scientists by her outstanding studies of congenital heart disease. Her atlas of 1000 cases with clinical, pathological and morphological findings is the first systematic study of these anomalies. Dr Abbott developed a pathophysiological classification of cardiovascular defects fundamental for the development of cardiac surgery. She also considered prevention by prenatal care, recognizing possible genetic and environmental risk factors. Maude Abbott was a thoughtful clinician and a brilliant scientist of incomparable industry. She leaves an unfinished legacy to make the prevention of congenital heart disease a reality.