Papers of Dr Wallace Beresford Shute

Papers of the Canadian obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Wallace Beresford Shute, relating to his professional career and in particular to his development of the Shute Parallel Obstetric Forceps.

Wallace Beresford Shute was born in 1911 in Ontario, Canada. He graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (Honour Science) 1933 and Doctor of Medicine 1936 from the University of Western Ontario. After holding a junior residency in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Royal Victoria and Montreal General Hospital until 1939. He also undertook post-graduate training in Detroit and Chicago, practised for a short time in Canada and then volunteered for the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1943. He was gynaecologist with the army, navy and airforce and to the Canadian Women's Army in England before his demobilisation in 1946. He then practised in Ottawa, at the Ottawa Clinic and Grace Hospitals until his retirement in August 1985.

In 1972 Shute visited Beijing and there observed the use of acupuncture anaesthesia for surgery. Dr Shute has made several significant contributions to medical science (including improved methods of vaginal tube ligation and insertion of a suprapubic Foley catheter), particularly with his invention of the Shute Parallel Obstetrical Forceps. He was made an Honorary Fellow of the RCOG in June 1994. He also published a number of verse plays on Christian themes

Open to researchers by appointment, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. mailto: archives@rcog.org.uk

Catalogued by Penny Hutchins, College Archivist.

Multiple copyright holders.

Reproductions are available at the discretion of the College Archivist.

Gift to the College Archive by Wallace Beresford Shute via the RCOG Honorary Secretary in September 1997