Banting, Bliss, and Beyond: Insulin 100, a Century of Science and Care – Symposium

Video Recordings of the Symposium

The Toronto Medical Historical Club (TMHC) marked the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin with a historical symposium, Banting, Bliss, and Beyond: Insulin 100, A Century of Science and Care, on May 3, 2022 followed by a half-day historical workshop on J.J.R. Macleod on May 4, 2022.

It celebrated the key contributions to the discovery of insulin, recognized the breakthroughs in science and care subsequent to the discovery, described perspectives on the culture and genetics of diabetes, and paid tribute to the late Professor Michael Bliss. This event will be of interest to health care professionals, researchers, medical historians and trainees.

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada 


Program for May 3, 2022

List of Participants

9:00-9:10
Welcome by THMC Insulin 100 Committee [Video]
John Dirks and Peter Kopplin

Session 1: Tribute to Michael Bliss
Chair: John Dirks

9:10-9:20
“The impact of Michael Bliss on the story of the insulin discovery”
John Dirks

9:20-9:40
“How Michael Bliss gave Macleod back to Aberdeen” [Video]
Kenneth McHardy

9:40-10:00
“Where credit is due: Collip’s contribution” [Video]
Alison Li

10:00-10:20
“Glory enough for all? The sad aftermath of the discovery of insulin” [Video]
James R. Wright, Jr

10:20-10:40
Discussion

10:40-11:00
BREAK

Session 2: Before and Beyond the Discovery of Insulin
Chair: Patricia Brubaker

11:00-11:40
“Precursors to the Toronto Group” [Video] 
Jeffrey Friedman
Kersten Hall

11:40-12:10
“The Fast Track for a Nobel Prize to Banting and Macleod” [Video]
Erling Norrby

12:10-12:30
Discussion

12:30-1:30
BOX LUNCH
Book Table — University of Toronto Bookstore

Session 3: The Commerce and Culture of Diabetes
Chair: Kathi Badertscher

1:30-1:50
“It works! Now what? Insulin development, production and distribution at Connaught Laboratories, University of Toronto” [Video]
Christopher Rutty

1:50-2:20
“The cultural history of diabetes and race” [Video]
Arlene Tuchman

2:20-2:30
Discussion

2:30-2:40
BREAK

Session 4: Breakthroughs in Insulin and Diabetes
Chair: Dan Drucker

2:40-3:10
“The pace setting science of insulin in the decades after discovery” [Video]
Jeffrey Flier

3:10-3:40
“Breakthroughs in the management of diabetes” [Video]
Bernard Zinman (read by Dan Drucker)

3:40-3:55
Discussion

3:55-4:00
Closing remarks and thanks

Arthur Gryfe Dinner 
Location: The Faculty Club, University of Toronto, University of Toronto, 41 Willcocks Street
Reception: 6:00 pm, Dinner: 7:00 pm
“Respect for Eccentric Scientists”
Special Guest: RH Thomson


Planning Committee:

John Dirks, Chair, Peter Kopplin, Secretary,
Aubie Angel, Alison Li, Christopher J. Rutty, Carol Sawka

Our Sponsors

Insulin 100 Logo
 
Novo Nordisk
Sanofi Logo
 

University of Toronto Department of Medicine