Established in 1892, the Department of Pathology at McGill University is one of most reputable academic pathology departments in North America. Many outstanding individuals have worked and studied in the department, including Sir William Osler, frequently described as the "Father of Modern Medicine", Dr. Maude Abbott, one of the first female physicians in North America and Dr. John McCrae, author of the famous war poem “In Flanders Fields”. The department has a wealth of documents, specimens and educational materials, some of which were donated to the Maude Abbott Medical Museum.
Today, the department offers diagnostic consultation services to 1.2 million patients from all hospitals affiliated with the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). It also services the LaSalle Hospital. The department is recognized as one of the most integrated clinical departments at the MUHC, thus facilitating multidisciplinary patient care.