Dr. Walter Hendelman Scholarship in Neuroscience

Dr. Walter Hendelman is a native of Montreal, completing both his undergraduate (B.Sc.) and medical studies (M.D., C.M.) at McGill University. After a period of post-doctoral research training in the U.S.A., he returned to Canada in 1968 and began his academic career with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ottawa, joining the Department of Anatomy. His research as a bench scientist involved nerve tissue culture and electron microscopy, supported by Canadian granting agencies. He was a full professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the time of his official retirement.

As his interest in the teaching of the nervous system evolved, he began to create new resources to assist the students in learning this intricate subject matter. Amongst his earliest efforts were a series of videotapes on the nervous system - demonstrations of the brain as seen in the laboratory. Then he developed and published some illustrations, with explanations, in the form of a student ATLAS of Neuroanatomy. Next came his interest in the use of digital technology, which resulted in the publishing of two original learning resources on the web. His dedication to teaching led to his obtaining an M.Ed. degree. 

After his retirement, Dr. Hendelman has continued with the Faculty and has been instrumental in developing a program for the medical students on Professionalism, a series of sessions and other interventions which are designed to assist medical students develop the behaviors and attitudes expected of all physicians. His most recent edition of the Atlas was published in 2006, now called the Atlas of Functional Neuroanatomy, including a CD-ROM. 

Dr. Hendelman has always been an active participant in the life of the faculty. One of his earliest contributions was to assist in the formation of the Admissions Committee. He served on numerous faculty committees over the years. His main focus has been medical education throughout his career. 

The Dr. Walter Hendelman Scholarship in Neuroscience was established to mark his deep devotion to the understanding of the nervous system as his life-long professional commitment. 

It is hoped that students receiving assistance from this scholarship will continue either as a clinician involved in using her/his knowledge to help patients, and/or as a researcher generating new knowledge and understanding about the nervous system. In either or both roles, Dr. Hendelman trusts that the person will undertake to teach others - all students, medical residents and other health professionals, as well as patients - about the brain. The donor wishes to thank the Government of Ontario who helped create this fund through their generous matching contributions.