McGill Faculty of Medicine alumnus and astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk was recently at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital – The Neuro (MNI), visiting with fellow astronaut – Canada’s first in space – and current Member of Parliament, Marc Garneau. Dr. Thirsk holds the Canadian record for most time spent in space (more than 200 days). 
During his 6 months aboard the International Space Station, Thirsk carried the Penfield dissector, a surgical instrument that belonged to The Neuro’s founder, Dr. Wilder Penfield, a life-long idol of Thirsk’s. Now back home on earth, the dissector is to be exhibited after being returned at a recent ceremony, where Thirsk discussed highlights from Expedition 20/21. The dissector is now on display at the Director’s office at the MNI.
“As adventurous as was Penfield in the realm of the brain, so are these two space explorers in the realm of the cosmos,” said Dr. David Colman, Director of the MNI. “The audience was packed with young students, and I was delighted to see them riveted by the presentations about space. We want to inspire the next generation to always stay curious about the world around them.”
Over 200 students from several local elementary and high schools attended the special presentation, which was part of the 2011 Brain Awareness Week events held in Montreal.
McGill Faculty of Medicine alumnus and astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk was recently at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital – The Neuro (MNI), visiting with fellow astronaut – Canada’s first in space – and current Member of Parliament, Marc Garneau. Dr. Thirsk holds the Canadian record for most time spent in space (more than 200 days).During his 6 months aboard the International Space Station, Thirsk carried the Penfield dissector, a surgical instrument that belonged to The Neuro’s founder, Dr. Wilder Penfield, a life-long idol of Thirsk’s. Now back home on earth, the dissector is to be exhibited after being returned at a recent ceremony, where Thirsk discussed highlights from Expedition 20/21. The dissector is now on display at the Director’s office at the MNI.
“As adventurous as was Penfield in the realm of the brain, so are these two space explorers in the realm of the cosmos,” said Dr. David Colman, Director of the MNI. “The audience was packed with young students, and I was delighted to see them riveted by the presentations about space. We want to inspire the next generation to always stay curious about the world around them.”
Over 200 students from several local elementary and high schools attended the special presentation, which was part of the 2011 Brain Awareness Week events held in Montreal.