Renowned cardiac surgeon resigns post
Date: Dec. 16, 1999
Time: 12:41 pm
Dr. Wilbert Keon, who performed Canada's first cardiac transplant involving an artificial heart, has resigned as head of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute following an incident involving an undercover police officer posing as a prostitute.
During a media conference late yesterday afternoon, an emotional Keon, 64, said he stopped his car on a downtown Ottawa street at about 10 pm on Nov. 25 to talk to a woman who had approached his vehicle. Although Keon said his "intent was a conversation," he was picked up by police as part of the sting operation.
"This [talking to the undercover officer] placed me in a compromising situation for which I must take full responsibility," Keon said. He participated in a program for first-time offenders and was not charged with solicitation.
In 1985 Keon became the first Canadian surgeon to implant the Jarvik artificial heart into a patient and in 1989 he performed Canada's first heart transplant involving an infant. Then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney named Keon to the Senate in 1990. Keon has not yet decided if he will resign his Senate seat, but he has stepped down from his administrative duties at the heart institute.
Keon founded the institute and has been its most ardent champion since it opened in 1976. He has been replaced as head of the institute by Dr. Donald Beanlands, the former deputy director general.
— Steven Wharry, editor eCMAJ Today
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