Hélène Rousseau, physician at the Department of Family Medicine’s CLSC Côte-des-Neiges, is named finalist for the Humanism Award from the Collège des Médecins du Québec (CMQ). The overall winners will be announced during a ceremony on April 11, 2024.
The CMQ Award in the Humanism category is given to a physician whose social commitment embodies the humanist values advocated by the CMQ and whose actions, open-mindedness and dissemination of knowledge contribute to the well-being and fulfillment of patients and the community, or to the growth of philanthropic organizations.
Humanist doctor, beyond borders
Thanks to Dr. Rousseau, thousands of women in Canada and abroad have received quality perinatal care.
A family physician of 30 years, Dr. Hélène Rousseau has focused her practice on obstetrics and perinatal care. Whatever time of day or night, Dr. Rousseau ensures she is at the bedside for the delivery of each of her pregnant patients. Year in, year out, she performs some 100 deliveries at the Jewish Hospital of Montreal. Highly appreciated by the nurses, midwives and doctors who work alongside her, she is even nicknamed "the doctor's doctor", as many of her colleagues have put their trust in her for their own perinatal follow-ups and deliveries.
"Working with many professionals and always focused on patients' best interests, Dr. Hélène Rousseau exemplifies the exceptional physician, combining know-how and savoir-être."
Dr. Vania Jimenez, family physician, recipient of the High Distinction Award 2022
Working since 2003 at the CLSC Côte-des-Neiges, a multi-ethnic district of Montreal, Dr. Rousseau is also involved with Maison Bleue, a non-profit organization providing perinatal care to women in precarious situations including isolation, domestic violence, immigration, poverty and drug addiction. She accompanies patients with empathy, creating a reassuring and respectful atmosphere. With her big heart, Dr. Rousseau also campaigns for the rights of marginalized people.
Passionate about both sharing practice and knowledge, Dr. Rousseau is also an Assistant Professor at McGill University, where she teaches future family physicians the Neonatal Resuscitation Program and Labor and Delivery Management. She also provides training elsewhere in Canada (Kuujjuaq, Winnipeg) and around the world (Rwanda, Ecuador, Haiti).
In 2010, following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Dr. Rousseau quickly mobilized with colleagues to provide on-site support to women and children in distress. She also made several trips to Ecuador, providing training to local health workers and exploring ways of integrating ancestral knowledge into the health care system. Her altruism, open-mindedness and generosity extend far beyond the Canadian borders, making her a unique role model for her colleagues and the next generation.
Read the official announcement here: https://www.cmq.org/fr/a-propos/evenements/distinctions-college/categorie-humanisme
Each year, the Collège des Médecins du Québec honours physicians who have distinguished themselves by making remarkable contributions to the development and influence of the profession, to the advancement of medical knowledge or to the well-being of the community. The College Awards are a mark of recognition for these physicians, whose actions brilliantly reflect the five core values of the professional order: commitment, rigour, collaboration, integrity and respect.