Dr. Bernard Lapointe

Dr. Bernard Lapointe has been recognized by his peers as an outstanding Canadian who exemplifies a personal and professional commitment to the field of hospice palliative care in Canada.

Dr. Lapointe, Director of the Palliative Care Division of Montréal’s Jewish General Hospital (MJH) has been awarded the 2007 CHPCA Award of Excellence. Under his leadership, the MJH Palliative Care Division was the first North American centre designated as an integrated oncology-palliative care centre by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).

Dr. Lapointe’s other achievements have been no less impressive, and have ranged from local to international levels and included:

  • Along with his peers he established HIV/AIDS Clinique médicale l’Actuel, devoting his efforts specifically to pain management and hospice palliative care.
  • Dr. Lapointe was appointed Chef du Bureau des services de soutien et de santé au Centre fédéral sur le sida. In this capacity, he was particularly active in the development of a Canada-wide community and end-of-life life care network for persons with HIV/AIDS.
  • He further contributed to medical training in the position of associate clinical professor at McGill University, where he assumed responsibility for pre-doctoral teaching in palliative medicine (1996-1998).
  • In 2003, Dr. Lapointe was a recipient of the Golden Jubilee Medal from Her Majesty the Queen for his contribution to the cause of hospice palliative care in Canada.

Dr. Lapointe’s achievements have made a difference in the quality of life for patients and their families facing a life threatening illness, and have positively impacted the hospice palliative care movement in Canada.