This past September, the urology community lost another cherished member with the passing of Dr. Pierre Bertrand. Dr. Bertrand was predeceased by his loving wife, Hélène (née Gagnon), and leaves to mourn his children, Suzanne (Gilles), Johanne (Roger), Louise (Philippe), Charles (Marie-Ève), and Marc (Émilie), as well as his grandchildren, Charles, Félix, Henri, Paul, Léo, and Jules.
A graduate of the Université de Montréal medical school, Dr. Bertrand completed his urology residency and left for a fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Dr. Bertrand not only practiced urology for more than 40 years at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, he was also very actively involved in the progress of urology in Quebec and Canada. He served as the Chief Examiner for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Chief of the Urology Department at Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital, and President of the Quebec Urological Association and the American Urological Association’s Northeastern Section. He also served the Canadian Urological Association in several capacities, including Member-at-Large for Quebec (1971–74), Scientific Program Committee Member (1972, 1973), and Treasurer (1977–82), culminating with his CUA presidency in 1984–85. In 1995, he was honored with the CUA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received the Prix Jean Charbonneau award for exceptional contribution to urology in Quebec.
Dr. Bertrand was an excellent teacher, passionate about imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience to countless students throughout his long career. His integrity and professionalism, along with a wonderful sense of humor, made him a role model for many future generations of urologists. He was, in many ways, a pioneer; he was the first to appoint a woman as teaching staff in his service. Moreover, he was a man who loved life and knew how to enjoy it.
He will be greatly missed.
– Adapted from the Montreal Gazette (published online Sept. 28, 2023) and with contributions from Dr. Marie-Paule Jammal, CUA Secretary