1998 INDUCTEE Claude Fortier, MD Hormones

Claude Fortier posthumously inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Hull, Québec

In the mid-1960s, Dr. Fortier was at the forefront of innovation as one of the first scientists to use computers as a tool in medical research

In addition to compiling and analysing data, Fortier used computers to create mathematical models of dynamics of hormone secretion and simulate neuroendocrine regulation mechanisms, introducing a new methodology to biomedical science.

Fortier returned to Canada and became Director of the endocrinology lab at the Université Laval

As professor and researcher, Fortier studied the link between the endocrine glands and the human brain. His research improved our understanding of the interactions between the endocrine organs including the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and gonadic glands.

Not ready to return to Canada, Dr. Claude Fortier joined the University of Balyor in Texas

He founded and became director of the first neuroendocrinology laboratory in the United States.

Deciding to continue his training abroad, Fortier spent two years in London in the laboratory of Geoffrey Harris

At the time, Harris was one of the world’s few specialists in neuroendocrinology. While working in Harris’ lab, Fortier developed new skills that later allowed him to culture pituitary glands in vitro.

Fortier received his degree in medicine and experimental surgery and Université de Montréal

He continued his research in the laboratory of Hans Seyle, the well-known stress researcher.

Originally trained in social and political science, an unexpected long-term stay at a sanatorium early in Fortier’s life inspired him to change careers

Fortier instead chose to pursue medicine and would go on to be named the father of neuroendocrinology.