2013 INDUCTEE Claude Roy, MD Health and Medical Education & Training, Digestion

Born:

October 21, 1928

(Quebec City, Quebec )

Died:

July 2, 2015

Education:

MD, Université Laval

Awards & Honours:

2015: Quebec Medical Association Prestige Award

2013: Officer of the National Order of Québec

See All Awards

Formed the field of paediatric gastroenterology

A powerful voice for the role and place of the clinician scientist in modern academic health centres

After completing his medical degree at l’Université Laval and his paediatric training at McGill and Harvard, Dr. Claude Roy spent six years at the University of Colorado where he began an academic career in which research was always at the core of his academic activities. His major research contributions were in the areas of infant nutrition, metabolism of bile acids and fatty acids, chronic liver disease in infants and Cystic Fibrosis. As Director of Research as Ste-Justine, he greatly contributed to the hospital’s transformation into the paediatric university hospital it is today with an international reputation for exemplary care and for superb training and research programs.

Key Facts

Developed understanding of existing diseases and conditions relating to the intestinal track and also defined new diseases such as chylomicron retention disease

Promoted recognition of paediatric gastroenterology through his activities with a number of professional organizations

Advanced research in the treatment of premature infants and was an active member in the Canadian Nutrition Society

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

When Dr. Roy became Director of Research at Ste-Justine Hospital, research was viewed as a luxury. Throughout his career, he emphasized the importance of integrating a strong research component to a training program which, over the years, trained more than 60 paediatric gastroenterologists scattered over three continents. As Chair of Paediatrics, he led the charge for the recruitment of clinician scientists and convinced the authorities that the future of the hospital would be played out in the research arena. Moreover, through his excellence in research and activities with a number of professional organizations, he promoted recognition of paediatric gastroenterology as an important subspecialty of medicine.

2013

May 2, 2013
Claude Roy inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Halifax, Nova Scotia
June 1995
Sainte-Justine Hospital hosted the first International Symposium on Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Digestion
The symposium was held in honour of his contributions to the establishment of the field.
1995
After serving as a member of the Medical Research Council for 6 years, became its Director of Programs until 1999
Leadership in Organizational Development
1991
Became Director of the Department of Paediatrics at Sainte-Justine Hospital
Leadership in Organizational Development
1982
Became head of the Gastroenterology Department at Sainte-Justine Hospital
Leadership in Organizational Development, Digestion
1977
In response to his excellence in research and his advocacy of role of a clinician-scientist, became Director of Research at Sainte-Justine Hospital
Leadership in Organizational Development, Evidence-based Medicine & Clinical Trials
1971
Along with Dr. Arnie Silverman, Dr. Claude Roy published the first textbook of paediatric gastroenterology
Digestion
Now in its fourth edition, it remains the primary textbook in the field.
1970
Appointed professor at the University of Montreal
Health and Medical Education & Training
His former students have spoken of the important influence Dr. Roy had on their research and clinical careers.