NEWS FROM LACOR HOSPITAL – FALL 2023
Dear donors,
We sincerely thank you for your unwavering support in our mission to provide healthcare services at Lacor Hospital. In this edition, we honour the mentors who have influenced our dedication to the hospital’s mission.
We mourn the recent loss of Dr. Pierre Paul Collin, a highly respected mentor to Lucille Teasdale. Dr. Collin made significant contributions to pediatric surgery in Quebec and beyond. His influence has left an indelible mark on the medical community, and Lucille Teasdale flourished under his guidance.
Similarly, the mentorship of family doctor François Couturier profoundly impacted Dr. Ann Isabelle Grégoire, who worked with him at the Charles-Le Moyne Family Medicine Unit. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the untimely passing of Dr. Couturier, Dr. Grégoire finds inspiration on his caring approach, which emphasized on the importance of comprehensive health care.
Lacor’s management has undergone internal reorganization as the hospital prepares for the future, appointing three new deputy directors and one deputy human resources administrator. This strategic change ensures a seamless transition while upholding the hospital’s values and preserving the legacy of our mentors. Lacor Hospital and the Teasdale-Corti Foundation firmly believe in the transformative power of mentorship. And we are committed to nurturing great talents within our dedicated staff.
Your continued support empowers us to deliver healthcare to one of the most impoverished populations in the world. Together, we can create a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community.
With the deepest gratitude,
Teasdale-Corti Team
The passing of Lucille Teasdale’s esteemed mentor Dr. Pierre Paul Collin at the remarkable age of 102 has deeply affected the medical community. Dr. Collin, the founding director of the Université de Montréal’s pediatric surgery program, made meaningful contributions to the field. Born in 1920, Dr. Collin witnessed the rapid transformations of the 20th century, including the Great Depression, the construction of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and the bustling marketplace of the old Bonsecours Market. As Ste-Justine Hospital’s director, he consulted for neonatal and pediatric surgery in Montreal, and was vital in establishing the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons. Dr. Collin’s exceptional achievements in pediatric surgery exemplify the profound impact of mentorship.
Lucille Teasdale was Dr. Collin’s first pediatric surgery resident, as well as the program’s first graduate and the first pediatric surgeon trained in Canada. Under his guidance, Lucille developed invaluable skills, knowledge, and confidence. Trying to forge a career in a male-dominated field, Lucille received many glowing reference letters from Dr. Collin, although most hospitals refused to consider a female candidate. Driven by Dr. Collin’s unwavering support for women’s emancipation, Lucille eventually became one of Quebec’s first female surgeons. His positive outlook played an instrumental role in shaping Lucille’s remarkable career and empowered her to make meaningful contributions to the medical community; his legacy lives on through her work and extends far beyond the confines of their relationship. He touched the lives of countless people who benefited from Lucille’s dedication and expertise as she provided care under the inspiration of her mentor. Dr. Collin was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Teasdale-Corti Foundation for several years.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Collin was a beloved family man. His daughter, Johanne, fondly remembers their time together after his retirement at 72, when their bond deepened and she discovered his wonderful sense of humour. Even at the very end, Dr. Collin remained optimistic, expressing to his nurse that it was a momentous day as he would be meeting his Creator. His legacy inspires future generations of healthcare professionals, and his impact on patients, colleagues, and families will forever be cherished. We are truly grateful for this man’s contributions to others.
Dr. Ann Isabelle Grégoire, a family doctor at the Charles-Le Moyne Family Medicine Unit, cherishes her memories of her mentor Dr. François Couturier, admiring his attentive listening skills and compassionate nature. His influence instilled in her a vision of thoughtful and ethical global healthcare. Dr. François Couturier was an experienced family physician who dedicated his practice to underserved populations. Joining the Charles-Lemoyne Family Medicine Unit in 1994, he focused on perinatal care and opioid addiction. As a full-time professor at the University of Sherbrooke, he led international projects in Mali, Haiti, and Uganda, establishing innovative healthcare training and family and community medicine programs. Since 2010, Dr. Couturier directed the DECLIC and CLEFS initiatives in Mali. DECLIC created West Africa’s first Family and Community Medicine program in Bamako. Dr. Couturier also established a network of five university community health centres in Mali that trained healthcare professionals between 2010 and 2018.
Dr. François Couturier played an important role for Lacor. On his first visit, he carried out a mission to evaluate the hospital for a major donor. Afterward, for more than a decade, he and his team at the Université de Sherbrooke conducted numerous 4-week clinical training sessions per year in family medicine at Lacor, as well as at its affiliated community health centers in the villages of Pabbo, Amuru, and Opit. This unique program has attracted numerous healthcare professionals from Quebec, including medical residents, physicians, and registered nurses, providing them an opportunity to immerse themselves in a different medical culture, understand the impact of socio-economic determinants on health, and gain familiarity with the diagnosis and treatment of tropical diseases. Ann Isabelle and her team treated infectious diseases during a mission in Opit from February 13th to March 12, 2023. They provided care for children with severe cases of malaria and tropical illnesses.
François had intended to reunite with his team at Lacor Hospital, but unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans. Tragically, he passed away before having the opportunity to return. Despite his battle with Parkinson’s Disease, François’ influence remains. Ann Isabelle finds solace in her memories of Lacor Hospital and draws inspiration from François’ remarkable achievements. She remains committed to providing comprehensive health care, guided by his attentive and appreciative approach and lasting trust-based partnerships.
Succession planning at Lacor Hospital not only involves the appointment of new leaders but also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the development of the entire staff. As the current directors approach retirement, the hospital’s internal reorganization includes the selection of experienced individuals who will uphold Lacor’s values and standards while serving as mentors to the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Lacor Hospital has reorganized internally to ensure a smooth transition, appointing three new deputy directors and one deputy administrator of human resources from within the hospital. These experienced individuals, including Dr. Emmanuel Ochola, Dr. Kansiime Jackson, Mr. Ojok Godfrey P’Kingstone, and Ms. Caroline Okello, have a deep understanding of Lacor’s operations and will guide the institution during the transition.
Lacor Hospital’s longevity demonstrates its ability to adapt while staying true to its principles. Since 1988, the hospital has cared for over 7.4 million individuals. These figures highlight that Lacor Hospital continues to be a beacon of hope and healing.
The Teasdale-Corti Foundation team acknowledges the tireless efforts of their Ugandan colleagues and exceptional work, recognizing their instrumental role in delivering care. From the dedicated staff and generous donors, everyone involved is fully committed to Lacor’s mission. Through shared determination, Lacor Hospital will continue to thrive and positively impact the health and well-being of its patients, now and in the future.
With your continued support, we can amplify the dedication of Lacor Hospital’s staff, empower their healing mission, and create a brighter future for the vulnerable communities they serve. Your generosity has the power to transform lives and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of countless individuals. Join us in our journey to provide hope and healing. Be part of the incredible legacy of Lacor Hospital.
