Dr Rénald Bergeron is honoured for his significant contributions to primary and palliative care and teaching in family medicine, as well as his passion for lifelong learning.
A graduate of Laval University, Dr Bergeron received Certification in Family Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in 1980 and became a Fellow in 1995.
Since 1980, Dr Bergeron has practised family medicine and has engaged in numerous leadership roles at Laval University. Currently, he is a professor for the Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine Department, where he served as Director from 1999 to 2007. Since 2010, Dr Bergeron has served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, where he held the position of Vice-Dean for the previous two years.
Dr Bergeron has always had a strong interest in palliative care. He assisted in establishing the Maison Michel-Sarrazin, a palliative care centre, and also assisted in establishing the palliative care consultation team at Hôpital Laval. From 1999 to 2009, he served as Chair of the Regional Palliative Care Committee, and he was Chair of the Inter-departmental Committee of Palliative Medicine from 2001 to 2009.
Dr Bergeron has also supported the development of networks for collaborative, professional practices that are focused on the patient. As dean, he helped develop teaching and research networks with the Alliance santé Québec.
As a vocal proponent of social accountability, Dr Bergeron has been actively involved with the United Way since 2014, and he participates on the Board of Directors for the Foundation of Laval University. Dr Bergeron has been involved in primary and palliative care research. He is also renowned for his numerous publications including peer-reviewed articles and research reports.
In 2011, Dr Bergeron was granted an Award of Excellence from the Québec College of Family Physicians, and in 2008, he received Laval University’s Faculty of Medicine Polaris Award.
Outside of his work, Dr Bergeron enjoys spending time with his spouse, Martine Bourget, three daughters, and three grandchildren. On quieter days, he enjoys fly fishing, nature walks, traveling, and listening to classical music.
Canada’s Family Physicians of the Year – the Reg L. Perkin Awards
Since 1972, the CFPC and its Research & Education Foundation have honoured family physician members who exemplify the guiding principles of family medicine. Initially, one award recipient was selected to receive the Family Physician of the Year (FPOY) Award each year. Since 2002, ten family physicians have been recognized annually—one representing each CFPC Chapter.
Canada’s FPOYs are chosen by their peers, other health care colleagues, and community leaders for:
- Providing exceptional care to their patients
- Making meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of their communities
- Dedicating themselves as researchers and educators of future generations of family doctors
FPOY recipients must exemplify the four principles of family medicine:
- Be skilled clinicians
- Be community based
- Act as a resource to a practice population
- Recognize the central importance of the doctor-patient relationship
CFPC Chapters review nominations and select the FPOY for their respective provinces. The provincial FPOYs are honoured at their respective Annual Scientific Assemblies or Annual General Meetings. The national FPOYs are honoured at the annual CFPC Family Medicine Forum.