In Memoriam – Dr. François Couturier

2022-08-05

Earlier this week, the College of Family Physicians of Canada™ (CFPC) learned of the passing of a valued member of our community who dedicated his career to advancing family medicine and social responsibility.

It is with great sorrow we inform you that Dr. François Couturier passed away on Monday, August 1st after a battle with Parkinson's disease. We will remember him as a man of great authenticity and humanity as well as his inspiring commitment to the health of people in vulnerable situations in Canada and around the world.

Throughout his career, Dr. Couturier devoted a significant portion of his practice to perinatal care and to improving the treatments offered in Quebec for people with opioid use disorders. A teacher at heart, he joined the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Sherbrooke in 1994, where he established a microprogram in international health in 2006, offering internships in countries with limited resources. His involvement in medical education and international development led him to conduct training projects for health professionals in Mali that have served as a stepping stone for the development of family and community medicine in West Africa.

Dr. Couturier was instrumental in establishing the Besrour Centre for Global Family Medicine within the CFPC. He was one of the most active members in the Besrour community and served on the Besrour Centre Committee since 2010. His passion and guidance inspired us to think more deeply about the College's responsibility toward society and the development of family medicine in under-resourced countries.

Dr. Couturier's passing leaves a void in the hearts of his colleagues and friends at the CFPC, but we will never forget the invaluable legacy he leaves on our profession. We wish to express our deepest condolences to Dr. Couturier’s wife Luce, their family, and friends.