Photo by William Crooks
The four speakers at the CHUS 50th anniversary press conference, from left to right: Martin Clermont, Director General of the CHUS Foundation; Jocelyne Faucher, Vice-Rector of Student Life at Université de Sherbrooke; Dr. André Carpentier, Scientific Director of the CRCHUS; and Dr. Stéphane Tremblay, President and CEO of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, celebrated five decades of innovation, research, and community healthcare in Sherbrooke
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Sherbrooke’s Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) marked its 50th anniversary with a press conference and commemorative events on Nov. 29, 2024. The milestone highlighted five decades of medical advancements, community involvement, and enduring partnerships. Key representatives from the CHUS community and its supporters spoke passionately about the institution’s achievements and vision for the future.
A proud legacy
“Celebrating these 50 years today without you wouldn’t have made sense,” said Dr. Stéphane Tremblay, President and CEO of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, as he opened the conference. Dr. Tremblay emphasized the pivotal role of the Estrie community in the hospital’s development. “It’s thanks to them—our internal community and the population of Estrie—that we can celebrate today.”
Established in 1974, CHUS was the first university hospital in Quebec and a trailblazer in integrating clinical care, teaching, and research. The hospital’s foundation was laid alongside the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Université de Sherbrooke. This collaboration continues to drive its growth. “CHUS wouldn’t be what it is without our partnership with the university,” added Jocelyne Faucher, Vice-Rector of Student Life at Université de Sherbrooke.
Milestones of growth and innovation
Initially focused on establishing high-quality clinical services in a smaller region outside Quebec’s major urban centres, CHUS has become a beacon of healthcare innovation. Notable achievements include being the first in Quebec to acquire a Gamma Knife, a precision tool for treating brain lesions, and developing groundbreaking methods for producing medical isotopes.
“Our research infrastructure has grown immensely,” noted Dr. André Carpentier, Scientific Director of the CHUS Research Centre (CRCHUS). “From the early days, we’ve understood that research today is the medicine of tomorrow.” Recent strides include pioneering cyclotron technology for safer, more sustainable isotope production and advanced imaging equipment.
A community partnership
The CHUS Foundation, established in 1977, has been instrumental in funding these advancements. Foundation Director Martin Clermont shared, “Since our creation, over $100 million has been invested in state-of-the-art equipment, research, and patient care projects.” He cited examples of recent successes, such as oncology initiatives allowing 95 per cent of pediatric cancer patients to be treated locally.
Clermont stressed the importance of ongoing donor support: “This is a collective effort. Our donors, volunteers, and community partners have played a significant role in shaping CHUS into what it is today.”
Tackling regional challenges
Operating in Sherbrooke, far from the province’s urban hubs, has posed unique challenges for CHUS. “We often have to remind people that Sherbrooke has the same high-tech capabilities as Montreal or Quebec City,” said Tremblay. Yet, this geographic isolation has also fostered resilience and adaptability. Tremblay described the integration of CHUS with the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS in 2015 as a turning point: “This allowed us to offer a full continuum of care—from birth to end-of-life services—all within our region.”
Personal anecdotes highlight impact
During the conference, speakers shared personal anecdotes that underscored CHUS’s transformative role in healthcare. Dr. Carpentier recounted a case where advanced research methods developed at CHUS helped diagnose a rare condition. Faucher reflected on the pride the Sherbrooke community felt when CHUS first opened its doors, describing it as “a beacon of modernity and excellence.”
One of the most poignant stories came from Dr. Tremblay, who recalled how CHUS’s innovative testing capabilities made a life-changing difference for a friend from Quebec City. “This is what CHUS is about—providing access to cutting-edge care that might not be available elsewhere,” he said.
Looking to the future
As CHUS embarks on its next 50 years, its leaders remain committed to innovation and community engagement. Tremblay outlined plans for the Mother-Child and Emergency Centre, set to open in 2026, and emphasized the importance of fostering local talent. “Our goal is to ensure that young professionals see Sherbrooke as a place where they can thrive,” he said.
Dr. Carpentier echoed this sentiment, highlighting CHUS’s growing role in global research networks and its dedication to integrating patients into the research process. “We’re not just looking at the next 50 years; we’re building a foundation for the next generation of healthcare.”
The 50th anniversary celebrations served as a testament to CHUS’s enduring impact. From its humble beginnings as a regional teaching hospital to its current status as a leader in medical research and care, CHUS has remained steadfast in its mission to serve the community. “This is not just a hospital,” Tremblay concluded. “It’s a story of perseverance, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.”
With its rich history and ambitious vision, CHUS is poised to continue shaping the future of healthcare in Quebec and beyond.