Will tackle issues of health and law in interdisciplinary approach
By Pascal Zamprelli
Health issues and their legal implications have long been at the forefront of the social policy debate in Canada. Access to health care institutions and technology, the governance of health care institutions, human rights and health, clinical research and the protection of human research subjects, and social diversity and health, to name a few, are issues that demand the attention of specialists in medicine and law.
To tackle the challenges at the intersection of law and health, Dr. Philippe Couillard, former Quebec minister of health and social services, has been appointed Senior Fellow in Health Law, effective since Jan. 1. The creation of this post, a cross-appointment in the faculties of medicine and law, will position McGill as a leader in the field of heath care public policy.
Dr. Couillard joins the McGill Research Group on Health and Law, the focal point for interdisciplinary research related to health care and law at McGill. Dr. Couillard’s mandate includes coordinating the reflection on public policy related to health care on the national and international scenes, as well as teaching and research activities related to health law.
“The appointment of Philippe Couillard strengthens the ties between the faculties of medicine and law and supports this institution’s efforts to encourage an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research,” said Principal and Vice Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum. “His experience will be an invaluable
asset.”
Dr. Couillard said he is looking forward to his new role. “I am happy to join McGill in the establishment of an open forum where all views will be welcome and debated, in keeping with the tradition of excellence of this world class institution.”
Dr. Couillard has been a professor at l’Université de Sherbrooke, head surgeon and director of the surgery department of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, and head of the department of neurosurgery at St. Luc Hospital in Montreal. He has obtained specialist certificates from the Collège des médecins du Québec and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.