Dr. Geneviève Dechêne, a graduate in family medicine from McGill University (1982), is a prominent figure in home care and palliative care in Quebec.
Academic Engagement and Teaching
An Assistant Clinical Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Montréal, Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Dr. Dechêne is a member of the committee for transforming the teaching of geriatric care.
In 2013, she founded one of the first interprofessional academic units for home care education, reflecting her dedication to pedagogical innovation and collaborative practices.
Clinical Contributions and Development of Home Care
A pioneer in home-based palliative care, Dr. Dechêne founded the home palliative care medical team at the Verdun CLSC, recognized as a provincial model. She also established an intensive medical team at the Verdun CLSC and played a key role in developing and implementing SIADs (Intensive Home Care Services) across Quebec. With over 30 years of experience providing end-of-life care at home, she remains a leading authority in her field.
Scientific Work and Publications
Dr. Dechêne co-authored the Précis pratique de soins médicaux à domicile, published by the FMOQ in 2000, and serves as the Scientific Director of Palli-Science, an online resource for French-speaking professionals in palliative care. She has authored texts on the 25 most common cancers and end-of-life care in the context of organ failure.
Community Involvement and Media Role
In addition to her clinical practice as a family physician at the GMF Sud-Ouest in Verdun, Dr. Dechêne actively participates in conferences and frequently appears in the media to promote interprofessional medical home care.
Vision and Legacy
Through her expertise and leadership, Dr. Dechêne has profoundly transformed home care in Quebec, championing an interprofessional and compassionate approach while inspiring her peers to follow in her footsteps.
