This month, we celebrate the retirement of Patient Partner, André Gaudreau.

Since the early days of Diabetes Action Canada, André has been a dedicated member of our team. He was a co-facilitator for the Training and Mentoring Program, a member of our Francophone Patient Circle, a member of several research teams, and a huge part of the development of the MyRoad Program. His leadership in many areas of patient partnership has been an incredible asset to our work.

In May, DAC thanked him for his service at our Workshop, where we received a standing ovation. In July, the Centre de recherche du CHUS at the University of Sherbrooke hosted a reception in André’s honour. Friends, family and colleagues joined in person and virtually to celebrate his achievements and thank him for his hard work and dedication.

Below, some tributes to André from those who have worked with him.

“Over the past decade, André has been very engaged at my research centre, the Centre de recherche du CHUS, as part of its patient partners committee, and then as one of the patients partners involved in the training and mentoring committee of DAC. He later was part of the patient partners who were engaged in the creation of My ROaD. During all those years, André has been highly active in a large number of individual projects across Canada and a very active member of our organizations’ governance in patient engagement. His energetic, generous and unassuming contributions have been an inspiration for the other patient partners, investigators, staff and students in all of those organizations. He particularly contributed in promoting research in French and focusing on type 2 diabetes. His friendly stance and exceptional level of commitment during all of his interactions have made him an unforgettable collaborator whom we’ll miss sadly. For me, André will forever embody excellence in patient partnership.” Dr. André Carpentier, Co-Scientific Lead, Diabetes Action Canada

André has been with DAC from the very beginning, playing a crucial role in developing our Patient Engagement and Training Programs. He was always the first to volunteer and, as our Network evolved, emerged as a leader among our Patient Partners in research, governance, and patient engagement. André was particularly passionate about the Francophone Patient Circle and was a tireless advocate for promoting research from Quebec and in French. We are incredibly fortunate to have worked with André and wish him all the best in his retirement. Tracy McQuire, Executive Director, Diabetes Action Canada

“Andre was not only a valued member of our research team back in 2021, where he provided much-needed insight into the experience of living with diabetes, he has also made significant contributions to all of DAC’s continuing work, being sure to bring the Francophone voice to the fore. Whenever I see him, it feels like finding a friend in the crowd.” Dr. Robin Mason, Women’s College Hospital Research Institute

“When beginning the reflections on what would eventually become the health research training and mentoring platform on obesity, diabetes and cardiometabolism that is now MyRoad, André Gaudreau was there in the early meetings and provided positive energy in his role as patient partner. In the early phases of the platform creation, through a joyful and assertive presence, he provided critical insight and often reminded committee members about the importance of patient engagement in all planned activities of the platform. Through extensive experience related to patient engagement in research, he provided guidance for other participants, helping them truly understand the essence and benefits of patient partnership. André was able to express favorable opinions or voice concerns as needed, and hence contributed greatly to shape the platform governance and activities. He is a pioneer regarding patient engagement in research and a source of inspiration not only for patients or citizens willing to engage in academic activities, but also for scientists and scientific organizations.” Dr. André Tchernoff, MyRoad Director and Principal Investigator

“Andre you are truly amazing. Your dedication to research and ensuring that the patient perspective is heard is unparalleled.  Thank you for your vision, leadership, and willingness to contribute,  since the very beginning.” Dr. Paula Rochon, Director, Women’s Age Lab