2017 INDUCTEE Michel G. Bergeron, MD Infectious Disease, Allergy & Immunity
November 25, 1943
(Québec City, Québec )
MD, Université Laval (1968)
2013: Frost & Sullivan North American Entrepreneur Company of the Year Award for GenePOC
2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2013: Frost & Sullivan North American Entrepreneur Company of the Year Award for GenePOC
2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
2010: Member of the Order of Canada
2009: Canadian Medical Association’s “2009 Medal of Service”
2005: Wilder-Penfield Prize (Prix du Québec)
2005: Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
1973: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Visionary of diagnostic testing
A clinician-scientist whose practical acumen has created life-enhancing and life-saving advances in health
In 1985, Michel Bergeron began his search for rapid molecular (DNA-based) methods to accelerate diagnosis of infectious diseases, which has reduced the time of diagnosis from more than 48 hours to 1 hour. Building on this breakthrough, and working with a transdisciplinary team, Dr. Bergeron has developed technologies for detecting and identifying dangerous bacteria in health facilities, helping to contain or prevent dissemination and antibiotic resistance, a priority of the United Nations (2016). Presently, he and his team are developing portable point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices that can be used to bring easy-to-use health monitoring to men and women worldwide.
Key Facts
Invented a protective vaginal gel, “the Invisible Condom®,” to protect against the AIDS virus and other STIs
Was a pioneer in the establishment of Infectious Diseases as a specialty of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
Cofounded the Canadian Infectious Disease Society and served as its first secretary and later its president
Authored hundreds of articles and hold 30 issued patents
Discoveries include preventing neonatal meningitis, controlling the dissemination of C. difficile and MRSA infections in hospitals, development of unique safe water molecular analytical technologies
One of Dr. Bergeron’s devices for molecular analysis may be carried by astronauts on their Mars mission of 2032
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Bergeron has devoted his career to identifying patient bedside problems, finding the solutions, and developing the products to meet those needs. His tremendous advances in rapid diagnosis has saved thousands of lives and promoted the effective and sustainable use of antibiotics.
2025
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A bacterium named in his honour
The bacterium was named Criibacterium bergeronii at the suggestion of Maurice Boissinot and Rabeea F. Omar, two researchers at the Infectious Disease Research Centre who had Professor Bergeron as their mentor and who were involved in the discovery of the bacterium. The researchers found that it was not only a new species, but that its singularities justified the creation of a new bacterial genus of which it became the first member.
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Michel Bergeron inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Québec City, Québec
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Dr. Bergeron established GenePOC
Infectious Disease, Allergy & ImmunityDr. Bergeron established a second company to perform molecular tests, not in a clinical lab but, at the patient’s bedside.
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Dr. Bergeron was published in the New England Journal of Medicine
Infectious Disease, Allergy & ImmunityHe and his team successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using rapid DNA-based techniques to identify a microbe in less than one hour.
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Dr. Bergeron facilitated the production of diagnostic inventions when he created Infectio Diagnostics Inc.
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Dr. Bergeron presided over the 19th International Congress of Chemotherapy
Infectious Disease, Allergy & ImmunityThe event was held in Montreal and brought 8000 people together from over 97 countries.
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Dr. Michel Bergeron founded the Centre de recherché en infectiologie (CRI) de Université Laval
Infectious Disease, Allergy & Immunity, Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentToday, the centre works with over 250 researches in over 23 countries.
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Dr. Bergeron became the Director of the Clinical Research Unit for the treatment of AIDS in Quebec city and the eastern part of the province
Infectious Disease, Allergy & Immunity, Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentThe centre employed a model of care where psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, nurses and MDs interacted daily.
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Dr. Bergeron served as the Director of the Infectious Diseases Service and Research Laboratory at Université Laval
Infectious Disease, Allergy & Immunity, Leadership in Organizational Development -
Medical Service
With an early desire to help others, Dr. Bergeron served as a Captain in the Canadian Army in the Medical Corp (Reserve).
1968
You are not there just to treat their body, you’re there to help their soul and to listen.
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