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.
