Launching the Annual Bergman/Pilon Lectureship in Aging
The Simone and Edouard Schouela Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health of Seniors (Schouela CEDurable) of the McGill Réseau universitaire intégré de santé et services sociaux (RUISSS), based at the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, is launching the Bergman/Pilon Lectureship in Aging, a new annual initiative that celebrates excellence in aging research, care, education, and policy. The lectureship will bring internationally recognized leaders in aging and related fields to Montreal, creating a space for inspiration, exchange, and collaboration.
“Made possible through the generosity and vision of Howard Bergman and Colette Pilon, the Bergman/Pilon Lectureship reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of older adults and strengthening the connections between discovery, clinical care, and public policy,” says Dr. Gustavo Duque, Director of Schouela CEDurable, Professor in the Department of Medicine and Chief of Geriatric Medicine, at McGill University. “Through thought-provoking and meaningful discussions and exchanges, the Lectureship will provide a forum that integrates scientific knowledge, clinical excellence, and societal priorities.”
Dr. Bergman, the former Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and a former Chief of Geriatric Medicine at McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, notes that the Bergman/Pilon Lectureship’s mission, “Is to promote a vision for the future of healthcare, research, and policy for older adults by fostering dialogue, insight, and collaboration across disciplines. It is an important new opportunity to highlight the strength of McGill’s community in geriatric medicine, family medicine, nursing, health and social policy, and social studies of medicine.”
Each year, the Bergman/Pilon Lectureship will feature a keynote address with the opportunity for clinical and research dialogue. It will also link with the Geriatric Medicine Research Day in Aging, helping to showcase trainees and emerging talent and foster mentorship and collaboration across disciplines.
The inaugural Bergman/Pilon distinguished lecturer is Dr. Arthur Kleinman, Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Anthropology at Harvard University, and author of many publications and books including The Illness Narratives and The Soul of Care. The inaugural lecture When Care Comes First: Reimagining Medicine, Medical Ethics, and the Medical Humanities will be presented on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at a Joint Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Nursing Grand Rounds at the Jewish General Hospital, marking the first time the four departments hold joint rounds. Dr. Kleinman will also deliver the Osler Lecture on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., organized by McGill Social Studies of Medicine.
Dr. David Eidelman, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, chairs the scientific committee responsible for program development and speaker selection. Members of the committee include Dr. Duque as well as the Chairs and Directors of McGill Departments and Schools including Medicine (Geriatric Medicine), Family Medicine, Social Studies of Medicine and Nursing.
“We look forward to celebrating this exciting new initiative and to the many meaningful conversations it will inspire in the years ahead,” says Dr. Duque.