The IRCM Celebrates an Outstanding Career Dedicated to Innovation, Research and Patient Well-Being
The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is proud to announce that Ms. Chantal Blais, Chief Nutritionist at IRCM for more than 40 years, is the 2026 recipient of the Fellow Distinction from the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ), the highest recognition awarded by the Order to honour career excellence.
This prestigious distinction is awarded to professionals whose careers have had an exceptional impact on their discipline, their professional environment and society. For the IRCM, this honour pays tribute to a woman whose commitment, expertise and humanism have profoundly transformed nutritional care for thousands of patients in Quebec.
A Pioneer in the Field
As the IRCM approaches its 60th anniversary, this distinction carries particular symbolic significance, as Chantal Blais has worked at the Institute for several decades, always with an innovative perspective. Since joining IRCM in 1985, Chantal Blais has contributed to advancing clinical nutrition practices, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular health, including lipid disorders, metabolic diseases, diabetes, obesity and rarer kidney diseases, always keeping abreast of the most modern practices. Recognized for her scientific rigour as much as for her deeply human approach, she has supported several generations of patients as they navigated the daily challenges associated with their health.
“Chantal perfectly embodies IRCM’s mission: putting science at the service of people. For more than four decades, she has supported patients in our clinic with exceptional compassion while contributing to the advancement of knowledge in her field. Her influence extends far beyond the walls of our institution. This recognition is thoroughly deserved,” said Dr. Jean-François Côté, President and Scientific Director of IRCM.
Over the years, Chantal has played a pivotal role in integrating scientific discoveries into the care provided to the population. Her work has helped bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by developing innovative and practical approaches to improve the health and quality of life of people living with chronic diseases.
A highly respected mentor, a dedicated collaborator and a leading figure in her field, she has helped train and inspire numerous healthcare professionals throughout her career.
For Chantal Blais, this recognition holds special meaning:
“I have had the privilege of building my career in an environment where research and patient care mutually enrich one another to improve patients’ lives. This distinction touches me deeply because, above all, it reflects the work of extraordinary teams with whom I have had the privilege of collaborating over the years.”
The official presentation of the Fellow Distinction will take place on October 15 at the annual gala of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec.
