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| Lub Bilodeau, MD. (1961-2015) |
I remember the first time I met Dr. Luc Bilodeau. It was during one of his brief visits to Kuwait back in 2013. I saw in him a humble gentleman who performed his procedures in silence. I introduced myself and told him how much I was interested in invasive cardiology. He was welcoming and friendly to my many questions.
Luc was the director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory when I started my interventional cardiology fellowship at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal later on that year. Despite his prestigious status and household name. Despite being a prominent figure in his specialty along with his various academic activities as a lecturer and trainer worldwide. He worked quietly in the cathlab next to his colleagues. As if he were an average attending physician.
One of Luc's colleagues sat next to me at the end of my very first day of the fellowship. I remember that day vividly. He told me "You are lucky you'll be with Luc. You will be trained by one of the best cardiologists in the country".
Luc was the pro-active kind of guy. He worked closely with the nursing staff and technologists during cardiac emergencies. He trained himself in a way that enabled him to perform a full procedure on his own. Independently. Unassisted.
He kept his calm during emergency procedures. No matter how complex or critical the condition of the patient on the table was. Since his job revolved around emergencies after all.
Luc was not much of a talker. His comments were brief, concise, well put, and straight to the point. His French accent added a majestic touch to the conversation as well.
I told him how much I admired his cool...
He replied "if you freak out, it would neither be good to you, nor to your patient".
I told him once how much I admired his modesty and decency...
To that he said "my father told me if you want to be on top of your game, you can't be hostile to others".
His view on his work ethic was clear.
He told me "when I am sad, I work. I like my job. Sometimes I like it too much".
Whenever he was called at night to perform an urgent coronary angiogram, he rushed to the hospital without arguing with the physician who called him. His rationale was "if the doctor on-duty calls you, it means he needs your help!".
Whenever he was called at night to perform an urgent coronary angiogram, he rushed to the hospital without arguing with the physician who called him. His rationale was "if the doctor on-duty calls you, it means he needs your help!".
I told him I joined a nearby gym. He said "Good. training should be part of your daily routine". He used to workout regularly. It was a matter of "leadership by example". A cardiologist who tells his patients to lead a healthy life should lead one himself.
On the final day of my fellowship I told him how much I anticipated his next visit to Kuwait. I told him I would be assisting him. He said "No. In Kuwait I will be assisting you". I was so close to hugging him at that moment. Only the great ones reach that level of humility.
Months have passed. I completed my fellowship and went back home. I met Luc in Kuwait later on November 2014. I told him how much I was frustrated for not always getting my way in improving the workflow. He assured me, "have faith in your technique: apply light, but constant pressure. You will be get there".
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| Luc Bilodeau's last visit to Kuwait |
Dr. Bilodeau died unexpectedly at a young age. He will always be in my heart. I know for a fact I am only one of the many people who were touched by him. Doctors and patients alike. I will always cherish the time I spent under his wing. He will always be my mentor, teacher, role model, and older brother.
Rest in peace, Dr. Bilodeau.
