For nearly a decade, a dedicated physician at the Montréal Sacré-Cœur Hospital has devoted his practice to a field that is as complex as it is essential: vasculitis. These rare inflammatory diseases, in which the immune system attacks blood vessels, can progress rapidly and lead to severe, sometimes irreversible, complications. In a field where every minute counts, Dr. Jean-Paul Makhzoum's commitment perfectly embodies the promise at the heart of our awareness campaign: devoting heart and soul to every patient.
Transforming Medical Practice, One Innovation at a Time
Early in his training, Dr. Makhzoum was struck by the complexity of these diseases, which can affect nearly every organ in the body—from the eyes and brain to the lungs and kidneys. Beyond their complexity, however, it was the lack of awareness and the delays in diagnosis that shaped his vocation.
"We have very little time to make the right diagnosis and begin treatment. Yet for many years, patients had to wait—sometimes far too long."
Driven to change that reality, Dr. Makhzoum played a key role in introducing and developing an innovative approach: temporal artery ultrasound. When he first began working with this technology, it was not yet being used anywhere in Canada. Without dedicated protected time, he met with patients early in the morning or late in the evening, convinced of the technology's potential to transform care.
Today, this technique allows physicians to diagnose a disease in just minutes that previously required weeks of waiting and invasive procedures.
"This breakthrough has completely transformed my practice—and that of many of my colleagues across Quebec. Today, temporal artery ultrasound is an integral part of the rapid assessment of patients with suspected giant cell arteritis. Although access to this technology remains limited, our team is fully committed to seeing patients from across the province as quickly as possible."
One defining moment in his career clearly illustrates the human impact of this innovation. A patient who had suffered two unexplained strokes and whose condition was rapidly deteriorating received an immediate diagnosis thanks to this technology. Treatment began without delay. A few months later, she had regained her independence, was walking again, and had returned to her family.
"That was the moment I truly understood that innovation in medicine is not an abstract concept. It changes lives in very real and tangible ways."
United by a Common Commitment to Every Patient
This transformation has only been possible because of a highly dedicated team, with each member contributing to the excellence of the Vasculitis Program. Comprised of Dr. Samer Hussein, Dr. Hussein Baalbaki, Dr. Stéphanie Ducharme-Bénard, Dr. Carolyn Ross, Dr. Jean-Paul Makhzoum, and Dr. Rosalie-Sélène Meunier, this multidisciplinary team now evaluates more than 800 patients each year from across Quebec and beyond.
"Our Vasculitis Program team is exceptional. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the internists, rheumatologists, and research collaborators with whom I work closely, as well as our research coordinator, research assistants, and students who contribute to our projects every day. Advances in medicine always begin with an idea—but above all, they are the result of a collective effort."
Together, they have established the Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital as a leading referral centre, combining specialized patient care, research, and education. Their work now extends well beyond diagnosis, focusing on improving treatments, preventing complications, and personalizing therapeutic approaches.
"Research is especially important in the field of rare diseases such as vasculitis. For many years, numerous medical decisions were based on very limited scientific evidence simply because these diseases were so difficult to study."
This journey—marked by innovation and collaboration—has been made possible through the essential support of the Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital Foundation. The acquisition of the hospital's first high-resolution ultrasound system and the development of its research infrastructure laid the foundation for a program that is now recognized internationally.
"I am also honoured to have been appointed by my Canadian colleagues to lead the development of Canada's first clinical practice guidelines for giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. This national initiative brings together experts from across the country to improve and standardize the care provided to patients."
Today, as the team prepares to welcome the International Vasculitis Congress to Montréal in 2030, one thing remains unchanged: its unwavering commitment to patients.
"Our patients are what motivate us. Seeing the impact that a timely diagnosis or an appropriate treatment can have on someone's life gives profound meaning to everything we do."
For the past 100 years, this spirit of commitment has been at the heart of the Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital—driven by the expertise, passion, and compassion of the people who dedicate themselves to caring for others.