Background
The son of a gastroenterologist, Dewailly was interested in sociology while in his teenage years, but his focus changed to infectious diseases and protecting public health after a trip to the Ivory Coast.
The son of a gastroenterologist, Dewailly was interested in sociology while in his teenage years, but his focus changed to infectious diseases and protecting public health after a trip to the Ivory Coast.
Dewailly"s education included a degree in medicine from the University of Lille (1982), specialized studies in public health ( Certificate in Superior Studies, Amiens, 1983, a residency in community health (Laval University, 1983-1985), a master"s degree in epidemiology (Laval University, 1987), and a Doctor of Philosophy in toxicology (University of Lille, 1990).
He was particularly notable for his research into human toxicology and the effect of contaminants on the environment in the Arctic. A professor of medicine at Laval University and the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec Research Center, he was also a scientific director of the World Health Organization"s Collaborative Centre in Environmental Health. During his career, he served as professor of medicine at Laval University, directed the Laval University Medical Centre"s Public Health Research Unit, and was scientific director of the World Health Organization"s Collaborative Centre in Environmental Health.
He was also a professor and Scientific Director at Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec Research Center, as well as director of the CIHR funded Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health.
Dewailly was married to Doctor Sylvie Dodin Dewailly, a professor of medicine at Laval University. He died in a rock slide accident on Réunion Island on June 17, 2014.
