Honouring the memory of L. Jacques Ménard with a new Research Chair in Thoracic Surgery, Transplantation, and Regenerative Medicine

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Thoracic Surgery Research Foundation of Montreal, BMO proudly announced a donation of $2 million toward the creation of the “BMO – L. Jacques Ménard Research Chair in Thoracic Surgery, Transplantation, and Regenerative Medicine.”

This Chair will honour the memory of a brilliant businessman who was with BMO for more than 40 years, in addition to his significant contributions to his community. And the research it enables will make a significant impact in the lives of countless people, through groundbreaking medical advances in the field of transplantation. 

Grégoire Baillargeon, President, BMO Quebec and Vice-Chair, BMO Capital Markets announced the donation at the Foundation’s iconic Black and White Gala. Grégoire expressed his pride at being associated with this memorable event.

“On behalf of BMO and as Honorary President of this extraordinary gala, I am honoured to contribute to this state-of-the-art medical research and support the creation of the BMO – L. Jacques Ménard Research Chair, which will honour the memory of a brilliant businessman, devoted philanthropist and dedicated family man. The research will make a significant, positive impact in the lives of countless people through ground-breaking medical advances in the field of transplantation”. 

– Grégoire Baillargeon 
President, BMO Quebec and Vice-Chair, BMO Capital Markets

The donation demonstrates the bank’s profound commitment to support cutting-edge medical research. The creation of this research chair at the University of Montreal represents a giant step forward in the fight against lung and thoracic diseases. The chair’s ambitious scientific objectives include improving graft preservation and reconditioning, repairing damaged organs, and genetically modifying organs prior to transplantation using ex vivo perfusion.

“This generous donation is an important step in our quest to push back the boundaries of medicine and offer hope to those suffering from lung and thoracic diseases. We are extremely grateful and express our heartfelt thanks to BMO, Mr. Grégoire Baillargeon, and the Ménard family for believing in our cause and sharing our vision.”

– Dr. Pasquale Ferraro
President of the Thoracic Surgery Research Foundation of Montreal

The celebration was also a way to highlight the Foundation’s impressive achievements over the years while laying the framework for continued success in medical research and innovation in Thoracic Surgery.