Precision health leader to transform child research impact

François Bernier Ally, enabler, innovator, doctor, researcher: these are a few words that describe Dr. François Bernier, MD. He is also known as transformer. "I have the best job in Canada -  to work with our exceptional research teams, and our brilliant partners to transform outcomes with children and youth, their families and communities," says Bernier, who was appointed as the director of the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI) on March 1, 2024. As a clinical geneticist with Alberta Health Services and a physician at Alberta Children's Hospital, Bernier focuses on the identification of genes for rare genetic disorders. Bernier served as head of medical genetics for over a decade, from 2012 to 2023, and is a professor in the departments of Medical Genetics and Paediatrics at the Cumming School of Medicine. "Dr. Bernier's invaluable expertise and willingness to provide answers when we had none have left an everlasting impact on our family," says Natalie Chung. "We are eternally grateful for his remarkable support and guidance." Dr. Bernier is a leader in precision health with 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and management of patients with genetic diseases.