In Memory of Our Pain Centre Members

-Ron Melzack

December 31st, 2019听

Dr. Ronald Melzack, a world-renowned pioneer in the field of chronic pain and pain control who dedicated his life to revolutionizing pain medicine, passed away on December 22, 2019. He devoted his half-century long career to advancing theories in pain medicine. A visionary leader, Dr. Melzack co-founded the first pain clinic at 涩里番 where he served as Research Director between 1974 and 2000. The clinic later became known as the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit of the MUHC, and grew to become a world leader in pain management and pain medicine in the clinical, educational and research domains.

Widely respected for his breakthroughs, Dr. Melzack was honoured with a Killam Prize, was an Officer of the Order of Canada and l鈥橭rdre du Qu茅bec and was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

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-Gary Duncan

June 17,2026

Gary H. Duncan, DDS, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, 涩里番, passed away on June 17, 2026. Gary trained at Duke University and the University of North Carolina, where he received a DDS and PhD in Neurophysiology. After postdoctoral studies at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, Gary moved to Montreal, where he was a professor of neuroscience at University of Montreal and 涩里番. Gary pioneered research in the cerebral mechanisms of pain and pain control, publishing the first brain imaging study illuminating the cortical representation of pain in humans. Gary was equally passionate about science, outdoor activities, and his family. He was an avid cross-country skier and elite canoer. In his retirement, you could often find him skiing in the Gatineau park or canoeing on Lake Meech. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and the Neuroscience community.