Inducted 2016 – Significant Contributor
Safety and Medical Preparedness is a key factor in the sustainability of hosting a Formula One Championship Event. Dr. Bouchard has served as principal of the Formula One Medical Team for the Grand Prix of Canada in Montreal since its inception in 1978. Beginning in 1979, Dr. Bouchard assumed the role of Chief Medical Officer for the event, a position he has shared with Dr. Ronald Denis since 1987.
Dr. Bouchard, along with Dr. Denis, has been instrumental in advancing the field of the delivery of health care at motorsport events in Canada and around the world through his participation in the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Medical Commision. Both have worked closely with the recognized pioneer of race medical systems, the late Dr. Sidney Watkins. Dr. Watkins is an honourable member of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
In Canada, each year, medical and intervention specialists from across Canada come to Montreal to participate in the F1 Medical and Intervention Team. Upon returning to their hometowns, participants share what they’ve learned at events across Canada. Dr. Denis pioneered the system of simultaneous video and voice communication between the track hospital patient stabilization unit and the downtown Montreal Emergency Medical Team situation room at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, Montreal’s Trauma Facility.