About the Canadian Chronic Urticaria Society

Diane Fournier dealt with chronic urticaria for many years, without ever knowing the source of her symptoms. After a MSc in Physiology-Endocrinology with a focus on breast cancer hormonal treatment and molecular modeling, she made a career change from pharmaceutical research to software engineering. She worked at the CHUL research center, as an IT research professional within the Simulation and Screening Lab at Université Laval, and also as a software developer in industrial applications. She currently works as a software engineer for NDT applications at Eddyfi Technologies.

She will use her expertise in software development processes to support the development of the “Urtic” app.

After a career in research, mainly in the field of Inflammation Immunology Allergy Rheumatology, Simonne Lille is ready to tackle a new challenge by participating in the development of the “Urtic” app, a project geared towards helping patients and physicians better understand, analyze and treat chronic urticaria.

“Cheers to the success of the company, and to improving the quality of life for those living with this disease”.

“Throughout my career, it is research that has instilled in me the most beautiful professional values! Claudine Parent repeated this sentence throughout the 33 years that followed her 11-year stint at the CHUL’s Immunology-Allergy-Rheumatology Laboratory, where she worked as a medical laboratory technologist with Dr. Jacques Hébert.

A graduate in business administration, in consulting and in political science, she was successively service manager in a university hospital environment, self-employed and in an advisory role with various managements of establishments of the Integrated University Health Network of the University. ‘Laval University.

Retired since 2018, Claudine is enthusiastically returning to the world of immunology-allergy by being actively involved in the Canadian Chronic Urticaria Association.

Julie Auger, Esq. has practiced primarily in business law and civil and commercial litigation with Bouchard + Avocats for more than fifteen years.

In business law, she accompanies her clients through the winding journey of commercial transactions. From idea to signature, decisions must be made, terms negotiated and rights applied. With firmness, judgment and discernment, we can arrive at just the right compromises for the success of a transaction, a win-win for all parties. She is also responsible for setting up the financing necessary for the realization of business purchases.

In litigation, Me Auger represents corporate clients in both their commercial disputes and the agreement, recovery and realization of guarantees.

Dr Jaques Hébert a globally recognized leader in his field, began his research in immunology at the Center for Medical Research at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1976, he became a research associate at Laval University and later became head of the immunology and allergy clinic at CHUL.

Since then, he has held a number of positions, most notably those of professor at Laval University, senior researcher and co-director of the CHUL Center for Rheumatology and Immunology Research.

Director of the Center for Applied Research in Allergy of Quebec. Director of the Center for Applied Research in Allergy of Quebec, he sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Immunology. He was a member of the steering committee, and president in 2003, of the Canadian Society for rare blood disorders.

A prolific speaker, Dr. Hébert has participated in more than 50 national and international conferences around the world.

Notable contributions include:

• President of a working conference in Los Angeles.
• Co-Chair Cold Clinics symposium in Toronto.
• President of a symposium on molecular biology.
• Attendee for the Canadian Allergy Advisory Committee in New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, Washington and Orlando.

He continues to contribute by seeking and sharing his knowledge.

Catherine Zhu, a fourth-year medical student at McGill University, has developed a strong passion for dermatology and immunology. Early in her medical education, she connected with Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan and Dr. Elena Netchiporouk, who introduced her to the fascinating field of chronic urticaria.

Under their mentorship, Catherine has contributed to multiple research projects, which she has presented at both national and international conferences and subsequently published. She has been actively involved in recruiting patients for Montreal’s chronic urticaria registry and collaborating with international partners in Germany to establish a global registry.

Aziz Abdul Ghafoor is a second-year medical student at UBC with a passion for dermatology and patient advocacy. Originally from Afghanistan and raised in Canada, Aziz Is dedicated to improving health outcomes for marginalized communities. His work with Chronic Urticaria Canadian Chronic Urticaria Society) reflects his commitment to supporting patients who face chronic skin conditions. Through this partnership, he aims to raise awareness, foster support networks, and provide educational resources to empower individuals affected by chronic urticaria across Canada.