Path of a Healer: A Time to Reflect

"Path of a Healer: a time to reflect," is a story of the boundaries between life and death. Written by a pediatric cardiac surgeon, Dr. Jacques LeBlanc, the memoir examines and pays homage to a father-son relationship, faith, friendship, mentorship, rural Quebec and the mysteries of open-heart surgery. It also explores the concept of spiritual life on earth. After stories of love, and loss, the author is able to speak about facing death without trying to cure it. It builds strong connections between the secular and spiritual worlds. The book should appeal to readers of memoir and non-fiction of all adult age group, who are intrigued by the topics of medicine, healing, spirituality, family relationships and family history.

Jacques G. LeBlanc M.D., F.R.C.S.C., trained in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at the University of Toronto (1980-82), and Tulane University (1982-83), New Orleans, Louisiana. Practicing as an adult congenital and pediatric cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Jacques was responsible for the care of children with congenital heart defects throughout the province of British Columbia. As Director of the Cardiac Sciences Program at BCCH he lead and fostered the expansion and development of cardiovascular services for seventeen years before retiring in December 2009 after thirty years in practice.

Jacques has participated as a member of many National and International Committees in addition to holding multiple administrative positions at BC Children's Hospital. He directed the cardiac sciences team training at the Fudan University Children's Hospital of Shanghai, for eight years through a partnership with BCCH. In 2010, he and his wife, developed a volunteer partnership with the Apollo Children's Hospital, Chennai, where he mentored a young surgeon and a new pediatric cardiac surgery program for 7 years. He has authored two medical books, "The Operative and Postoperative Management of Congenital Heart Defects," and "Medicine for Life: a Practical Guide for Success", published 76 medical articles and given 106 verbal presentations.

In collaboration with his wife, Susan, he transformed his previous medical company under which he practiced medicine, to LeBlanc Wellness Consulting Inc. (leblancwellness.com). Their website showcases their work and their commitment to exploring new options for those interested in developing and enhancing their sense of wellbeing.