Q&A With Dr. Pierre Courchesne, Founder of Le Centre de Médecine & Chirurgie Esthétique

When you aspire to fulfill your dreams through determination and passion, the universe conspires to make it so. Thus began the life of Dr. Pierre Courchesne, Owner, and Founder of Le Centre de Médecine & Chirurgie Esthétique, (CMCE), which translates to The Center for Medicine & Aesthetic Surgery, (CMCE). For over three decades, Dr. Pierre Courchesne has served over 40,000 patients to accomplish their aesthetic goals and dreams.

Dr.Courchesne’s humble beginnings came from the small farming region of Quebec. He was born the tenth child of fourteen. His family where farmers as were many other families in the region. Children of this region learned a trade while assisting on the farm. Commonly, children made their living either on the farm or in construction or perhaps teaching. As a child, Pierre Courchesne knew that he wanted to become a doctor. This was beyond the realm of the norm for children of this region. But not beyond the realms of desire and determination. Courchesne took positions waiting tables, in construction, or any odd jobs he could find to work his way through college. It was very tight financially but he was getting through it. It was not until his senior year when it became impossible to continue along this path. But it was not in his destiny to fail. He had worked too hard and had come too far. As the universe conspired with an unknown banker, Pierre Courchesne put out a passionate plea for a loan to complete his schooling. As destiny would have it, the loan was provided and true to his word, he completed his studies at the University of Laval in Quebec City and graduated in 1981.

In 2017, Dr. Pierre Courchesne celebrated his twenty-fifth-year anniversary of the opening of Le Centre de Médecine & Chirurgie Esthétique. He has served well over 40,000 patients. In addition, Dr. Courchesne has been recognized by The International Association of HealthCare Professionals as one of the “Leading Physicians of the World”. In addition, he was acknowledged by his peers as “Top Cosmetic Medicine and Surgery Specialist” in Quebec, Canada.

He is devoted to learning leading-edge techniques for Aesthetic Surgery.  Dr. Pierre Courchesne is currently focused on perfecting his techniques with Dr Di Maio, the top world specialist in injectables.

Tell us a bit about what you do.

I treat many kinds of patients. Most patients are treated for varicose veins or skin lesions, and lipoma extractions. I also consult for hair transplants and liposuction. Some patients receive face rejuvenation or maintenance treatments such as Botox and injectable fillers. Most people would like to age gracefully. I will consult with them and provide a program to address each concern. Additionally, I consult with my patients to define desires and expectations. I quickly identify clients who may believe that having an aesthetic procedure will resolve all life’s challenges. That is a patient not suited for aesthetic procedures.

What gave you the idea for (what you do/your company)? How did it start?

I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a doctor. I cannot remember a time that I wanted to be anything else. As I worked on emergency patients, I recognized that I was gifted with stitching wounds and that when done well, healing would occur much faster with very little scarring. I spent some time in the United States at the Cleveland Clinic and honed my skills. Years later, I returned to Canada in 1992 and opened my practice in general medicine in association with Dr. Prescott at the surgery clinic Centre Ville. Dr. Prescott practices cosmetic surgery and is recognized as one of the best in Montreal. During that time, I received my diploma for Phlebology while I was taking my fellowship at the American College of International Physicians. I knew then that I had a talent for injectables. I trained in hair transplants and liposuction as well as learning the latest techniques and procedures for cosmetic application. It was simply the evolution of my professional passion that started me on this path.

What’s your favorite thing about your chosen profession?

I am most touched by the relationship that I build with my patients. Each person has a different reason for coming to see me. Each person’s story is different. I ask many questions during the initial consultation and we have that opportunity to build a relationship that elicits a deep feeling of trust. It has been and continues to be very rewarding. Together we can discuss the desired goals with the belief that it can be achieved.

What keys to being productive can you share with us?

The most productive thing that I can do is to build relationships with my clients as well as my staff. I have an amazing team of individuals who I am proud to say are very like-minded. Furthermore, we work very hard to assure that the practice runs smoothly and that our clients are satisfied.

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

Like most of my fellow doctors, especially in aesthetics and orthopedics, I follow with great interest the breakthroughs using Stem Cell technology. I believe this technology will create crowning achievements for all who strive to research the benefits of stem cells.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

The most valuable lesson I have learned is that you cannot please all the people all the time.  I had to learn that not all people can be helped. I must ascertain those individuals who I feel that come to purchase a “basket of happiness. I do not sell baskets of happiness.” The biggest lesson learned is “If the person is not well inside, no aesthetic procedure can give him a feeling of inner peace.” They must find inner peace by other means.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field? 

I would tell others who aspire to succeed in the field of aesthetics not to give up a dream. You should always continue to learn the latest innovations and to stay on top of the leading edge of techniques and procedures. Never stop learning. Go to conferences and meet with mentors. Moreover, it is most important to understand the people who come to you for aesthetic procedures. Building and maintaining relationships with clients as well as staff are of the utmost importance.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I love the outdoors, fresh air, exercising, and sharing free time with my family.

Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell younger Dr. Pierre Courchesne to go play and enjoy life. Balance work with fun. Travel, relish the outdoors and learn a new language, especially if you marry into a family who speaks a different language. I live a healthy lifestyle now, but I could have started exercising earlier.

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