Dr. Francis H. Glorieux: A Life Dedicated to Science, Care and Compassion

One of the most distinguished and beloved members of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada scientific community, Francis H. Glorieux, M.D., Ph.D., passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025. He was 85 years old.

Dr. Glorieux was a world-renowned physician scientist whose compassion, brilliance and unwavering dedication profoundly shaped the field of pediatric musculoskeletal health. For over five decades, he served as a cornerstone of Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, where his pioneering work transformed the lives of children living with metabolic bone diseases.

Among his most influential contributions was his groundbreaking research into rickets and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), commonly known as brittle bone disease. Thanks to Dr. Glorieux, what were once considered untreatable conditions have become manageable, dramatically improving health outcomes and quality of life for affected children. The therapeutic approaches he established are now recognized as the standard of care worldwide, a testament to his profound impact on medicine. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, he was awarded the Order of Canada in 2003 by the Governor General of Canada and officially invested on February 20, 2004.

In 1973, Dr. Glorieux founded the Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada Genetics Unit, which evolved into the internationally respected Research Centre, and he remained its visionary leader for decades. To recognize his efforts, Shriners Children's endowed the Francis Glorieux chair in pediatric musculoskeletal diseases in 2011 at McGill University - an enduring legacy to inspire and attract the next generation of world-class researchers. He served as professor of surgery, pediatrics and human genetics at McGill, publishing widely in journals and earning international awards for his scientific contributions. Upon retirement from McGill, he was awarded the recognition of emeritus professor of surgery.

Dr Glorieux and the team at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada advocated for the reactivation of the Canadian Osteogenesis Imperfecta Society (COIS). He was a proud founding board member and chair of the COIS Medical Advisory Committee. In 2024, COIS successfully launched the Francis Glorieux Research Fellowship to honor all that he gave to the OI community and to ensure that his legacy lives on. He was part of the selection process for the inaugural Francis Glorieux Research Fellowships and had the opportunity to present them in person at the hospital as part of one of our centennial events. This was a very fitting venue, given this is where the OI treatment success began under his leadership.

More than a pioneer, Dr. Glorieux was a cherished member of our healthcare system and steadfast advocate for children. On behalf of Shriners Children's, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Glorieux's family, friends and the global community of medical professionals who mourn his passing. We celebrate his life with deep gratitude for his vision, his impact and his service to our mission.