Neuromuscular diseases clinic

The clinic’s nurses are at the core of the care provided to people suffering from neuromuscular diseases. They are the most important link between the clinic’s services, health network services or community partners. They act as case managers and key workers.

• They offer interventions that meet the needs of their clients. They are available to answer their questions and discuss their concerns.
• They work in collaboration with their clients and various health professionals.
• They coordinate and participate in the development of the services their clients need.
• They assist their clients with other health services or community partners to obtain the services they need.

If you have any question, needs, or changes in your health condition, do not hesitate to contact the clinic to speak with your nurse by calling 418 695-7777.

Nadine Leclerc

Clinical Nurse and Clinic Coordinator.
Bachelor’s degree in nursing science, has been working at the clinic since 2001.

Aline Larouche

Clinical Nurse
Bachelor’s degree in nursing science, has been working at the clinic since 2007. She also completed a diploma in bioethics.

Nancy Bouchard

Clinical nurse
Bachelor’s degree in nursing science, has been working at the clinic since 2007.

Specialist physicians diagnose and monitor your health condition.

The neurologist is the specialist physician who deals with neuromuscular diseases and who is involved early with affected individuals. Meetings with one of the CMNM neurologists take place regularly, with the frequency depending on the disease’s progression and the individual’s needs.

Occasionally, other doctors meet with patients directly at CMNM to support the team with specific issues related to their specialties : orthopedic surgeon, pulmonologist, neurogeneticist, pediatrician, general practitioner, etc.

The physiotherapist primarily evaluates the impact of difficulties caused by the muscles and skeleton. They assess :

• Balance, gait, and fall risks
• Endurance, strength, flexibility
• The safety of movements
• Etc.

They propose interventions to help individuals perform activities safely and independently, such as walking aids, orthotics, exercises, etc.

The social worker collaborates with the affected individual, their family, and close ones. They provide support following the diagnosis announcement and during periods of distress or significant grief related to the disease.

The social worker also assists with life changes (new job, school transition, reaching adulthood, etc.) or other challenges. Group interventions are also available.

The occupational therapist evaluates difficulties in performing daily activities, using hands, or dealing with fatigue. They propose interventions or adaptations to assist with activities such as:

• Dressing
• Personal hygiene
• Eating (cooking and feeding)
• Work or leisure tasks
• Mobility, transportation
• Etc.

They can offer advice on energy management, suitable accessories for carrying out activities, exercise programs, home adjustments, etc.

The neuropsychologist evaluates the impact of the diagnosis on behavior, emotions, memory, reasoning, logic, etc. To promote psychological health, they make recommendations, referrals, and interventions tailored to the needs of the affected individuals.

The nutritionist identifies difficulties in eating, such as difficulty swallowing food (dysphagia). They offer advice to help the affected individual eat sufficiently, such as:

• Tips for adapting food texture or swallowing more easily
• Tricks to reduce choking while eating
• Tips for stabilizing weight
• Etc.

Medical Secretary

Medical secretaries work in conjunction with nurses, doctors, and clinic professionals. They make it easier to track and update medical records and appointments.

Mission Coordinators

The mission coordinator supports the implementation of CMNM’s activities in its three missions (clinical activities, teaching, and research). They collaborate closely with the clinic team, particularly the three nurses, the medical coordinator (neurologist), and the director of the Interdisciplinary Research Group on Neuromuscular Diseases (GRIMN).

Knowledge Broker

The knowledge broker assists the practitioners by facilitating access to the best scientific and clinical knowledge on neuromuscular diseases. They develop practice guidelines for neuromuscular diseases in collaboration with the clinic team and experts, for both doctors and health professionals. They conduct knowledge transfer activities tailored to patients or professionals.

Program Manager

The Program Manager is responsible for the clinical-administrative management of the interdisciplinary team of the Neuromuscular Diseases Clinic. They organize, control, and evaluate activities related to the services provided in the program. They ensure the administrative and professional supervision of the practitioners.