The rank of BGen has only been held by dentists a few times in CAF history, including Brigadier-General William Thompson, Brigadier-General James Wright, BrigadierGeneral John Federick Begin and Brigadier-General Victor Lanctis, who also served as head of the RCDC between 1993 and 1996. “I am the vehicle by which the dental profession is recognized. You don’t become a Brigadier-General by yourself. I am the product of the environment and the entire community that supported me,” says BGen Picard. Being part of the CAF has always filled BGen Picard with great pride, and he also feels truly grateful for the opportunities he’s been given along the way. “I’ve been extremely fortunate. I’ve been surrounded by great role models that believed in me and guided me,” he says. “They offered me opportunities in clinical and military leadership roles. Throughout my career, I’ve been surrounded by amazing teams and they’ve all made a significant impact on me.” That recognition also contributes to the health and well‑being of the military personnel. For BGen Picard, serving our nation in this role is a privilege that he takes very seriously. “I’ve been surrounded by so many people that inspired me, that gave me the energy to serve and the pride to wear a uniform. Every morning that I get up, I have a sense of purpose, supporting CAF members, people that are prepared to put their lives in harms way. It is extremely gratifying to know that we can make a tangible difference for the people that give so much to their country,” he says. Through many of his civilian professional engagements, either as the current Vice-Chair of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, or as past President of the Canadian Academy of Periodontology and the Canadian Dental Specialties Association, or as a member of numerous committees, BGen Picard has demonstrated his strong attachment to the dental profession. “Whenever the Canadian Dental Association has asked BGen Picard, he has always been willing to give of his time and expertise,” says Dr. Heather Carr, CDA President. “When BGen Picard has been asked to serve, he serves his country, but he also serves his profession. And the depth of his commitment speaks a lot to his character. He has many other responsibilities, but still, when CDA calls on him, he’s always willing to help out to the best of his abilities.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, BGen Picard participated on a regular basis in the CDA Infection Prevention and Control Working Group, sharing his experiences within the armed forces. This included various innovative measures put in place to further prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus and protect CAF members, clinicians and the community. “I’ve always admired him and appreciated his work ethic,” says Dr. Carr. “He is one of those rare people who embodies the best of dentistry and the Royal Canadian Dental Corps.” Today, BGen Picard sees himself as an advocate for the profession both in the dentistry and military fields. To him, nothing is more rewarding than serving. “It’s all about giving and serving and developing skills so that you can better serve people,” he says. (L. to r.) Brigadier-General Scott Malcolm (Commander Heath Services Division), Dr. Dian Lu (Medical Epidemiologist), Major-General Marc Bilodeau (Surgeon General), BGen Picard (Director General Health Services – Clinical Services), Chief Warrant Officer Martin Bédard (Canadian Forces Health Services Group Chief Warrant Officer), Colonel Carlo Rossi (Director Force Health Protection) on the occasion of World Aids Day and the U=U (undetectable HIV = untransmittable HIV) global public health campaign in 2023. 27 Issue 2 | 2024 | Issues and People
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