Known especially for his work with facial injuries and deformities in children, he pioneered microvascular surgical techniques that have improved the lives of thousands of patients. Director emeritus of the Division of Plastic Surgery and the Residency Program at McGill University, he also founded the burn unit at the Montreal General Hospital. He is regarded by his colleagues as the embodiment of compassion in patient care, and has also led numerous medical organizations, notably the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.