MUHC’s Got Talent brings health care workers to the stage for a good cause

Have you ever wondered if your health care professional has a hidden talent? Maybe your dermatologist is a dancer, your nurse sings opera or your respirologist plays in a rock band. Now, you can find out.

The MUHC Foundation is proud to bring back MUHC’s Got Talent for its second year. Modelled after the hit TV show, the exciting event takes health care professionals out of the clinic and puts them on stage for a good cause. Supporters from across the province are invited to vote for their favourite performer by making a donation to the MUHC Foundation.

Each performer will take to the stage at the storied MTELUS (formerly Metropolis) on November 7, 2023, in front of a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges. This year, we are excited to welcome back beloved radio and television host Catherine Verdon-Diamond, who will be joined by musician and music journalist Jason Rockman and the multi-talented Mitsou, known across Quebec for her singing, acting and writing. The judges will provide live commentary after each performance.

At the end of the night, two MUHC stars will be crowned by voters, and three will be selected for prizes by our panel of celebrity judges. The Fan Favourite is the winner of the popular vote, while the Fundraising Champion is the performer who raises the most donations. The top three performers selected by the judges will receive cash prizes to benefit their causes.

Dr. Marcel Behr

The MUHC Foundation’s inaugural MUHC’s Got Talent in 2022 raised over $677,000 to support excellence in research and patient care at the MUHC. The evening featured a wide range of musical talents, from bands made up of MUHC health care workers to three high school groups who stepped up to fundraise on behalf of the MUHC.

Meet the Performers

Dr. Marcel Behr, piano

Dr. Marcel Behr is Director of the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity (MI4) and a classically trained musician. In high school, his band teacher inspired him to throw out his sheet music and learn to improvise. These days, he is much more likely to play Elton John than Bach or Vivaldi. When not behind his keyboard, Dr. Behr leads over 250 experts at MI4 as they find solutions to some of the world’s deadliest diseases: COVID-19, tuberculosis and more. All votes for Dr. Behr will support ground-breaking infectious disease research at MI4.

Billie du Page with Dr. Donald Vinh (left) and her mother, actress, host and writer Julie du Page (right)

Billie du Page, singer/songwriter

In 2020, at just 15 years old, Billie du Page won a talent show on the popular Noovo television program La semaine des 4 Julie. Now 18, she is lending her extraordinary talent to support the work of Dr. Donald Vinh, who provides much-needed care to patients with rare and genetic diseases. Show business runs in Billie’s family: her mother is actress, host and writer Julie du Page.

Dr. Jason Shahin

Dr. Jason Shahin, rock band

Respirologist turned rockstar Dr. Jason Shahin returns to MUHC’s Got Talent this year with a brand new band. After a third-place finish last year, Dr. Shahin is turning up the amps for an unparalleled performance that is sure to capture the hearts of the audience and the judges. As always, the band hopes to entertain, induce mild tinnitus, and raise funds to support lifesaving care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The Pillars, a musical group made up of MUHC nurses

The Pillars – MUHC Nursing Team, musical performance

Nurses are the pillars of the health care system. Driven by knowledge and passion, the MUHC’s 3,500 nurses are here to provide the best care for you and your family. They stay by your side for every moment of your health care journey. When not in their scrubs, The Pillars are mothers, friends, yoga instructors, coaches, dancers, musicians, and singers. They promise to make you jump out of your seat with their rocking musical performance.

Lauren Viera

Lauren Vieira, voice

Lauren Vieira’s love of singing started with Disney sing-a-long tapes when she was just a little girl. A self-taught vocalist, she has performed at Montreal’s Club Soda and even auditioned for Canadian Idol. Her pop and country vocals are sure to make you dance. When not on the stage, Lauren provides invaluable support to the MUHC Foundation as an executive assistant. All votes for Lauren will support the most pressing needs of the MUHC, ensuring the very best health care for all.

Fatima Zahra Haouzi

Fatima Zahra Haouzi, guitar

Fatima Zahra Haouzi is a geotechnical engineer at AtkinsRéalis with a hidden talent: she is a classical guitarist. Originally from Morocco, she studied guitar and music theory at the the Conservatoire de Musique et d’Art Chorégraphique in Salé, Morocco. Fatima lost her father to cancer a decade ago, and is performing in support of cancer research at the MUHC. A partner of the MUHC Glen site since its inception, AtkinsRéalis is proud to participate in MUHC’s Got Talent.

Dr. Matthias Friedrich

Dr. Matthias Friedrich, guitar

Dr. Matthias Friedrich is a cardiologist and researcher at the MUHC who loves to rock. He returns to MUHC’s Got Talent for the second time this year. When he’s not wailing on his guitar, he is Scientific Director of the Courtois Cardiovascular Signature Program, where he researches imaging techniques to diagnose cardiovascular disease. A guitarist since age 14, he is proud to lend his talent to supporting cardiology research and care.

Patricia Soussana

Patricia Soussana, voice

Patricia Soussana is a hairstylist, make-up artist and breast cancer survivor. She has loved to sing and dance since she was a teenager, and is thrilled to give back to the MUHC Breast Clinic by performing at MUHC’s Got Talent. The owner of O Way Coiffure-Spa, Patricia is a long-time supporter of the Raise Craze head shaving fundraiser, and was responsible for shaving MUHC Breast Clinic Director Dr. Sarkis Meterissian’s head in 2021.

À la Carte choir

À la Carte, a capella choir

À la Carte is made up of six friends who sing a capella with classic barbershop harmonies. The lively group has toured the north shore of Quebec, bringing the sweet sounds of pop songs from the 60s, 80s and beyond to many communities. They are fundraising in support of the Lachine Hospital to show gratitude for the amazing care some of the choir members have received, including life-changing cataract surgery.

Dr. Isabelle Malhamé

Dr. Isabelle Malhamé, voice

Dr. Isabelle Malhamé, a physician-scientist specializing in maternal health, has been singing for as long as she can remember. In high school, her time was carefully split between doing her homework, passing exams, and jamming with the school band. She may have chosen a career in medicine, but Dr. Malhamé has never given up on her passion for singing. She is taking to the stage with heart—her performance will support women’s heart health.

Dave Hazel

Dave Hazel, guitar

A dedicated musician since high school, Dave loves to experiment with different genres. From classic metal to jazz and baroque, to Japanese pop and Celtic-inspired tunes, Dave’s vast interests reflect his creative spirit. When he’s not jamming with Uriel, his band of 7 years, Dave provides key support to the Adult Ophthalmologic Clinic, where he works as an administrative agent. A gaming hobbyist and vintage collector, Dave has a ton of passion, and can’t wait to bring it to the MUHC’s Got Talent stage. Be prepared for some serious guitar wizardry!

You can be part of this exciting event! Join us at MTELUS on November 7, 2023, to witness your health care providers’ fabulous performances. Be sure to vote! To learn more, visit https://talent.muhcfoundation.com