The Faces of IRCUS: Meet Isabelle St-Pierre Brousseau

In 2026, the Université de Sherbrooke Cancer Research Institute (IRCUS) is celebrating its 5th anniversary by highlighting the richness and commitment of its community. Throughout The Faces of IRCUS series, you will meet the people who are helping to transform hope into tangible progress for people affected by cancer.

Meet Isabelle St-Pierre Brousseau, an oncology clinical research nurse at IRCUS, based at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS.

Isabelle St-Pierre Brousseau earned her nursing diploma from the Cégep de Sherbrooke and then her clinical nursing certificate from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQAT). She worked as a nurse for over 12 years in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and trauma before becoming the neuro-oncology nurse coordinator for Dr. David Mathieu and Dr. David Fortin.

What led you to your current role at IRCUS, and what does your work involve today?

I joined IRCUS after a colleague of mine from the neuro-oncology clinics suggested I apply for a research nurse position.

What role have you played since IRCUS was founded?

I have worked as a research nurse with the oncology team for nearly nine years. I take part in clinical trials in hematology-oncology, pulmonary oncology, gastrointestinal oncology, and neuro-oncology. I also coordinate the neuro-oncology team.

What motivated you to get involved with IRCUS?

My experience with the oncology research team has been particularly rewarding. Although my position was initially temporary, I really wanted to keep working with cancer patients. Research was a big draw for me, as I felt like I was making a difference and was helping to improve the patient care pathway.

What event or person at IRCUS has made a significant impact on you?

While I really enjoy working with every doctor on the team, I have a special affinity for Dr. David Mathieu, Dr. Frédéric Lemay, and Dr. Michel Pavic. They are passionate and exceptional people who give their time to support the team and care for patients without any thought to the effort or hours they spend.

Can you tell us a touching or memorable anecdote from your time at IRCUS?

I really appreciate it when patients who are no longer in a clinical trial stop by to say hello while they are here for a medical appointment. When they take the time to let me know how they’re doing, it deeply moves me. This heartfelt gesture shows that I played an important role in their care journey, and you can’t put a price on that.

How do you see IRCUS evolving over the next five years?

The evolution of Phase 1 oncology studies will play a key role in our progress, enabling IRCUS to position itself as a leading reference in oncology for local and international communities, while also allowing us to offer patients novel treatments stemming from the latest research breakthroughs.

What has IRCUS let you express, experience or build?

I have formed solid friendships and incredible bonds with my colleagues. I am proud to be part of the amazing IRCUS team, which works so hard to advance oncology research. I feel that I am fully reaching my potential and constantly learning new things in my role as a coordinator and through each of our research studies.

Which achievement related to your work at IRCUS would make you the proudest?

Overall, my work makes me very proud. I am so glad that we can offer novel treatments to patients who often have few other options. I really cherish my personal relationship with each of them.

The 5th anniversary of IRCUS is not only a time to look back on the path we have taken but also the beginning of a new chapter in which researchers, the community, and partners come together to transform the future of cancer. Together, let’s keep building a world where every discovery brings us closer to a cure and every act of support helps save lives.

To stay up to date with this inspiring year of celebrations, follow IRCUS on:
LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.