Assistant professor
Department of Kinesiology
Faculty of Medicine

Catherine Fortier, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Université Laval and the first kinesiologist researcher of the Endocrinology-Nephrology Axis at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center. Initially trained in clinical kinesiology with a specialization in cardiometabolic diseases (DESS in clinical kinesiology), she furthered her expertise with research in chronic kidney disease. Her early work focused on fall risk, mineral and bone metabolism disorders, and arterial stiffness in the context of chronic kidney disease. She pursued a postdoctoral work at the Paris Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC, Paris, France), studying the pharmacoepidemiology of carotid baroreflex and vascular and hemodynamic changes induced by simulated microgravity (prolonged bed rest). Throughout her journey, she gained a deep understanding of vascular aging, reinforcing her belief in exercise as vascular medicine. Fortier’s research has been funded multiple times, including by CIHR, FRQS in partnership with the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), and the Canadian Kidney Foundation. On the clinical side, her graduate studies and initial postdoctoral work allowed her to specialize in interventions for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Her research interests focus on vasculometabolic rehabilitation in the context of chronic diseases (chronic kidney disease, diabetes, steatohepatitis). Catherine Fortier has a particular interest in vascular physiology, blood pressure, and the biomechanics of medium and small conduit arteries induced by exercise. Additionally, her research program aims to develop efficient exercise strategies tailored to the realities of individuals with chronic kidney disease, thus enabling this highly vulnerable population to improve their quality of life and mitigate the functional impact of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Exercise is vascular medicine