Tribute to Dr. Dominique Broclain

Dr. Dominique Broclain
Editor of the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group, October 1998 to October 2006
Passed away February 2011, Paris
It is with deep regret that we record the death of our former Editor, Dr. Dominique Broclain, in February 2011.
Dominique joined as one of the Group's first editors in 1998, and made a lively, generous and thoughtful contribution to the Review Group until he relinquished this role in October 2006. Dominique was a doctor and medical sociologist, who worked for many years at La revue Prescrire. He is also fondly remembered for his passion for le tango and his engaging presence at Cochrane Colloquia. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Our editors' reflections on Dominique are given below.
Dominique was very much an individual who added much to the Group's working, providing thoughtful and insightful contributions; he had the 'je ne sais quoi' (of course) and naturally the Gaulloises must linger as part of the fond memory we have of him; he was the first contact editor of my first review, and helped shape and steer through its difficult early phases, and ultimately towards successful publication. Personally as a physician I was also very moved by his personal narrative of coming out of clinical medicine - influenced in large part by being arrested on suspicion of murder of an elderly patient who he was the last to see on a house visit before she died; his interest in medicine was undimmed, but his ability to take on clinical responsibility was irrevocably damaged, and we pay credit for retaining his commitment through editorial (Cochrane & others) and journalistic participation to the field of healthcare. We were likewise shocked and moved to hear of the tragic news earlier this year, perhaps witness to the even deeper suffering and impact suffered than just on clinical aspects of healthcare that he experienced; we want to pay our respects as a Group, and offer condolences to his family.
Professor Adrian Edwards, Cardiff
Dominique was kind and gentle with others. He was enthusiastic and knowledgeable in matters of science, but also passionate about other areas of life, such as dance and music. I will miss his quirky sense of humour and his lovely laugh.
Dr Claire Glenton, Norway