Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has just won the Super Bowl. His financial security is assured for life thanks to the salary he earns as a player in the NFL. He would have good reason to remain quiet at home in times of crisis.
Discreetly, Duvernay-Tardif started working in a CHSLD in the Montérégie. He did not publicize the name of the establishment where he works. However, this CHLSD has very few COVID-19 reported cases.
The Kansas City Chiefs' offensive lineman is putting his doctorate in medicine to help those in need. He is assigned to the attendant and nurse duties. He did his first shift on Friday, a day mostly devoted to training. Witnesses on site saw him change disposable pants and distribute meals, as the attendants do.
Becoming an NFL player is rare for Canadians, but LDT has several other equally impressive achievements under his belt. Just 28, he has already graduated from medical school at McGill. He’ll be the first-ever medical doctor to play in a Super Bowl on Sunday. He was already in his third year of medicine when he was drafted by the Chiefs, and with his coach’s approval, he used his spare time during off-seasons to complete the degree.
As if that weren’t enough, LDT also has media experience, having worked as a feature reporter for CBC during the 2018 Winter Olympics. He also has a side hustle working with the developers of Shockbox, a device that measures the impact received by football helmets during play. It is hoped that this research will serve to better understand and prevent concussions in football.
The Duvernay-Tardif initiative is in addition to that of other athletes trained to work in health and who have helped the network:
- Former figure skater Joannie Rochette, a recent medical graduate from McGill University, has sent her request to be able to work in CHSLDs.
- Boxer Kim Clavel has worked as a nurse for the First Aid Nurse Placement Agency.
Everything you Need to Know about Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, our Montreal Star at the Super Bowl!