In Memoriam: Prof. Em. Dr. Frédéric Camu
Published online: Mar 19 2025
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Prof. Em. Dr. Frédéric Camu. Professor Camu served as Head of the Department of Anesthesiology at UZ Brussel – VUB from the establishment of our institution until his retirement in 2007.
After earning his medical degree from the ULB, he pursued postgraduate training at institutions including Stanford University Medical Center and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, California. As Department Head, he was the driving force behind the introduction of several groundbreaking technologies in anesthesiology. His pioneering work in the pharmacokinetics of intravenous anesthetics laid the foundation for the current programs of computer-controlled infusion pumps.
In addition to his research into the neuro-ventilatory and hemodynamic effects of anesthetics and analgesics, he focused on the pathophysiology of acute pain and the development of chronic pain. His efforts to unravel the mediators and biomedical mechanisms involved contributed significantly to the multimodal treatment of pain patients. Under his leadership, UZ Brussel prioritized safety, postoperative care, and the establishment of the PACU, which served as a reference for many other hospitals for years.
Alongside his medical career, Prof. Camu also held a respected position within the reserve corps of our armed forces.
Prof. Camu was an exceptionally gifted speaker, both at national and international conferences. For his team, he was the ideal figure to forge valuable connections within his extensive international network. This network played a crucial role in organizing numerous symposia where UZ Brussel’s research findings were presented with pride.
As Head of Department, he was highly regarded for his diplomatic and thoughtful approach to both medical and non-medical challenges, his excellent organizational skills, and his tireless dedication. Colleagues who trained under his guidance will undoubtedly remember him as a warm and approachable specialist, always open to meaningful discussions and alternative perspectives.
In his private life, Prof. Camu was widely appreciated as an expert advisor in oenology and culinary matters. His extensive experience as a world traveler and his passion for art made him a source of inspiration.
Prof. Camu and his wife had jointly applied for euthanasia and received approval for the procedure. “Dual euthanasia” is exceptional, as both partners must individually meet the legal criteria, which is rare. Frédéric Camu and his wife, Lieve Van Mol, had planned to pass away on December 20th after sharing a happy life of more than 50 years together. Sadly, Frédéric’s health deteriorated rapidly, he slipped into a coma a few days earlier and passed away on December 19th at the age of 82. His wife joined him on their final journey together on December 20th.
Frédéric Camu remained unwaveringly devoted until the very end to the ideals of humanism, the principle of free inquiry, and the right to self-determination, values that lie at the heart of our institution’s identity and mission. We will uphold his legacy and continue to defend these values in his memory.
Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Condolences can be shared via the following site: https://www.inmemoriam.be/nl/2024-12-19/frederic-camu/
