Whether he wears a white coat in the hospital or a suit at his business meetings as Director of the MI4 and the Division of Infectious Diseases at both McGill University and the McGill University Health Centre, Marcel Behr has a way of captivating any room he walks into. His wit, rich knowledge on any subject, unexpected interests, kindness, and a great sense of humour make him anything but predictable.
To reveal the person beyond the titles and uncover another side of Dr. Behr, we challenged him to a lightning round of questions. The result? A peek into a personality that is as curious and dynamic as the work he leads.
Lightning Round with Marcel Behr
One word that describes you outside of work?
Busy
Ideal day off?
Skiing with the family in the winter. Sailing in the summer
Routine or variety?
Both.
Routine for day-to-day activities.
Variety for scientific directions.
Morning person or night owl?
Morning person: Coffee plus wordle/quordle/octordle/nerdle at 6:30 am.
Favourite way to recharge?
Going away to a scientific meeting and then coming home full of ideas.
What sparks your curiosity?
There is nothing like new data to get you thinking, especially when it is an unexpected result.
One habit you can’t skip in a day?
Coffee
What are you reading, watching, or listening to lately?
Spring break reading: The Postmistress of Paris.
Daily reading: BlueSky and Twitter.
Watching: Young Sherlock.
What do you value most in people?
Curiosity and integrity.
Common misconception about you?
My name suggests I am from Quebec or Europe. I grew up in Mississauga.
A place that energizes you?
A cross-country ski trail. If you don’t keep moving, you cool off.
Something you’ve learned about yourself?
As I get older, I am more impressed by what I don’t know. The list is getting longer.
How do you face challenges?
I tell my students that challenges are opportunities. But when they come to me, I forward the email to my other email address and put it off for a few hours, to think it through. Some of them are less daunting after a good night’s sleep.
Downtime: essential or optional?
Essential. But I need to actively focus on something else, otherwise I will think of work.
Risk-taker or careful strategist?
I think I am risk averse. But I hope to take more risks in the future.
Free afternoon—what’s the plan?
Go to Mount Royal.
What keeps you grounded?
My family.
A skill you wish you picked up earlier?
Writing. I didn’t take English seriously in high school. Yet I am writing articles, grants, and emails. It’s my number one activity.
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Dr. Behr beyond his multiple roles, as we highlight that curiosity, humour, and humility often go hand in hand.
And before you go, if you’re looking for something to add to your watchlist, take a cue from Dr. Behr’s unconventional side. It’s not a song, but the classic film Wayne's World, starring Mike Myers. Both absurd and iconic, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best ideas (and laughs) come from not taking things too seriously, something even the busiest minds seem to understand.
