About
Dr. Catherine Besner Morin is a dedicated Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in adult patients, and may see older children for certain conditions. Practicing at CHUM in Montréal, QC, she is a key member of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care for a wide variety of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer detection. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in patient care.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 5 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 2019. Dr. Morin has completed extensive post-graduate training in dermatology and holds the necessary certifications to practice in QC, specializing in comprehensive care for skin, hair, and nails. Her qualifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.
With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Morin is dedicated to evidence-based skin care, emphasizing patient education on skin health and prevention. She focuses on early detection of skin cancers and creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in French and committed to serving the Montréal community, she strives to provide compassionate, accessible, and effective dermatological care in a modern and welcoming environment.
Dr. Catherine Besner Morin diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions
- Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (Discoid, Subacute, Acute): Skin manifestations of lupus, an autoimmune disease, which can range from scaly, disc-shaped lesions to widespread rashes triggered by sun exposure.
- Rosacea (Erythematotelangiectatic, Papulopustular, Phymatous, Ocular): A common skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, flushing, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. Can also affect the eyes.
Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders
- Folliculitis (Bacterial, Fungal, Non-infectious): Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by infection (e.g., Staph aureus, Malassezia) or irritation, leading to itchy or painful bumps, sometimes with pustules.
- Keratosis Pilaris: A common, harmless condition causing small, rough bumps on the skin, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, due to keratin buildup in hair follicles.
- Acne Vulgaris (Comedonal, Papulopustular, Nodulocystic): A common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper cysts and nodules, occurring when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Severity can vary.
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Skin Cysts (Epidermoid, Pilar, Sebaceous): Benign, sac-like growths under the skin containing fluid or semi-solid material. May become inflamed or infected and sometimes require removal.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): A common form of skin cancer developing in the squamous cells. Often appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on sun-exposed areas. Can grow more rapidly than BCC.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Catherine Besner Morin.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia) Evaluation & Treatment (Androgenetic, Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Scarring Alopecias): Investigating causes of hair loss (including scalp examination, hair pull tests, biopsies) and providing medical treatments for conditions like male/female pattern baldness, alopecia areata (including intralesional steroids, topical immunotherapy), telogen effluvium, and various forms of scarring alopecia.
- Medical-Grade Facials & Skincare Consultations: Professional facial treatments tailored to specific skin concerns and expert advice on developing an optimal at-home skincare regimen using medical-grade products.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy (for Skin Rejuvenation & Hair Loss): Utilizing a concentration of a patient's own platelets to promote tissue repair and regeneration, used for facial rejuvenation (e.g., with microneedling) and to stimulate hair growth in certain types of alopecia.
- Electrodessication & Curettage (ED&C) for Superficial Skin Cancers & Benign Lesions: Surgical procedure to scrape away superficial skin lesions (e.g., some BCCs, SCCs in situ, warts) and cauterize the base.
- Scar Revision Surgery & Keloid Treatment (Surgical, Intralesional Injections): Procedures to improve the appearance of scars or treat problematic keloid scars, which may involve surgical excision, steroid injections, or other modalities.
- Cryosurgery (Liquid Nitrogen Treatment for Pre-cancers & Benign Lesions): Application of extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to destroy benign (e.g., warts, seborrheic keratoses) or precancerous skin lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses).
- Chemical Peels (Superficial, Medium, Deep - Glycolic, Salicylic, TCA, Phenol): Application of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin and improve texture, tone, and appearance by treating acne, sun damage, pigmentation, and fine lines. Peel depth varies by agent and concentration.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Besner Morin for care relevant to your specific condition. Coverage for services varies; medically necessary treatments are typically covered by provincial health plans, while cosmetic procedures are usually self-pay.
All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Located within the CHUM in Montréal's Ville-Marie East (Quartier Latin, Village) neighborhood, Dr. Catherine Besner Morin's practice is situated in a vibrant area renowned for its cultural diversity and dynamic urban environment. The facility is easily accessible via public transit, with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) providing convenient options through the Métro and bus networks. The practice is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusive access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, offering flexibility for those arriving by car. The area also features the popular Plateau Mont-Royal Shopping & Dining district, making it easy for patients to combine their appointments with leisure activities in a lively, welcoming setting.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Besner Morin, a Dermatologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Besner Morin, diagnostic procedures (e.g., skin biopsies), and treatments for provincially insured skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, severe eczema, skin cancer, infections) are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Purely cosmetic procedures (e.g., Botox for wrinkles, most laser hair removal, fillers for aesthetic enhancement) are typically not covered and are self-pay. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment with Dr. Besner Morin's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Besner Morin, a Dermatologist?
- Yes, for medically necessary dermatological care covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an ER doctor for an acute issue) is almost always required to see a Dermatologist such as Dr. Besner Morin. This ensures coordinated care and that your visit is appropriate for specialist assessment. Some dermatologists may offer consultations for uninsured cosmetic services without a referral, but these would be a direct cost to you. Always check with the clinic regarding their specific referral policy.
- How should I prepare for my first dermatology appointment with Dr. Besner Morin?
- To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Besner Morin, it's helpful to: 1. Make a list of your skin concerns, symptoms (e.g., itch, pain, duration), and any treatments you've already tried (both prescription and over-the-counter). 2. Bring a list of all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. 3. Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history, including any history of skin cancer or significant skin conditions. 4. For a full skin exam, it's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and avoid wearing makeup or nail polish. 5. If your concern involves a rash that comes and goes, taking clear photos when it's visible can be very helpful. 6. Write down any questions you have for Dr. Besner Morin.
- How often should I see a Dermatologist like Dr. Besner Morin for skin cancer screening?
- The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Besner Morin varies based on your individual risk factors. These include a personal or family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma), having many moles (e.g., >50) or atypical moles, fair skin that burns easily, a history of excessive sun exposure or tanning bed use, or a suppressed immune system. Your family doctor can assess your risk, or Dr. Besner Morin can provide a personalized recommendation after an initial consultation. Regardless of professional check-ups, performing monthly self-skin exams to monitor for any new or changing lesions (using the ABCDEs of melanoma as a guide) is crucial for early detection.
CHUM
1051 Rue Sanguinet
Montréal, QC H2X 3E4
Phone: (514) 890-8000 | Fax: (514) 418-7440
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Besner Morin is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Besner Morin for medically necessary services covered by the provincial health plan. Cosmetic consultations may have different requirements.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=19816