An 83-year-old doctor in the Grasse hinterland, he talks about his passion for "this profession which is a true apostolate"

At 83 years old, Doctor Gérard Page still sees patients at his office on Avenue de Boutiny. With fifty-six years of experience in the field, the passionate practitioner remembers his beginnings: "It was on June 16, 1969, that I "screwed" myself to my Doctor of Medicine plaque. At the time, in the canton of Saint-Vallier, there were only two of us doctors."

Dr. Page doesn't refer to his profession as a simple job, but as a mission. "Despite everything, with age, my life has changed, with a decline in my physical fitness. But I continue to practice by adjusting my activities because, to practice this profession, which is a true apostolate, you have to give without counting, work without seeking rest, and be inhabited by a true natural force that boosts you every day."

Between field and legal medicine

A general practitioner and forensic pathologist, he works marathon days, starting from his home in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne before heading to Spéracèdes, Le Tignet, and Peymeinade. Up at 6 a.m., he sets out on rounds at 7 a.m. and doesn't return home until 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. On Sundays, he recharges his batteries on his property, surrounded by donkeys, farmyard animals, and olive trees.

"My family was decisive"

He also owes this endurance to his loved ones: "Medicine is a family business, 24 hours a day. Counting on the unwavering support of my family has been decisive." He also pays tribute to his secretary, "efficient and dedicated," who has been with him for many years. Behind the white coat, he shares a philosophy of life: "The doctor, like Socrates, doesn't know much, even if he knows a little more than his patient who trusts him."

When he puts on his forensic doctor's coat, Gérard Page must manage the removal of bodies and police custody over a vast geographical area: "I would like to emphasize the real teamwork with the police and gendarmerie forces on a daily basis, day and night, which is both demanding and rewarding."

Far from thinking about retirement, he states with conviction: "In conclusion, I would say that if I had to do it all again, I would do it all again! Better of course..."