Paul Tournier and ‘Médecine de la Personne’—The man and his vision

Paul Tournier (1898–1986), physician and writer from Geneva, Switzerland, made an outstanding pioneering contribution to the understanding and practice of an integrative approach of medicine, psychology and pastoral counselling, which had an impact on many professionals and laymen alike in all continents. He was the founder of ‘Médecine de la Personne’ (‘Medicine of the Person’) [1]. His work and his message is best understood against the background of his biography. His attitude and challenge were derived from his own experiences and insights, yet even today seem equally valid for health care systems across the world that are striving to meet the wish of patients and service users for more person-centered and holistic health care.