A Legacy of Healing Through Science, Compassion, and Commitment
Dr. Jean-Luc Bertrand’s life and career have been shaped by one unwavering purpose: to restore balance — in the body, the mind, and society. His professional contributions span four deeply connected areas: humanitarian aid, orthodontics, health education, and stress management. Each reflects a lifelong devotion to empowering people to live healthier, more harmonious lives.
Orthodontics
Dr. Bertrand received his doctorate and orthodontic qualification in 1981, later expanding his studies in the USA, Canada, Japan, and Germany. His early career was marked by innovation and international leadership in orthodontics.
In 1982, he opened his first orthodontic practice near Lyon, France, followed by a second in 1993 that quickly rose to global prominence. Patients traveled from across Europe — and even monthly from India — to seek his care. That same year, his practice became the largest of its kind in the world. It was the first time a non-American had taken global leadership in a specialty traditionally dominated by the United States.
“Orthodontics is not only about correcting alignment — it’s about restoring self-esteem, confidence, and comfort.”
Humanitarian Work
In 2003, Dr. Bertrand founded GENERATION AFRICA, a French-based NGO dedicated to supporting AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa. After relocating to a rural Zulu village, he focused his energy on real change — delivering food, clothing, and access to education for children (from 2 years old to matrics and beyond with a University to train teachers to work in Africa).
GENERATION AFRICA’s mission is not only to provide for basic needs but to foster dignity and long-term transformation. The NGO respects cultural roots and aims to raise responsible, community-minded future leaders.
Dr. Bertrand’s humanitarian work has earned support from prominent figures including Mrs. Albertina Luthuli, daughter of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Luthuli, and former South African President M. Mbeki.
“True change begins with compassion — and compassion begins with action.”
Health
Dr. Bertrand’s passion for health goes far beyond clinical care. His work explores the deep links between emotional well-being, physical health, and human connection.
Co-author of the internationally acclaimed book Blue Genes, Dr. Bertrand investigates how emotional states — love, joy, guilt, grief, or resentment — can directly affect the immune system and influence our susceptibility to illness. He has been especially vocal about the scientific evidence behind altruism and its impact on health.
Scientific studies he references show that altruistic acts — kindness, forgiveness, empathy — increase immunoglobulin levels and improve the body’s ability to fight infection. On the other hand, repressed emotions and chronic negativity weaken our defenses.
“The body is wired for goodness. Acts of love, justice, and compassion are not just moral; they’re medicinal.”
Stress Management
As a certified expert in medical psychology, Dr. Bertrand has spoken at international conferences on stress and emotional resilience in over 10 countries. His acclaimed book How to Be Well in Your Body All Your Life (elected "Book of the Month" in France) provides practical tools for identifying, managing, and overcoming chronic stress.
He emphasizes the power of emotional awareness and physical feedback — helping patients detect early warning signs, build emotional balance, and create space for healing. He also developed tools like a downloadable “stress test” to help people self-assess their levels of emotional strain.
Dr. Bertrand's teachings include:
Techniques for overcoming anxiety and depression
Natural sleep regulation and energy renewal
The healing power of forgiveness
Recognizing the psychological costs of overwork and perfectionism
“Stress is not weakness. It is a signal. And when we listen to it, we begin the healing.”
