Dr. Faustin Charles’s connection to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer runs deep. Long before taking on his current leadership role as Chief Medical Officer, the hospital played an important part in his life, influencing both his path into medicine and his dedication to serving others.
A native of Gonaïves, Haiti, Dr. Charles studied medicine at Quisqueya University from 2003 to 2010. Early in his career, he worked as a general practitioner, caring for patients during a cholera outbreak in his community. That experience left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of providing accessible and compassionate care in even the most difficult circumstances. He later completed a general surgery residency at Haiti State University, with additional training in the United States at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York and Novant Health in North Carolina.
Dr. Charles joined Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in 2016 and became Chief of Surgery in 2020. Reflecting on that period, he describes it as a time that shaped not only his skills but also his approach to leadership: making thoughtful decisions under pressure, collaborating closely with teams, and leading with both responsibility and humanity. Those lessons continue to guide him as he returns to the hospital in this new role.
His bond with the hospital is deeply personal. As a child, Dr. Charles learned that Hôpital Albert Schweitzer had once saved his life. Returning later as a physician, he was moved by its unwavering commitment to providing free, dignified care to everyone who comes through its doors. For him, it was clear this was more than a hospital—it was a mission he wanted to dedicate his life to. One moment that stands out from his earlier tenure came in 2023, during a period of intense gang violence in the region. Despite the danger, Dr. Charles chose to stay and care for critically injured patients. Continuing to operate and save lives during that time reaffirmed his commitment to the hospital and the community it serves.
Now about two months into his return, Dr. Charles notes that worsening national insecurity has made the hospital an even more essential lifeline, with patient volume rising significantly and underscoring the urgent need to strengthen and expand care. His focus is on improving the efficiency and structure of patient care while working toward building a thoracic surgery service to manage complex cases. Drawing on his recent training in Paris, he supports colleagues through consultations and referrals as the service takes shape, approaching this work step by step with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
When Dr. Charles officially returned last December, the warm reception from the community reminded him why this work matters. For him, the hospital’s impact extends far beyond treating illness—it restores hope, dignity, and trust that last long after patients leave its doors. Throughout his career, Dr. Charles has been guided by mentors who believed in him. Judy Nichols and her family influenced his decision to pursue general surgery, and at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Chauvet Exe provided guidance and example that helped shape his approach to patient care and leadership.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Charles enjoys time with his young daughter. He also follows soccer and reads medical books, which help him stay grounded, continue learning, and recharge. As Dr. Charles settles back into his role at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, his journey reflects a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the community he serves.