Chirurgien.

In New France.

Pierre Vallée's first mention in the New World was as parrain, (godfather), at the baptism of an Amérindien who took the Christian name "Pierre" in Trois-Rivières on 28 December 1657.

He was joined in New France by his brother Jean in 1659 and both young men were confirmed in the Catholic faith on La Chandeleur or Candlemas, on 2 February 1660 in Château-Richer. The day marked the traditional end of the Christmas season. Homes sparkled in the light of the many candles that were lit throughout. Traditionally, crêpes were served to celebrate. Flipping the crêpe in the air with the right hand, while holding a gold coin in the left, insured prosperity throughout the year if the crêpe successfully landed back in the pan.

A Master Surgeon.

Pierre was a maître chirurgien (master surgeon). The medical practioner hierarchy consisted of first the physician, then surgeon and finally apothecary.

A physician often held a university degree while a surgeon likely trained in a hospital with little formal training. Blood-letting, either through the use of leeches or by lancing was common practice for doctors to treat patients.

Pierre would learn surgical standards by dissecting the bodies of deceased convicts. Once in the wilderness he may have been called upon to pull a tooth, remove an arrow point, or to amputate a gangrenous limb.

An apothecary prepared prescribed medicines and had the lowest status for there were many who mixed up their own concoctions of herbs and spices in their home for remedies for various ailments.

It is unclear where Pierre trained, in France or in the hospital in Québec, but he was known as a "master" surgeon by 1666 meaning he oversaw apprentices or other workers.