Libin Life RESEARCH
EDUCATION
CARE DELIVERY
FALL 2016
The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta Magazine
PAVING THE WAY TO A HEALTHIER
FUTURE
HOW HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCHER HUDE QUAN IS CHANGING THE WAY WE TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES NAMING DONOR ALVIN LIBIN RECEIVES CMA’S MEDAL OF HONOUR LIBIN INSTITUTE RESEARCHERS PART OF LARGEST EFFORT TO IMPROVE KIDNEY DISEASE CARE AND OUTCOMES IN CANADA
LIBIN ALUMNI: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? NOW CARDIAC EXPERTS, THESE FORMER TRAINEES SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE
SECRETS OF A MENTOR: WAYNE GILES FORMER DEAN AND EXPERT IN THE ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY OF CELLS
NEW CHOLESTEROL GUIDELINES SAY NO TO FASTING BUT YES TO DIETARY PATTERNS: TODD ANDERSON LEAD AUTHOR
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
W
e are very pleased to announce Hude Quan, PhD will be the inaugural holder of the Chiu Family/AstraZeneca Chair in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Made possible by generous gifts from the Chiu Family and AstraZeneca Canada along with matching funds from the province of Alberta, the Chair will enable the expansion of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta’s expertise in cardiovascular prevention. He will use its resources to bring together more than 25 researchers within the University of Calgary whose efforts will go towards expanding the Libin Institute’s prevention research leading to improved patient outcomes. Hude is an internationally recognized researcher in administrative data, risk factor surveillance and reporting, and data linkages. He is an integral part of the Libin Institute team and we look forward to seeing the advancements of health research through this initiative. We are also excited by the opportunity to recruit up to 10 new scientists and clinician-scientists to the Libin Institute in the next year. These positions have been made possible by upcoming retirements and new stimulus positions to the Cumming School of Medicine. By the fall we expect to have a new Division Chief of Cardiology, Dr. Carlos Morillo from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario to replace Dr. Ed O’Brien who has completed a very successful five year term in that position. Other roles include basic scientists with expertise in electrophysiology, vascular biology, and exercise physiology; a physicist to bolster the research capacity of the Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre; and clinician-scientists within the Division of Cardiology. These are exciting times within the Libin Institute and we look forward to bringing you details of the remarkable people we will have in place in the near future.
Libin Life Libin Life is published semi-annually by the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, an entity of the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services (Calgary Zone). The Libin Life mission is to share news and information about the Institute’s impact in research, education, and patient care. Institute Director Dr. Todd Anderson @LibinDirector Institute Deputy Director Dr. Anne Gillis Institute Research Training & Mentorship Director Dr. Sofia Ahmed Institute Associate Director Al-Karim Walli @aswalli Editor Lauren Thorson Editorial Committee Barb Jones, Myrna Linder, Sharanya Ramesh, PhD, Vaska Saydina, Dena Shlah, Judy Siu, Lauren Thorson, Jeannine Turnbull, Al-Karim Walli, Melanie Yar Khan Contributors Dr. Todd Anderson, Traci Berg, Riley Brandt, Nancy Clark, Christina Faulkner, Julia Giroux, Dr. Jonathan Howlett, Dr. Saman Rezazadeh, Diane Schmidt, Adrian Shellard, Dena Shlah, Judy Siu, Lauren Thorson, Janelle Wakaruk, Melanie Yar Khan Design and Layout Steven Tov @madebysteventov Printer McAra Printing @mcaraprinting
Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta University of Calgary
DR. TODD ANDERSON Director
Libin Cardiovascular Institute Of Alberta
HSC G242, 3330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1 P 403.210.6271 E libin@ucalgary.ca W libininstitute.org Twitter @LibinInstitute
ABOUT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is an entity of both Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary. It is the only Canadian health institute to offer a single cardiovascular program that promotes quality standards across the city and region. It is made up of 1,500 members, staff, students, and clinical trainees that coordinate cardiovascular research and education, along with delivering world-class cardiac care to a population of over two million people in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and eastern British Columbia. The Libin Institute is committed to developing outstanding cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention programs by translating innovative research into novel healthcare solutions. To learn more about the Libin Institute and how you can donate, please visit our website at www.libin.ucalgary.ca/donate.
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Editorial Inquiries Lauren Thorson Communications Coordinator lthorson@ucalgary.ca
Send comments, requests for magazine copies, digital magazine issue subscriptions or change of mailing address notifications to libin@ucalgary.ca. Please request permission to reproduce any part of this publication. All rights reserved. © 2016 Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta to share news and information about the Institute’s impact in research, education and patient care.
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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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AWARDS & ACCOLADES
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NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
22 PHILANTHROPY PROFILE
FEATURES
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PAVING THE WAY TO A HEALTHIER FUTURE
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LIBIN ALUMNI: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
How health services researcher Hude Quan is changing the way we take care of ourselves.
Now cardiac experts, these former trainees share their experiences at the Libin Institute.
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CARE DELIVERY
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NEW RECRUITS CELEBRATING PERFUSION WEEK
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NEW TRIAGE SYSTEM IMPROVES PATIENT WAIT TIMES 2016 CHOLESTEROL GUIDELINES SAY NO TO FASTING BUT YES TO DIETARY PATTERNS
RESEARCH
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INSIDE A VASCULAR BIOLOGY LAB WITH MONA CHAPPELLAZ
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LIBIN INSTITUTE MEMBERS INTEGRAL IN NATIONAL KIDNEY DISEASE RESEARCH
TAKING THE RIGHT APPROACH Heart failure information now better tracked through Libin Institute created database
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EDUCATION
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SECRETS OF A MENTOR: Q&A WITH WAYNE GILES 2016 LIBIN INSTITUTE’S TINE HAWORTH CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH DAY TRAINEE PROFILES
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CONTENTS / FALL 2016
DEPARTMENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
ALBERTA BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE CONFERENCE OCTOBER 21-23, 2016 On October 21-23, 2016 the Alberta Biomedical Engineering (BME) Conference will be held in Banff, Alberta at the Banff Park Lodge. It is a student led event
THE 2016 CANADIAN CARDIOVASCULAR CONGRESS OCTOBER 22-25, 2016
that includes graduate and undergraduate podium and poster presentations led by the University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan, national and international guest speakers, and an industry panel. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with BME
Held at the Palais des congres in Montreal, Quebec,
researchers and industry from across western Canada.
the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is proud to
Guest speakers this year include writer Karl Schroeder
once again be a gold sponsor at this year’s Canadian
and Dr. Tom Oxland from the University of British
Cardiovascular Congress. The event runs from October
Columbia. For more information and to register, please
22 – 25, 2016 and is comprised of some of the country’s
go to ucalgary.ca/bme/graduate/conference.
most established cardiovascular professionals. Please visit the Libin Institute’s booth at station 819 to learn more about its latest research, education, care delivery initiatives and more.
ABOUT THE COVER
The Libin Institute will be hosting Q&A opportunities during the congress at the following times:
Hude Quan, PhD is an epidemiologist, professor in the Department of Community
Dr. Todd Anderson, Libin Institute director and lead
Health Sciences at the University
author of the 2016 Canadian Cardiovascular
of Calgary’s Cumming School of
Society’s lipids guidelines, from 10:30 - 11:30 AM on
Medicine, and world-renowned
October 23, 2016
health promotion and disease prevention researcher. As a data analysist and global health
Dena Shlah, cardiac business analyst from the Libin
expert, his contribution to the advancement of proper health
Institute’s APPROACH cardiac database, from 10:30
practices is resulting in a healthier, longer living population.
AM to 11 AM on October 22 and 11:30 - 12 PM on
Currently, he holds the Chiu Family/AstraZeneca Chair
October 23, 2016
in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta that is going towards the development of the next generation of health researchers
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and the improvement of public health knowledge. To learn more on Quan and the Chair, flip to page 12.
ENGAGING COMMUNITY ON HEART HEALTH, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
OCTOBER 7, 2016 Ethnicity and Gender – How They Influence Heart Condition Symptoms and Access to Care There are conflicting messages about whether people have different heart attack or angina symptoms based on their ethnicity or gender. Kathryn King-Shier, PhD, Guru Nanak Dev Ji DIL (Heart) Research Chair, will sift through those messages to identify symptoms that must be attended to and how best to access care. [1:00 - 2:30 PM Village Square Library, 2623 56 Street NE]
OCTOBER 19, 2016 & NOVEMBER 9, 2016 Prevention of Stoke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation – It’s Not Nice to Fib Atrial Fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat, often caused when the two upper chambers of the heart beat unpredictably and sometimes rapidly. Come learn from cardiac electrophysiologist and president of the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society, Dr. L. Brent Mitchell as he explains aspects of this condition and how it can lead to stroke. [October 19, 2016 7:00 - 8:30 PM Fish Creek Library, 11161 Bonaventure Drive SE and November 9, 7:00 - 8:30 PM Nicholls Family Library, 1421 33 Street SW]
FEBRUARY 16, 2017 Science in the Cinema YYC Hosted by the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, Science in the Cinema brings together science and popular culture in a fun and engaging way. Watch the film Seven Pounds and listen to a Libin Institute expert explain the science. An interactive question and answer period will follow the movie. Admission is FREE and all attendees will receive a voucher for a free small popcorn. [6:30 PM Plaza Theatre, 1133 Kensington Road NW]
FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Pipeline Intelligence: Exploring the Network of Our Circulation Our circulatory system, 100,000 km of vessels per person, comprises the heart along with our arteries and veins, and delivers nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body. Not unlike pipeline networks within the energy industry, a blockage or leak in our circulatory system could be catastrophic. Come listen to leading clinicians and researchers as they discuss the innovative discoveries being made in vascular science at the Libin Institute.
[6:00 PM Central Library, 616 Macleod Trail SE]
JANUARY 23, 2017 2016 Libin/Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHMFR) Prize for Excellence in Cardiovascular Research Dr. Eric Olson, one of the world’s leading cardiovascular basic scientists, will be coming to Alberta in January where he will receive the Libin/AHFMR Prize for Excellence in Cardiovascular Research. Join the Libin Institute for a public lecture where the prize presentation will also be made. The prize is given biannually to individuals that have the greatest impact in the world in their area of cardiovascular research. [6:30 PM Libin Lecture Theatre, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW]
Libin 101 is an educational series on cardiovascular health promotion, disease prevention and the latest research in cardiovascular care. It brings together doctors, researchers and students with members of the general public to spark discussion about the human heart and some of the most interesting research currently underway in Calgary. Visit libin101.ca for more information. #Libin101
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NAMING DONOR ALVIN LIBIN, OC AWARDED CMA’S MEDAL OF HONOUR
NATIONAL NURSING BODY HONOURS KATHRYN KING-SHIER, PhD
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Alvin Libin, OC’s continuous philanthropic efforts and life-long volunteer work in the health sector was recognized on August 23, 2016 when he received the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) Medal of Honour. This is the highest award to be bestowed upon an individual who is not a member of the medical profession. He is a long-time health philanthropist who has given to a variety of health organizations and non-profits. The award presentation was held in Vancouver, British Columbia at the CMA’s annual meeting.—LT
On June 21, 2016 Kathryn King-Shier, PhD received the Canadian Nurses Association’s Order of Merit for Nursing Research for her sustained program of research, funding and sharing of her expertise and knowledge. King-Shier has led numerous research projects on the influence of gender and ethnicity in heart disease, recovery from cardiac surgery and healthcare seeking behaviour. She is the Guru Nanak Dev Ji DIL (Heart) Research Chair and is at the forefront of cardiovascular disease and ethnicity research. She has been working with ethnic communities in Calgary and across the country for more than 13 years with a program of research focused on the ethno-cultural and gender differences in cardiovascular disease symptoms, access to care, and prevention activities. [L-R] University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing researchers/CNA award recipients Shahirose Premji and Kathryn King-Shier, PhD
HUDE QUAN, PhD RECIEVES IMMIGRANTS OF DISTINCTION AWARD On March 11, 2016 Hude Quan, PhD won a lifetime achievement award at the 20th annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards. The award is presented to an immigrant who has achieved outstanding career success and has made a significant contribution to Calgary in the areas of professional achievement, community building, and philanthropic endeavors. Quan was born in China and came to the University of Calgary as a PhD student in 1993. He is internationally known for his research in the field of health services and health of ethno-cultural communities. For more information on Quan, turn to page 12. [L-R] Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Hude Quan, PhD
TOP PRIZES BESTOWED TO CARDIAC SURGERY TEAM Cardiac surgery team members Drs. Bill Kent and Holly Mewhort were recipients of the following awards this year: Dr. Mewhort, post graduate year seven cardiac surgery trainee, won a variety of accolades for her research on a heart regeneration extracellular matrix “patch” including the John Burgess Research Day award, the Dr. L.B. Mitchell Clinical Research Award for significant contribution to cardiovascular care in Calgary, and the Association of Women Surgeons STARR Poster Contest. Dr. Kent took home the Cardiac Surgery Department’s Preceptor of the Year Award for excellence in clinical and academic training and mentorship.—LT
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[BELOW L-R] Drs. Bill Kent and Holly Mewhort
Photo by Riley Brandt
KILLAM PROFESSORSHIP AWARDED TO DR. BRENDA HEMMELGARN, MD, PhD Nephrologist and kidney disease specialist, Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn, MD, PhD was awarded the prestigious Killam Professorship for her dedication to finding ways to help patients and their families improve their self-management of kidney disease. The award is presented to researchers who have demonstrated 10 years or more of research and teaching excellence. Dr. Hemmelgarn is the head of the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and is vice-chair of Alberta Health Service’s board of directors.
By Nancy Clark, provincial director, AB/NU/NWT CCCN On May 14, 2016 over 150 nurses from across Alberta attended the Annual Spring AB/NU/NWT Division of the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses (CCCN) conference. Held at the Ramada Plaza in Calgary, Alberta, this full day conference was comprised of 13 different educational sessions including three keynote plenaries on topics of hypertension management, cardiac surgery, and cardiac transplantation. Nurses, cardiologists and nurse practitioners provided engaging and informative sessions on a variety of topics such as acute coronary syndrome, electrophysiology, and cardiovascular risk stratification. The AB/NU/NWT CCCN executive would like to thank all the conference sponsors as well as speakers and the conference delegates for participating in this year’s event. I would like to thank the AB/NU/NWT executive and our CCCN membership for welcoming me as your provincial director for the last two years. I have thoroughly enjoyed this leadership role, working alongside you and building connections across Alberta. [L-R] Anju Kreer, Clare Puzey, Karen Then, Mehnosh Toback, Mae Sumrain, Candice Baird, Catherine McIntyre, Leisha Naphin and Nancy Clark Photo provided by Nancy Clark
LIBIN INSTITUTE NURSES RECIEVE PRESTIGIOUS DISTINCTION AT THE COLLEGE AND ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED NURSES OF ALBERTA (CARNA) CENTENNIAL AWARDS To celebrate the achievements of registered nurses (RNs) over the past 100 years, the College and Association of Registered Nurses launched the Centennial Awards in search of 100 exceptional Alberta RNs who contribute uniquely to the nursing community. Libin Institute nurses Lucy Reyes and Lori Forand were among the selected as recipients of this prestigious accolade. Mia Bernadine Torres was also awarded at the event with its 2016 Rising Star Award for her dedication and ability to exceed expectations of colleagues and employers.—LT [LEFT] Mia Bernadine Torres
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NEWS & HIGHTLIGHTSES
ANNUAL SPRING DIVISION OF THE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF CARDIOVASCULAR NURSES CONFERENCE
Photo by Adrian Shellard
2016 CANADA-CHINA SYMPOSIUM OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS, THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY From July 29 to August 1, 2016 more than 80 participants traveled from across Canada and China to meet for the 4th Biennial Canada-China Symposium of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. The event was chaired by Xi-Long Zheng, PhD and was hosted by the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta. It was held under the auspices of the Canadian Society of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (CS-ATVB) and the Chinese Atherosclerosis Society (CAS) as a forum for colleagues to meet, discuss findings, and cultivate collaborations in the fields of atherosclerosis, thrombosis and vascular biology. The symposium was opened by Dr. Todd Anderson, Libin Institute director and honourary event chair, who introduced/ thanked a number of distinguished guests for coming including John Reynolds, PhD, the University Of Calgary’s Acting vice-president of research; Lei Wang, PhD Chinese deputy consul general of Calgary;
Dr. Zhisheng Jiang, vice-president of the University of South China and president of the Chinese Atherosclerosis Society; and George Liu, PhD, deputy director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Peking University Health Science Center. A well-balanced assembly of 34 speakers from Canada and China presented on a broad range of topics from atherogenesis and the regulation of vascular function to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and planning a career in atherosclerosis research. Grants from the University International Grants Committee and Alberta Innovates Health Solutions (Community Engagement and Conference) allowed for the travel of a variety of the Chinese attendees. The 2016 Canada-China Symposium committee would like to thank their generous sponsors: The University of Calgary, the Libin Institute, Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, Amgem, Sanofi, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, the University of Manitoba Centre for Research and Treatment of Atherosclerosis, and the Canadian Society of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. The 2018 International Symposium on Atherosclerosis will be held in Toronto, Ontario.—Traci Berg
WILD AT HEART On August 28, 2016, 500 Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta staff, members, students and trainees came out for a fantastic afternoon of games, fun and celebration at this year’s Libin Institute’s Wild at Heart at the Calgary Zoo. Held to honour the hard work from the individuals involved with the Libin Institute, attendees enjoyed a delicious burger/hotdog barbeque in the Eurasian Gateway area across from the greater one-horned rhino exhibit. Throughout the event guests took part in a variety of activities including the zoolympics, a ‘what size is your heat’ game where participants learned fun heart facts about a variety of animals, and the opportunity to take pictures in a photo booth with their favourite digital animal. Dr. Anne Gillis, Libin Institute’s deputy director, addressed the crowd, on behalf of Libin Institute leadership, by thanking them for their attendance and for all their dedication to cardiac sciences. The Libin Institute is proud to host such a fantastic event and looks forward to next year’s celebration.—LT 8 LIBIN LIFE
Photos by Lauren Thorson
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
JANE’S WALK - 50 YEARS OF CARDIAC SCIENCES AT THE FOOTHILLS CAMPUS To honour the 50th anniversaries of the University of Calgary and the Foothills Medical Centre, the Libin Institute hosted a Jane’s Walk on May 7, 2016. Held at the Foothills Medical Centre, participants were led on a scenic tour around the campus by the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta Associate Director, Al-Karim Walli and learned about the history of cardiac sciences. The Jane’s Walk is an annual global festival that encourages people to explore their communities and connect with neighbours.
[ABOVE] Al-Karim Walli speaking to attendees.
TEDxCALGARY The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta presented as an interaction partner at this year’s sold-out TEDxCalgary on May 7, 2016. Held at the Foothills Medical Centre, this year’s theme was (r) Evolutions. Dr. James White, director, Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre; Alessandro Satriano, PhD; and Julio Garcia, PhD from the Libin Institute’s Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre hosted the interactive display that featured two themes: Evolution and Revolution. Evolution reflected on some of the Libin Institute’s most memorable moments over the past 50 years and Revolution showcased groundbreaking cardiac imaging research from the Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre. [L-R] Al-Karim Walli, Alessandro Satriano, PhD, Dr. James White, Julio Garcia, PhD
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LIBIN 101: I FEEL FAINT, NOW WHAT? About half of the population will faint at least once in their lifetime. Sometimes it is a sign of a serious problem, but many times it is not. On August 12 and 15, 2016 Dr. Satish Raj spoke at the Calgary Public Library and discussed some of the common causes of fainting, what to look for, when one should go to the emergency room as opposed to staying home, and a lot more. For information on future Libin 101 events, go to page 5. [PHOTO] Dr. Satish Raj speaking to audience
LIBIN 101: “AND HOW WAS YOUR STAY?” A LOOK AT PATIENT EXPERIENCE IN ALBERTA HOSPITALS On August 4, 2016 at Bottlescrew Bills Pub, Kyle Kemp, second year PhD student, spoke at the University’s Science in the Pub. This event is a graduate student speaker series intended to bring unique research conducted by University of Calgary graduate students (across all faculties to the public) and share it with the community. Kyle discussed his research on how patient experiences are captured when they are hospitalized in Alberta. Emphasis was placed upon how patients’ perceptions of their care may be used for targeted quality improvement efforts. [PHOTO] Kyle Kemp presenting to attendees
JOE HOLOWISKY MEMORIAL HEART FUND CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT On June 25, 2016 together with their family and friends, the Holowisky family hosted a charitable golf tournament in honour of Joe Holowisky who lost his battle with heart disease in February, 2010. With 140 participants in attendance, individuals enjoyed a beautiful morning of golf, a fantastic lunch, a silent auction, and shared memories of Joe. Proceeds of $31,000 were raised and will go towards the Libin Institute [PHOTO] L-R: Gillian Holowisky, Dr. Todd Anderson, Dianne Holowisky and Todd Holowisky.
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50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Honouring 50 years of cardiac sciences at the University of Calgary and our teaching hospital, the Foothills Medical Centre.
Visit us at booth 819 at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Montreal from October 22-24, 2016 to learn more.
libininstitute.org
@LibinInstitute
2016 marks the 50th anniversaries of the University of Calgary and the Foothills Medical Centre.
FEATURE
PAVING
THE WAY TO A
HEALTHIER FUTURE I By Lauren Thorson
[L-R] Drs. Bill Ghali, Bedirhan Üstün, Hude Quan, PhD, John Reynolds, PhD at WHO collaboration ceremony. Photo by Riley Brandt
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Hude Quan, PhD Photo by Lauren Thorson
f you ask Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta member and world-renowned health researcher, Hude Quan, PhD what his favourite thing about being a researcher is, he won’t gush about his highly credited accolades or his global reputation as a leader in data analysis. To him, it’s working with the research leaders and game-changers of tomorrow: the trainees. Born and raised in Dong Jing Cheng, a small town in China, Hude was a committed student with a keen interest in medicine and public health. He is an alumnus of Harbin Medical University where he received his medical degree in 1984 and his masters of public health in social medicine and epidemiology in 1987. He also completed an International Maternal and Child Health Training Program at the University of London, UK in 1991. His education would result an affinity for data analysis and international public health, and after receiving a scholarship from the University of Calgary, he moved to Canada in 1993 where he began his PhD program in epidemiology. “When I came to Calgary I was so surprised with how rich and plentiful the data was,” says Quan. “It is not common in many other countries to have strong databases, so I was thrilled when I had the opportunity begin my PhD in a place that has such impressive linkages to information.” After completing his PhD, which assessed the relationship between chronic disease and suicide in the elderly, Quan took on a health services utilization researcher position for Alberta Health in 1998 where he generated health assessment and decision making evidence through analyzing linked Alberta Health data. His experience would lead him to garner relationships with a variety of national health entities including the Canadian Institute for Health Information and Public Health Agency of Canada.
Photo by Lauren Thorson.
Some members of the Chiu Family/AstraZeneca Chair in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention research collaboration [L-R] Gavin McCormack, PhD, Mingkai Peng, PhD, Danielle Southern, Hude Quan, PhD, Sylvia Hao, Paul Ronksley, PhD, Maria Santana, PhD, Guosong Wu.
He would then further his commitment to disease classification by working with international agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. His efforts would contribute to the advancement and refining of the International Classification of Disease and he assisted with the development of optimal methodologies that derive knowledge and wisdom from coded health data. “Collecting, analyzing, and classifying large amounts of data is like searching for gold” says Quan. “Knowledge truly is power, so by using goldmining efforts, we break through the data which results information and reality.” Over the last two decades, he’s held a variety of coveted positions including Professor in the Department of Community Health Services at the University of Calgary; Director of WHO’s Collaborating Centre in Classification, Terminology and Standards; and Chair of the Research and Evaluation Committee of Hypertension Canada. His dedication to these areas has skyrocketed his reputation as a world expert in health promotion and disease prevention and he has received a variety of accolades such as holding a position on the Thomson Reuters’ highly cited world researchers list, the Alberta Heritage Foundation’s Health Scholar Award, and the Calgary’s Immigrants of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award. “Hude Quan’s commitment to the improvement of global health practices is unparalleled,” says Dr. Todd Anderson, Libin Institute director. “As a true leader at what he does, his efforts result change and betterment to the general population. We are proud to have him part of our leadership team.”
Most recently Quan was appointed Chair of the newly established Chiu Family/AstraZeneca Chair in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Libin Institute. With cardiovascular disease continuing to be the leading cause of illness and death to Canadians, this Chair was created to alleviate this statistic through its long-term goals of increasing public health knowledge resulting in decreased numbers of illnesses. Initiatives the Chair aims to accomplish include promoting and leading healthy living programs for cardiovascular well-being; developing and fostering a world-class research program that garners peer-reviewed funding; and working with provincial and national organizations including Alberta Health Services to promote cardiovascular well-being. Quan sees the Chair as a fantastic chance to not only educate the public about better health practices and how to mediate health risk, but to train the next generation of health researchers that will have the impact to influence society. “These trainees at the Libin Institute are the future, “says Quan. “Through our collaboration, we are building the right platforms and capacity that will result strong data bases, experienced researchers, and a healthier population.”
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FEATURE
CHARU
CHANDRASEKERA, PhD RESIDENCE Harrow, Ontario, Canada CURRENT POSITION Director of Laboratory Science; Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington DC, USA YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 1999-2005 PROGRAM PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular & Respiratory Sciences SUPERVISOR Jonathan Lytton, PhD FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR Winning a bet by successfully completing an experiment he thought would never work (PCR with 150bp primers) LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT PhD thesis defense in front of six very intelligent, critical, and demanding Libin professors
LIBIN ALUMNI:
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The Libin Institute has educated numerous trainees that have achieved success in the advancement of cardiovascular care, research and education. Follow along and read about their experiences and highlights from some of its former trainees. Compiled by Lauren Thorson Design by Steven Tov 14 LIBIN LIFE
KHALED
ABDELRAHMAN, PhD
RESIDENCE Ottawa, Ontario, Canada CURRENT POSITION Postdoctoral fellow, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa – Clinical Pharmacist YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 2010-2015 PROGRAM PhD , Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences SUPERVISOR Bill Cole, PhD FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR Introducing me to Japanese culture/language when we visited for a conference LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT Gathering annually with all my colleagues at the year end party
BRUNO
D. STUYVERS, PhD
RESIDENCE St.John’s, Newfoundland, Canada CURRENT POSITION Associate Professor in Renal and Cardiovascular Physiology (should be promoted to full Professor this year) in the Division of Biomedical Sciences of the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 1992-1998/2000-2006 PROGRAMS (1993-1998) Postdoctoral researcher in cardiac Physiology; (2000-2006): Research Associate/ Research Assistant Professor SUPERVISOR Dr. Henk ter Keurs FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR Reading genuine excitement on Dr. ter Keurs’ face when an explanation to a novel observation was found LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT Pioneering new technical approaches to address exciting scientific questions
DAVID
SABAPATHY, MD
RESIDENCE Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island CURRENT POSITION Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Government of Prince Edward Island, Department of Health and Wellness YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 2011-2013 PROGRAM Master’s of Science in Health Services Research SUPERVISOR Hude Quan, PhD FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR Special attention given to both my career and personal development LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT Supportive, knowledgeable and caring colleagues
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VANESSA FERREIRA, MD
RESIDENCE Oxford, United Kingdom CURRENT POSITION Deputy Clinical Director, Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research; Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine; Honourary Consultant Cardiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 2005-2008 PROGRAM Cardiology Residency SUPERVISORS Drs. Lisa Welikovitch (Program Director), Katherine Kavanagh (Mentor) and Matthias Friedrich (Research Supervisor) FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISORS All were tremendously supportive of women in cardiology and academia LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT The place where I transformed into a cardiologist
SARA
PARTINGTON, MD
RESIDENCE Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA CURRENT POSITION Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine; Cardiologist with the Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 2006-2009 PROGRAM Cardiology Fellowship SUPERVISOR Dr. Lisa Welikovitch FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR Dedication to trainees’ learning and genuine concern for our personal well-being LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT High quality, compassionate cardiac care given to patients
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SHIZHANG LING, PhD
RESIDENCE Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America CURRENT POSITION Research specialist, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 1998-2004 PROGRAM Cardiovascular & Respiratory Sciences Graduate Program SUPERVISOR Andrew Braun. PhD FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR Knowledgeable, approachable, supportive, and caring LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT Multidisciplinary research groups; various seminars
RIK
WILLEMS, MD RESIDENCE Leuven, Belgium CURRENT POSITION Professor at the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences of the University of Leuven; Head, Arrhythmia Care Program at the University Hospitals Leuven YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 2002-2003 PROGRAM Fellow in clinical cardiac electrophysiology SUPERVISORS Drs. Anne Gillis, Hank Duff, Derek Exner, Robert Sheldon, D. George Wyse, L. Brent Mitchell and John Rothschild. FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR Open for new ideas, techniques and discussion/dialogue LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT Empowering nursing staff and biking to work in the snow
MIN
JUN, PhD RESIDENCE Sydney, Australia CURRENT POSITION Senior Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health, Australia; Senior Research Fellow, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 2013-2016 PROGRAM Postdoctoral Fellowship SUPERVISOR Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn, MD, PhD FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR When Dr. Hemmelgarn came over with a truck full of furniture not long after my wife and I arrived in Calgary! LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT Presenting a TOD-talk as part of the Libin Institute’s 2016 Tine Haworth Cardiovascular Research Day
MATTHEW WORTHLEY, MD
RESIDENCE Adelaide, Australia CURRENT POSITION Associate Professor, University of Adelaide; Interventional Cardiologist, Royal Adelaide Hospital; Research Fellow, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute YEARS AT THE LIBIN INSTITUTE 2003-2005 PROGRAM Interventional Cardiology SUPERVISOR Dr. Todd Anderson FAVOURITE MEMORY OF SUPERVISOR Passionate and smart Always with time to talk LIBIN INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHT Diversity of Cardiovascular Research
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CARE DELIVERY
NEW RECRUITS DR. ANNA BIZIOS FROM Toronto, Ontario DEGREES Fellowship in Advanced Structural Interventions,
University Hospital of Rouen, France (2015 – 2016); Interventional Cardiology and General Cardiology, University of Calgary (2009 – 2015); Internal Medicine, University of Toronto (2009); MD – University of Calgary (2006) POSITION Clinical Assistant Professor, Interventional Cardiologist WHAT DO YOU DO Catheter-based treatment of coronary and structural heart disease. REASON BEHIND YOUR CAREER CHOICE My older brother was a huge inspiration growing up – though he chose the dark side (Neurosurgery). HARDEST LESSON LEARNED Don’t dwell on the past – learn from it and move on. FAVOURITE WAY TO RELAX/HOBBIES A sunny beach with my husband and daughter = perfection. SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF I am petrified of jellyfish (for no good reason).
DR. JACQUES RIZKALLAH FROM Calgary, Alberta DEGREES Clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship,
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2016); Clinical cardiac electrophysiology, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary (2015); General cardiology residency, St. Boniface Hospital, University of Manitoba (2013); Internal medicine residency, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia (2010); MD, University of Alberta (2006); BSc, Biochemistry, University of Calgary (2002). POSITION Clinical Assistant Professor, Electrophysiologist, Foothills Medical Centre. WHAT DO YOU DO Adult clinical cardiac electrophysiology REASON BEHIND YOUR CAREER CHOICE I really enjoy providing care for patients in a field that offers great intellectual and technical challenges. HARDEST LESSON LEARNED At any stage in your life, there is always something to be learned from the most pleasant to the most challenging experiences. FAVOURITE WAY TO RELAX/ HOBBIES Spend time with family and friends. SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF I really enjoy cross-country skiing!
DR. KRISTIN J LYONS FROM North Vancouver, British Columbia DEGREES Echocardiography Fellowship,
University of Calgary (2016); Advanced Heart Failure Fellowship, University of California Los Angeles (2015); Adult Cardiology Fellowship, University of Alberta (2014); General Internal Medicine Residency, University of Alberta (2011); MDCM, McGill University (2008); BSc, University of British Columbia (2004). POSITION Clinical Assistant Professor, Advanced Heart Failure Cardiologist, Echocardiographer WHAT DO YOU DO Clinical cardiology with a focus in advanced heart failure, heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support and echocardiography. REASON BEHIND YOUR CAREER CHOICE Heart transplantation/mechanical circulatory support can give patients with end stage heart failure a new life. HARDEST LESSON LEARNED You never know everything about anything-be humble and learn from those around you. FAVOURITE WAY TO RELAX/HOBBIES Yoga, running, and travelling SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF Before university, my goal was to be a professional figure skater.
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CELEBRATING PERFUSION WEEK In honour of Perfusion Week, May 1-5, 2016, a variety of Libin Institute perfusionists* including myself presented educational displays at the Foothills Medical Centre’s McCaig Tower. Throughout the week, we educated the general public about our profession and showcased current and former perfusion equipment. Our interactive display was a huge success and we want to thank everyone who came out to help and learn a little more about cardiovascular perfusion! —Julia Giroux, perfusionist *Perfusionists are specialized healthcare professional that monitor the heart and lung machine during surgeries. [ABOVE] Julia Giroux Photo by Lauren Thorson
NEW TRIAGE SYSTEM IMPROVES PATIENT WAIT TIMES
[ABOVE] Gretzchen Calub
With 8,900 cardiac catheterization (cath) procedures completed annually at the Foothills Medical Centre (FMC), issues involving patient procedure wait time collection and dissemination were identified. To alleviate these issues, the cath lab central referral process was created. Documenting all cath lab referrals at FMC, this newly organized program allows for referrals to be triaged (assigned) according to urgency, and allocated to the physician with the shortest wait time and the required skill set. It also incorporates a data repository to ensure all out-patients have equitable and measureable access to diagnosis and treatment.—Diane Schmidt, registered nurse and cardiac sciences manager
2016 CHOLESTEROL GUIDELINES SAY NO TO FASTING BUT YES TO DIETARY PATTERNS Dr. Todd Anderson*, Libin Institute’s director, is lead author of the newly published 2016 Canadian Cardiovascular Society lipids (cholesterol) guidelines. With one-third of Canada’s population having high cholesterol, these guidelines are updated every few years by a team of lipids experts from across the country and act as a reference document for medical professionals (physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists). As a tool to make better informed assessments, medical professionals may use the document to determine when/how patients should be screened, if they should be on treatment, and how they should be followed. Based on the patient’s assessment, the guidelines will then state what medications they should be on to alleviate cardiovascular risk. For the 2016 edition, major highlights/changes include information on new cholesterol drugs for people at risk; how dietary pattern style eating such as the Mediterranean diet is preferred compared to specific macronutrient diets; and why patients are no longer required to fast before they receive blood work. Guidelines may be viewed at ccs.ca/en/guidelines/ guidelines-library.—LT *Dr. Anderson has been lead author the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s lipids guidelines for the last two editions.
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RESEARCH
INSIDE A VASCULAR BIOLOGY LAB WITH MONA CHAPPELLAZ As told to Judy Siu
M
ona Chappellaz has been a laboratory manager for Justin MacDonald, PhD since 2007. Mona is responsible for the lab’s day-to-day activities and conducts research projects related to smooth muscle tissue and inflammation. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Honours) from the University of Winnipeg and a Master’s degree in Medical Science from the University of Calgary.
DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE MACDONALD LAB Working in this lab allows me to meet so many people including students, other individuals from the Libin Institute, and lab managers. We are always improving how we do research by using new techniques and forming collaborations that allow us to explore many new frontiers in our research. WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB? Contributing to the big picture of medical research, drug discovery and science in general. I love knowing I’m playing a role in the advancement of medicine. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WORKING FOR THE LIBIN CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OF ALBERTA? The friendships and collaborations I’ve formed have been the best part of working in the Libin Institute. Within these collaborations I’ve learned new techniques and greatly improved old ones. The Libin Institute helps foster this collaborative environment. DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LAB I spend a lot of my time working with animal models and running experiments. In addition I spend some time ordering supplies, organizing the lab, and teaching procedures to students.
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[ABOVE] Mona Chappellaz Photo by Judy Siu
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A LAB MANAGER? It keeps everyone in the lab on the same page and organized. I am also the go-to place of knowledge. Without one person controlling where everything is and how everything works in the lab it can fall into disarray. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT COMING TO THE LAB? The hands-on part. I love putting on a lab coat, working at the lab bench, and running experiments. CAN YOU SHARE A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF? I’m currently getting certified in scuba diving. I’ve been scuba diving since August 2015 and I did my basic certification here in Calgary. My next diving trip will be in the Philippines this coming winter.
LIBIN INSTITUTE MEMBERS INTEGRAL IN NATIONAL KIDNEY DISEASE RESEARCH With kidney disease affecting one in 10 Canadians, members of the Libin Institute’s nephrology (kidney) team including Drs. Braden Manns, Marcello Tonelli, and Brenda Hemmelgarn, MD, PhD have embarked on a variety of kidney disease national research initiatives this year that are strengthening our knowledge of these conditions and resulting healthier patients who are receiving better care. CANADIANS SEEKING SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIONS TO OVERCOME CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CAN-SOLVE CKD) This project, which was funded through Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research and co-led with the University of British Columbia, is the largest effort to improve kidney disease care and outcomes in Canada. The project will explore areas such as broader screening for those at highest risk of kidney disease, including indigenous peoples, potential biomarkers that enable earlier diagnosis and predict who is at highest risk for kidney failure, and new ways in providing care -- especially for those people who live away from kidney specialists. The initiative aims to reduce the number of people who need dialysis or kidney transplants or who develop related illnesses that can be debilitating or deadly. ACCESSING OUTCOMES OF ENHANCED CHRONIC DISEASE CARE THROUGH PATIENT EDUCATION AND A VALVE-BASED FORMULARY STUDY (ACCESS) ACCESS is looking at whether providing preventive high value medications free of charge, and a comprehensive patient education
[L-R] Dr. Braden Manns and David Campbell. Photo by Riley Brandt
and self-management program, combined with relay of information on optimal medication use from patients to their healthcare providers, will improve people’s health. The study is seeking low income seniors with a variety of chronic conditions (heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, or a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other risk factors for heart disease) to participate in the study. For more information and to participate, go to accesstrial.ca
TAKING THE RIGHT APPROACH Optimal care of chronic cardiovascular illnesses such as heart failure requires rapid access to patient information and the ability to communicate necessary reports to other members of the healthcare team in a timely manner. In Alberta, the cardiac registry, *APPROACH (Alberta Provincial Project for Outcome Assessment in Coronary Heart disease) recently launched a web-based module specifically designed for use in Canadian heart failure clinics. Based on current Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines, the system is able to immediately trend individual patient heart failure-related progress, track hospitalization, manage medication, and generate clinical reports. Through this system we are improving patient engagement by teaching and visit summaries; creating timelier and more accurate communication between primary and specialist care for our patients; and are hoping to increase the integration of the module to better involve the work of our multidisciplinary heart failure team. The database, launched in late 2015 in Calgary, aims to circulate across the country by this year.—Dr. Jonathan Howlett, cardiac heart failure specialist *APPROACH is a patient-focused outcomes database that collects and processes patient information to improve cardiac care. Created by Libin Institute member Dr. Merril Knudtson, it has evolved from a tool used to monitor hospital readmission and death rates to a tool with potential to assist clinical decisions. For more information, please visit: approach.org/whatsnew
LIBIN LIFE 21
by Photo provided
PHILANTHROPY PROFILE
Q&A WITH LORNE JACOBSON
r Western Groce
Arthur J.E. Child Foundation’s Lead Trustee.
magazine
As told to Lauren Thorson
A
rthur J.E. Child was an astute Calgary businessman with a keen interest in philanthropy. With his passing in 1996, his legacy continues through the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation now run by Trustees Ronald Jackson, Lorne Jacobson, Drs. David Elton, and Martin Atkinson. In 2011, the Foundation gave generously to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta which led to the creation of the Arthur J.E. Child Fellowships, which it continues to fund. I sat down with Lorne Jacobson who is the Foundation’s lead trustee at his Calgary downtown office to learn more about the Foundation and why giving to cardiovascular care is important for the organization.
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[ABOVE] Arthur J.E. Child [BELOW] L-R Lorne Jacobson, Dr. Martin Atkinson, Dr. David Elton, Ronald Jackson
COULD YOU PROVIDE SOME BACKGROUND ON THE ARTHUR J.E. CHILD FOUNDATION?
WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT PHILANTHROPY?
The Foundation is a legacy of Mr. Arthur J.E. Child who was my senior business partner at Burns Foods. It donates over $2 million a year to a variety of charitable initiatives such as local and international poverty relief, education and medical research advancement, health care service delivery, and museum development.
It is really important to see that having some success in business can lead to opportunities to be generous and give back. I was impacted by Mr. Child’s generosity. He was a very disciplined and superb businessman who had a compassionate and generous side to him and I realized that was an important aspect of being a fully rounded character.
WHAT WAS THE INCENTIVE TO GIVE TO THE LIBIN CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OF ALBERTA?
YOU MENTIONED THE FOUNDATION TAKES PART IN INTERNATIONAL CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS. CAN YOU DESCRIBE ONE OF YOUR FONDEST EXPERIENCES?
It started when I had a ventricular fibrillation (rapid heartbeat) cardiac arrest in 2009. I was hospitalized for quite some time at the Foothills Medical Centre and I got to know a number of individuals at the Libin Institute, including my cardiologist, Dr. Lisa Welikovitch. Our Foundation’s focus adheres to frontline care and I was so impressed with the service at the Libin Institute that I knew I wanted the Foundation to give back to it in some capacity. We were soon presented with the opportunity to fund the cardiology fellows’ training and were excited to jump at the opportunity.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD TO GIVE TO THE LIBIN CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OF ALBERTA? The Libin Institute provides first rate cardiac care. I’ve explored elsewhere for other care opportunities and I’ve been reassured by many that there is no better place for cardiac care in the world than the Libin Institute. It is truly a privilege to give to such a caliber of an Institute and the Foundation is proud to call ourselves Libin Institute donors.
The Foundation was approached in 2006 to see if we were willing to fund the further education of 15 Sudanese refugees living in Calgary, who had been trained in medical schools in Cuba, but had never been able to return to the war torn Sudan to practice medicine. Their medical qualifications weren’t valid in Canada, so we funded their training at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, living expenses for their families, and their residency opportunities in Kenya. Once that was complete, we had the opportunity to go to the Sudan where the clinics and hospitals were created and see the physicians set up their practices. Through this initiative the number of doctors in the Sudan has doubled. BESIDES PHILANTHROPY, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER HOBBIES AND INTERESTS? I love to golf, so in the summers I spend much of my free time golfing in Calgary and then in Scottsdale, Arizona during the winters. I also remain committed to TriWest Capital Partners, a private equity fund I co-founded in 1997, where I remain vice-chairman as I enjoy the dynamic and challenging world of entrepreneurial business.
Thanks to the immense support of the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation, I was fortunate to accept a self-funded fellowship in structural heart interventions in Rouen, France. The Foundation’s award provided the necessary funds to allow me to train with the pioneers of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (Dr. Alain Cribier and colleagues). I now look forward to joining and helping further expand Calgary’s interventional and structural heart programs. — Dr.
Anna Bizios, clinical assistant professor, interventional cardiology
LIBIN LIFE 23
Thanks all the sponsors, donors and guests of the 2016
Proceeds from this year’s gala will go towards the adult congenital heart disease transition program that supports patients born with heart defects as they advance from adolescence to adulthood, and to support cardiovascular biomedical engineering research in a variety of areas from imaging to electrical modelling. With your support, we are creating greatness! SIGNATURE SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSORS Balmon Investments
VIP TABLE SPONSORS
Andrew Maitland Prof. Corp.
/
BCW Architects
Ken Stephenson
Lighthearted
DONORS Karen & Dr. Todd Anderson Jenny & Hy Belzberg Bennet Jones LLP Brian Boulanger Coril Holdings Ltd.
Hartel Holding Co. Ltd. Lois & Dick Haskayne John C. Armstrong Professional Corp M. Ann McCaig
EVENT PARTNERS:
Marilyn & Jeff McCaig Verda & Duncan McNeill Ruth & Robert Peters The Philip and Harriet Libin Family Foundation
Riddell Family Charitable Foundation Dr. Eldon Smith OC Star Valley Oil & Gas Sam Switzer
@LibinB
#LibinB
eat
eat
EDUCATION
SECRETS OF A MENTOR Q&A WITH WAYNE GILES, PhD As told to Dr. Saman Rezazadeh
L
ibin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta member, Wayne Giles, PhD is professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. He has published approximately 200 research papers, was former Dean of the University of Calgary’s Department of Kinesiology, has wrote numerous book chapters, and has trained more than 30 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. His research has helped design cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, and drugs that prevent lethal heart rhythms. As importantly, most of his trainees have achieved successful careers, including my former PhD supervisor, Dr. David Fedida. HOW DID YOU FALL INTO RESEARCH AS YOUR CAREER?
I originally went to the University of Alberta to become a dentist. I had never taken biology until university because my small high school in Marwayne, Alberta only allowed students to complete math, chemistry and physics. Once I took biology, I found it very interesting and decided to switch majors and do an honours degree in physiology instead of dentistry. In my fourth year Denis Noble, PhD, one of the pioneers of cardiac physiology and someone I admired, was in Alberta doing a sabbatical. I asked if I could work with him and luckily for me he said ‘yes’. The rest is history! HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO TRAIN SO MANY SUCCESSFUL SCIENTISTS?
Our lab has always selected trainees very carefully, not necessarily for having a ‘perfect undergraduate background’ but for intelligence, motivation and intrinsic interest. My group often tackles large fundamental problems as opposed to incremental projects. We have a policy in my lab that whatever the postdoctoral trainee works on can be taken once they receive an independent position.
[ABOVE L-R] L-R Wayne Giles, PhD and Dr. Saman Rezazadeh, adult cardiology postgraduate year six resident Photo by Judy Siu
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO TRAINEES TO HELP THEM ESTABLISH A SUCCESSFUL RESEARCH CAREER?
Trainees should spend most of their time pursuing the most interesting unanswered questions in their field. I recommend rather than producing a large number of short papers, they should aim for two to three high quality publications. That will answer important questions and open up new possibilities. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Without a doubt, taking the risk to work on single cells in the heart. This was something a lot of people discouraged me from doing. Luckily, and luck is a huge part of my career, we were successful. I am also thankful for the opportunities and accolades I received such as the Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions Scientist Award, the Alberta Heart Foundation’s Heart Chair, and project funding from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE LIBIN CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OF ALBERTA IN TERMS OF CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH?
When most trainees start their projects, they can’t go too far outside their lab’s expertise and that is limiting. At the Libin Institute, labs interact closely. This mitigates isolated learning and allows for trainees to have access to basic and clinical science expertise. OUTSIDE OF RESEARCH, WHAT ELSE ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I am very interested in career development for student athletes. That is a main reason why I enjoyed my six-year term as Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary.
LIBIN LIFE 25
2016 LIBIN INSTITUTE’S TINE HAWORTH CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH DAY Story & photos by Lauren Thorson
O
n April 7, 2016 the 2016 Libin Institute’s Tine Haworth Cardiovascular Research Day was held. Approximately 175 staff, students, researchers and physicians were present throughout the day and took in talks, poster/award presentations, lunch, and a post event reception. The day began with opening remarks from Dr. Sofia Ahmed, Libin Institute’s Research Training and Mentorship Director and Tine Haworth Cardiovascular Research Day’s co-chair, and then an informative presentation from Biomedical Engineer, Elena Di Martino, PhD. Her presentation was on biomchanics and how they aid clinical assessment of aortic patients. Rapid fire presentations were next and given by seven trainees and moderated by Justin MacDonald, PhD and Dr. Derek Exner. To cap off the morning, a career look-back from research clinicians, Drs. D. George Wyse and Henk ter Keurs was held. Both presenters discussed their successful careers, provided tips for future researchers, and took part in a Q&A that was moderated by Dr. Ahmed. Throughout lunch 28 judges were involved with a poster competition that included 54 posters. In the afternoon TOD (training, outcomes and determinants)-style talks were presented and moderated by Dr. Matthew James, MD, PhD, Libin Institute’s Tine Haworth Cardiovascular Research Day co-chair. Each presenter took the audience on a journey through a part of their research experience, resulting in the audience learning about new concepts on the topics. [L-R] Tine Haworth and Alvin Libin, OC This year’s Dr. E.R. Smith lecturer was Dr. Jack Tu, MD, PhD. He is a clinician-scientist, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, and is an attending physician in the Division of Cardiology at the Sunnybrook Schulich Heart Centre in Toronto, Ontario. He is one of Canada’s leading cardiovascular epidemiologists and is internationally recognized for his work at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. His discussion was lively and he spoke on his current research endeavor: cardiovascular events in immigrants: The Cardiac Arrhythmia Network of Canada immigrant study. “Another incredible and successful Libin Institute’s Tine Haworth Cardiovascular Research Day was had this year. The high quality of the work presented by students and trainees was not only a reflection of their hard work but also the outstanding mentorship from the Libin Institute principal investigators. We look forward to all the fun, learning and excitement for next year’s event.” says Dr. Ahmed.
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MASTER’S
TRAINEE Nikita Zabinyakov SUPERVISOR Kristina Rinker, PhD TOPIC Can fluid flow induce pluripotency in human dermal fibroblasts? - A potential patient-specific drug screening platform
TRAINEE Daniel Park SUPERVISOR Dr. Paul Fedak TOPIC Role of lubricin in attenuating myofibroblast mediated retrosternal pericardial adhesions
PhD
TRAINEE Dr. Holly Mewhort SUPERVISOR Dr. Paul Fedak TOPIC Surgical application of a novel biomaterial attenuates post-mi remodeling and heart failure: Impact of intervention timing relative to infarct stage on functional recovery
TRAINEE Tom Whitesell SUPERVISOR Sarah Childs, PhD TOPIC Foxc1b as a marker of early and brain vascular mural cells in zebrafish
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
TRAINEE Andreas Brodehl, PhD SUPERVISOR Dr. Brenda Gerull TOPIC DSC2 overexpression induces cardiac inflammation and fibrotic remodelling leading consequently to cardiomyopathy
TRAINEE Min Jun, PhD SUPERVISOR Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn, MD, PhD TOPIC The comparative effectiveness and safety of warfarin initiation in older adults with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation according to level of kidney function
CLINICAL TRAINEES
POSTER COMPETITION WINNERS
TRAINEE Dr. Ahmed Abdi Ali SUPERVISOR Dr. James White TOPIC Prognostic utility of cardiac index measured by CMR in patients with coronary artery disease
TRAINEE Dr. Payam Pournazari SUPERVISOR Dr. Robert Sheldon TOPIC Dose-dependent reduction in vasovagal syncope in the placebo arm of the POST 2 study
[ABOVE] Rapid Fire Talk participants/moderators: L-R: Dr. Derek Exner (moderator), Dr. Ahmed Bafadel, Dr. Michael Chiu, David Guzzardi, Sharanya Ramesh, PhD, Mariam Narous, Dr. Simardeep Gill, and Justin MacDonald, PhD (moderator) [LEFT] L-R Dr. E.R. Smith Lecturer Dr. Jack Tu, MD, PhD and Dr. Eldon Smith
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TRAINEE PROFILES ARIANNA FORNERIS
DR. DEREK CHEW
CURRENT PERSUIT PhD student (2nd year) in the Biomedical Engineering program, medical imaging specialization. SUPERVISOR Elena Di Martino, PhD DEGREES BSc Biomedical Engineering – 2011, Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MSc Biomedical Engineering – 2014, Politecnico di Torino, Italy RESEARCH INTERESTS My research involves the use of medical imaging and computational fluid dynamics to study the effects of hemodynamic forces on the onset and progression of aortic wall diseases such as aneurysms. FUTURE AMBITIONS In the very near future I plan to be done with my candidacy examination. After that I want to complete my PhD and keep working in the research related to medical imaging. ABOUT ME I’m originally from Italy and moved here almost two years ago. I enjoy hiking, climbing and any activity in the mountains, especially in the winter (Canada is a pretty good choice!).
CURRENT PERSUIT Adult Cardiology – PGY6 SUPERVISORS Drs. Derek Exner and Satish Raj DEGREES BSc Molecular Biology and Biochemistry,
Simon Fraser University; MD, University of Toronto; FRCPC Internal Medicine, University of Calgary RESEARCH INTERESTS Identifying surface ECG predictors of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy and determining the role for reassessment left ventricular function post-myocardial infarction and its prognostication in sudden cardiac death. FUTURE AMBITIONS I will be pursuing further subspecialty training in electrophysiology at the University of Calgary starting in 2017. Following that, I hope to pursue formal graduate research training in health services research. ABOUT ME When I have time off work, I enjoy travelling off the beaten track and experiencing new cultures. Otherwise, I enjoy spending my weekends either camping, hiking and skiing.
ANUKUL GHIMIRE
TINA HUEY-MIIN CHEN
CURRENT PERSUIT MSc, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences SUPERVISORS Drs. John Tyberg and Nowell Fine DEGREES BSc (Hons), 2015, University of Calgary RESEARCH INTERESTS In collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, I am interested in characterizing cardiac dynamics using a novel methodology in patients with pulmonary hypertension. FUTURE AMBITIONS I will be starting medical school at the University of Alberta this fall. Ultimately, I want to serve as a clinician-scholar. ABOUT ME I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal. I lived there and in Norway before arriving to Calgary. In my free time, I enjoy playing pick-up basketball, playing chess, and watching the older works of Al-Pacino and Robert De Niro.
libininstitute.org
CURRENT PERSUIT MSc – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology SUPERVISOR Justin MacDonald, PhD DEGREES BSc (Hons) Biochemistry – University of Calgary (2016) RESEARCH INTERESTS The exploration of PIM kinases as targets for pharmacotherapy. My project will examine novel inhibitors of PIM kinases to determine their utility in modulating inflammatory responses in disease. FUTURE AMBITIONS After graduate studies, my goal is to obtain a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical biochemistry. ABOUT ME I am fascinated by both the very old and the very new. Up until age 13, I wanted to study archaeology and live a nomadic life in the Altai Mountains of China. Now my interest is with studying the biological effects of novel pharmaceuticals.
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