Life Life Spring 2015 by Libin Institute

Libin Life RESEARCH

EDUCATION

CARE DELIVERY

SPRING 2015

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta Magazine

TINE

HAWORTH A Philanthropic Legacy Rooted in Education Libin Members Part of $65M Research Network King-Shier Named Inaugural Guru Nanak Dev Ji DIL (Heart) Research Chair

International Symposium on Resistance Arteries

First MRI Compatible Defibrillator in Western Canada

The Beat Goes On Gala

Libin Life

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

hile it may appear obvious to many, it is important to emphasize that the success and daily operation of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute is greatly enhanced by the presence of our students. Training is one of our core values and we take great pride in the training of students from undergraduate to postdoctoral fellows. This occurs in the areas of basic and translational science, clinical training in cardiac sciences, and heart outcomes research. We have been able to create new opportunities for our students and their supervisors with important new programs over the past few years. We are delighted to feature Tine Haworth in the spring 2015 edition of Libin Life. Ms. Haworth has been a strong supporter of the Institute over the years and we are very pleased to announce a new gift she has made that will entirely focus on education. This endowment will create funding for salaries for both graduate students and post-doctoral fellows and will be named in her honour. In keeping with previous funding she has provided for our annual research day, a portion of the funding from the endowment will be used to support the newly named Tine Haworth Research Day. The new Haworth gift adds to a strong commitment to education in the area of vascular biology from funds provided by David (Kim) Kertland. Mr. Kertland has added to his prior gift allowing us to fund graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the area of vascular biology for the next five years. Equally important is the announcement of new scholarships from the Cumming School of Medicine to enhance these programs. Matching funds will be available for both graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. This will allow us to double our Libin Institute investment in these programs. We are also proud of a second three-year commitment from the Arthur Childs Foundation for sub-specialty training in cardiac sciences. This large gift, $200,000 per year for three years, allows us to offer support for up to three clinical trainees annually. We have already seen the benefits of this program with new staff physicians bringing excellence back to Calgary. We are thrilled our appreciation and support for our educational mission can be backed with strong financial contributions to this important area.

Dr. Todd Anderson

Director Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta @LibinDirector ABOUT THE 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 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 Institute and how you can donate, please visit our website at www.libin.ucalgary.ca/donate.

2 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 care delivery. Institute Director Dr. Todd Anderson @LibinDirector Director of Research Dr. Ed O’Brien @EDOBrienYYC Education Council Chair Donald Welsh, PhD Associate Director Al-Karim Walli @aswalli Editor Lauren Sharp Editorial Committee Judy Siu, Al-Karim Walli, Lauren Sharp, Suzanne Welsh, Barb Jones, Miranda Wilson Copy Editor Judy Siu Contributors Dr. Todd Anderson, Lauren Sharp, Shannon Perry, Monique de St. Croix, Judy Siu, Steven Tov, Miranda Wilson, Al-Karim Walli, Don Welsh, Barb Jones, Diane Galbraith, Colin Zak, Suzanne Welsh, Nadia Maarouf, Vasilka Saydina, Cynthia Radford, Ron Switzer Design and Layout Steven Tov @madebysteventov Printer McAra Printing @mcaraprinting Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta Foothills Medical Centre HMRB 71, 3330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1 P 403.210.6271 E libin@ucalgary.ca W libininstitute.org Twitter @libininstitute Editorial Inquiries Lauren Sharp Communications Coordinator lrsharp@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. © 2015 Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta to share news and information about the Institute’s impact in research, education and patient care.

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

DEPARTMENTS

2 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 4 AWARDS & ACCOLADES 6 NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS 7 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 14 LIBIN ABROAD 24 SPOTLIGHT ON TRAINEES

[Back Row L-R] Don Welsh, PhD, Al-Karim Walli [Front Row L-R] SR Wayne Chen, PhD, Tine Haworth, Dr. Anne Gillis

FEATURES

10 12

Tine Haworth A philanthropic legacy rooted in education

The Enabling Hand of Friendship A look back at the 2014 The Beat Goes On Gala

CARE DELIVERY

16 16 17 17

First MRI Compatible Defibrillator in Western Canada

New technology may expand diagnostic options for cardiac patients

APPROACH – Now Available Online Care Standardized for Albertans with Chronic Kidney Disease

Albertans living with chronic kidney disease are receiving improved diagnosis and treatment following the launch of a standardized care pathway

Cardiac Catheterization Lab Central Referral System Soon to Open at Foothills Medical Centre

RESEARCH

18 18 19

Libin Members Part of $65M Research Network Kathryn King-Shier, PhD Named Inaugural Guru Nanak Dev Ji DIL (Heart) Research Chair

19 21

Libin Institute Members Contribute to National Heart and Stroke Report

EDUCATION

20 21

International Symposium on Resistance Arteries Expanding Boundaries in Vascular Biology Symposium

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UPCOMING EVENTS

THE BEAT GOES ON Save the date for the 2nd annual Libin Institute The Beat Goes On Gala on September 12, 2015. Following the tremendous success of the inaugural 2014 gala, this event will raise funds to support Libin Institute initiatives such as research, strategic recruitment, and acquiring state of the art equipment. With the ongoing support from event co-Chairs Tony Dilawri and Ken King as well as support from Calgary’s leading business leaders and an engaged community, The Beat Goes On promises to be an unforgettable evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and stimulating discussion. Details to follow. —Miranda Wilson

RESEARCH DAY The Libin Institute’s Tine Haworth Cardiovascular Research Day will be held on April 17, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Health Sciences Centre (attached to the Foothills Medical Centre) in the HRIC Atrium and the Libin Lecture Theatre. 11:15 AM Lunch & Posters 3:10 PM Dr. ER Smith Lecture 4:15 PM Reception

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Dr. D. George Wyse Recieves CHRS Annual Achievement Award for Lifetime Achievement Every year, the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society recognizes a Canadian who has made an outstanding career contribution within the field of cardiac electrophysiology. This year’s awardee was our very own Dr. D. George Wyse, an Emeritus Professor at the Cumming School of Medicine. He has previously been honoured as Distinguished Scientist of the Heart Rhythm Society, Distinguished Alumni of the University of Calgary, and has also been a past recipient of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s Annual Achievement Award. Dr. Wyse notably serves as chair of the Libin Institute’s International Experts Advisory Committee.—Lauren Sharp

Libin Naming Donor, Alvin Libin Honoured At This Year’s B’nai Brith Dinner

Presenters include: Donald Welsh, PhD, Professor, Physiology & Pharmacology Dr. Bijoy Menon, Assistant Professor, Clinical Neurosciences and Radiology Tina Rinker, PhD, Associate Professor and Director, Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary Ramesh Mishra, PhD, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Physiology & Pharmacology Dr. Jacques Rizkallah, Clinical Fellow, Cardiac Electrophysiology Andreas Brodehl, PhD, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Cardiac Sciences Don Bers, PhD, Dr. ER Smith lecturer, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology at UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California. For more details visit libininstitute.org—Lauren Sharp

ABOUT THE COVER

Back Row [L-R] Ken King, Murray Edwards, Gary Bettman, Premier Jim Prentice, Alvin Libin, Michael Mostyn Front Row [L-R] Dr. Eldon Smith, Dr. Todd Anderson, Linda Atkinson

Tine Haworth has been a generous donor of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute since 2008. Her donations have resulted in a variety of initiatives at the Institute that have supported clinical and basic research and graduate education. Her dedication to the Libin Institute is unprecedented and she is truly a special friend and true asset to the Institute. Read full story on page 10.

Libin Institute naming donor, Alvin Libin was honoured at the 64th Annual B’Nai Brith Dinner. The event was held in support of the Libin Institute and recognized the valuable efforts of Alvin Libin and National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner, Gary Bettman. Alvin was honoured for his contributions to a variety of organizations such as the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, chair of the Foothills Medical Centre Board (1980-1990), and the Alberta Heritage Foundation Board (1990-2000). The event was held at Calgary’s Beth Tzedec Synagogue with $50,000 being raised for the Libin Institute that evening.

Cover photos courtesy of Tine Haworth.

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Photo taken by Ron Switzer

Ahmed Hashad Uncovers New Channels in Brain’s Blood Vessels With the help of the $150,000 Canadian Institutes of Health Research Vanier Canada Scholarship, Ahmed Hashad – a third-year cardiovascular and respiratory sciences PhD student – and his colleagues are looking at how T-type calcium channels regulate blood vessel diameter and brain blood flow and whether changes in this activity is related to cardiovascular diseases. Prior to Hashad’s research undertaken in the laboratory of his supervisor Don Welsh, PhD, scientists assumed there was only one type of functional calcium channel present in smooth muscle. Through electrical, molecular, and physiological methods, Hashad’s research was able to prove otherwise. “Through our research, we were able to characterize new calcium channels in the brain blood vessels that seem to play a major role in the regulation of brain blood flow,” Ahmed says. “By targeting these new channels, you can provide other therapeutic alternatives for treatment of diseases such as stroke and high blood pressure.”—Lauren Sharp

Dr. L. Brent Mitchell - President of the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society At last year’s Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. L. Brent Mitchell assumed the role as president of the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society. Dr. Mitchell is an accomplished cardiovascular clinician-scientist, educator and administrator. Some of his accomplishments include receiving the Heart Rhythm Society’s Distinguished Teaching Award in May and holding the inaugural Libin Cardiovascular Institute director position. —Lauren Sharp

Justin MacDonald, PhD Awarded European Commission Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship This fellowship is awarded to top researchers from different parts of the world who are interested in developing research collaborations with scientists in Europe. His study, a drug discovery initiative for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease, was conducted at Aston University in Birmingham, United Kingdom. He holds an Alberta Innovates – Health Services Senior Scholarship and is a newly promoted professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is an accomplished basic scientist with a focus on vascular biology, protein biochemistry and drug discovery. For more information on his research sabbatical, please refer to page 15.—Lauren Sharp

Social Worker, June Yee, Receives Alberta College of Social Workers Award On March 27, June Yee, program social worker for the Southern Alberta Adult Congenital Heart Clinic at the Peter Lougheed Centre, received the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACWS) Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice. This award recognizes social workers who show model skills and dedication to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the ACWS in a variety of practice settings. She was nominated by her colleagues for her devotion to her practice, excellent teaching skills, and patient care expertise in areas such as mental health assessment and community resources and support. “I am very fortunate to have June affiliated with our (Southern Alberta Adult Congenital Heart) program and was thrilled to hear she was the recipient of this award,” says Dr. Tim Prieur, Southern Alberta Adult Congenital Heart program member. “I have worked directly with June for many years and her gentle personality combined with her strong knowledge and approach to social issues truly epitomizes what a professional is.” June was presented the award at the ACWS 2015 Annual Conference.—Lauren Sharp LIBIN LIFE 5

NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn Named Head, Department of Community Health Sciences Libin and O’Brien Institute member, Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn was appointed Head, Department of Community Health Sciences on October 1, 2014. Dr. Hemmelgarn is a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences and is the inaugural Roy and Vi Baay Chair in Kidney Research. She is the director of the Alberta Kidney Disease Network and is involved in clinical practice guideline development at national and international levels. Dr. Hemmelgarn’s research interests focus on strategies to improve the care of people with chronic kidney disease and other chronic health conditions. As colead of the Interdisciplinary Chronic Disease Collaboration (ICDC), a province-wide research team, Dr. Hemmelgarn’s work has contributed significantly to improving the health of patients living with chronic disease. Dr. Hemmelgarn is also active in the teaching and supervision of undergraduate and graduate trainees.

Dr. Derek Exner New Associate Dean (Clinical Trials) at the Cumming School of Medicine On July 1, 2014, Libin Institute member, cardiologist, and heart rhythm specialist Dr. Derek Exner was appointed Associate Dean (Clinical Trials) at the Cumming School of Medicine. Dr. Exner is a professor in the Departments of Cardiac Sciences, Medicine and Community Health Sciences and is the medical director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Program. He holds a Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials, and is the principal investigator of REFINE ICD. His clinical activity and research focus on identifying people at risk for serious heart rhythm problems and the optimal use of cardiac device therapies. His research is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, Western Economic Diversification, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Libin Research Family Holiday Celebration On December 11, Libin research members and their families celebrated the festive season with the Libin’s Research Family Holiday Celebration. The evening began with a full turkey dinner, cookie decorating for the kids, and a visit from Santa and his holiday friends. Guest speakers included Libin Institute Director, Dr. Todd Anderson and Libin Institute Research Director, Dr. Ed O’brien. With a food bank donation of over 365 pounds raised, attendees’ names were drawn for a variety of prizes such as wine, movie tickets, and a gift basket full of goodies. The evening was a great way to celebrate the hard work and dedication the research family has put into cardiac science research.—Lauren Sharp

Cumming School of Medicine Public Talk at Foothills Campus On Wednesday, October 22nd, 165 individuals attended the sold-out Cumming School of Medicine Future of Health event featuring Libin Institute Director, Dr. Todd Anderson and Snyder Institute Director, Paul Kubes, PhD. Dean of the Cumming School of Medicine, Dr. Jon Meddings opened the event and introduced the two experts as the inaugural event’s speakers. Dr. Anderson’s presentation was on cardiac health and Paul’s was on the importance of infection and inflammation. Event videos can be found at libininstitute.org/Creatingthefutureofhealthvideos.—Lauren Sharp 6 LIBIN LIFE

Dr. Todd Anderson presenting at the Future of Health inaugural dean’s event

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Shocked

and Awed

The Strategic and Tactical Battle Against Sudden Death As part of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s 10th Anniversary, the Institute hosted Shocked and Awed: The Strategic and Tactical Battle Against Sudden Death on the evening of September 24. Held at the Libin Lecture Theatre at the University of Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre, the event leveraged Calgary’s 40 year strength in cardiac electrophysiology research, education, and care delivery. The event was delivered in four parts:

[L-R] Dr. Todd Anderson, S.R. Wayne Chen, PhD, Dr. Yorgo (George) Veenhuyzen, Dr. Derek Exner and Dr. D. George Wyse

•

History of electrophysiology research and clinical practice, presented by Dr. D. George Wyse, MD, PhD

•

Leading-edge treatment in 2014, presented by Dr. Yorgo (George) Veenhuyzen

•

Clinical research that may change practice in the coming years, presented by Dr. Derek Exner

•

Basic science research at the molecular level that may be a game-changer in the decades ahead, presented by S.R. Wayne Chen, PhD

The event included welcoming remarks from Cumming School of Medicine’s Dean Dr. Jon Meddings, was moderated by Libin Institute Director Dr. Todd Anderson, and was capped with a lively panel discussion among the presenters.—Al-Karim Walli

Community Partners Advisory Committee Meeting On November 19th, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute hosted its annual Community Partners Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting to connect with, inform, and thank some of its most committed community supporters and donors. Hosted at the Calgary Golf & Country Club, the evening included informative presentations from two of Libin’s recent recruits: Drs. Satish Raj and Kara Nerenberg. Associate Professor, Dr. Raj spoke to his research on clinical autonomic disorders discussing syncope (fainting) with a slight bit of humour in his presentation titled, “Help! My Patient Can’t Stand Up!” Clinical Assistant Professor, Dr. Nerenberg, presented her work on pregnancy and vascular disease prevention.—Miranda Wilson CPAC presenters Drs. Satish Raj and Kara Nerenberg

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[L-R] Dr. Merril Knudtson, Dr. D. George Wyse, Dr. Todd Anderson, and Dr. Norm Campbell

Canadian Cardiovascular Congress The Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC) was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on October 25-28, 2014. The Libin Institute, a gold sponsor, is a longtime supporter of the congress, with the 2014 and 2015 editions having Dr. Todd Anderson, Libin Institute director as its annual meeting chair. The congress is the country’s largest medical convention that brings in nurses, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, researchers, and other cardiovascular experts from across the country. This year, several Libin Institute members were recognized, including Dr. Norm Campbell, CM who received the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Dr. Har-

Science Café – Genes in the Stampede City On September 29, The Libin Cardiovascular Institute hosted its third CIHR Café Scientifique event, “Genes in the Stampede City: Cardiovascular Final Ruling or Red Herring” at Owls Nest Books in Britannia. Guests were entertained with a lively panel discussion from cardiologists Drs. Robert Sheldon and Brenda Gerull, pediatric geneticist and moderator Dr. Francois Bernier, and patient Belinda Osborne. The dialogue surrounded the topics of genes and their relationship with cardiovascular diseases.—Lauren Sharp 8 LIBIN LIFE

old N. Segall Award of Merit - in recognition of his contribution to prevention of cardiovascular disease in Canada; Dr. D. George Wyse, who received the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society (CHRS) Annual Achievement Award for Lifetime Achievement; Dr. Merril Knudston, CM who received the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s Annual Achievement Award for Lifetime Achievement; and David Guzzardi, from the laboratory of Dr. Paul Fedak, who received the Trainee Research Award for basic science. This year, CCC will be hosted in Toronto from Saturday, October 24 to Tuesday, October 27, 2015.—Lauren Sharp

Calgary Flames Health Training Camp The Libin Cardiovascular Institute participated in the inaugural Flames Health Training Camp, spearheaded by the O’Brien Institute for Public Health in conjunction with Ken King and the Flames group on January 10th. The event had more than 500 children and adults taking part in fitness tests, health assessments, organized activities, disease screening, and free consultations. Health and wellness experts from across Calgary joined forces to create the one-stop-shop for healthy living geared towards kids and adults looking to make a change. Training camp partners included the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Kinesiology, Mount Royal University (MRU)’s Faculty of Health and Community Studies, personal fitness training students from MRU’s Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension, SAIT Polytechnic’s School of Health and Safety, and the Flames Foundation for Life. The vision for the training camp is to make Calgary the healthiest city in the world.

Telus Spark’s Love VS Hate Event On February 12, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute was part of the Telus Spark’s Love vs Hate Adults Only Night. With the theme surrounding Valentine’s Day, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute put on a heart dissection station run by Libin members, Dr. Holly Mewhort from Dr. Paul Fedak’s lab and graduate student Lindsay Burrowes from Dr. John Tyberg’s lab. Individuals were able to dissect a heart, ask questions, and learn about the organ from Dr. Mewhort and Lindsay. Other booths included a break-up animation station, a ball of heartache project, and a relationship advice station put on by the University of Calgary’s Love Lab.

Photo taken by Cynthia Radford

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FEATURE

A philanthropic legacy rooted in education

BY LAUREN SHARP 10 LIBIN LIFE

1 [L-R] Nadia Maarouf, Tine Haworth, Elaine Tanton 2 Tine’s first flying solo certificate 3 [L-R] Tine Haworth, Dr. Anne Gillis, Elaine Tanton 4 Dr. Eldon Smith and Tine Haworth Photos one & four taken by Monique de St. Croix

t takes a team of researchers, medical professionals, academics, administrators, and students to ensure the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta runs smoothly, achieves its goals, and reaches new heights. And it takes people like Tine Haworth, a self-made 93-year-old businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist, to help it get there. “She has wonderful insight, intelligence, and grace,” says Libin Director, Dr. Todd Anderson. “I have come to know and greatly respect Tine over the past few years and I can say, without hesitation, she is one of the most remarkable individuals I have had the good fortune to meet. She is truly inspirational.” Born in 1922 in Macrorie, Saskatchewan to immigrant parents from Holland, her father a Dutch businessman and her mother a housekeeper, Tine’s childhood was spent predominately on her parent’s farm as well as attending grade school at a local one-room school house. At a time when money was sparse and the cost of university was unaffordable, a scholarship led her to a series of one-room school houses in the rural part of the province and a teaching career. “For three years I was a teacher and principal. I had to teach all the subjects to all the kids. I had to do a lot of it on my own as there were no lesson plans and my salary was $50 a month. It really was a whole different world,” says Tine.

Three years into teaching, Tine moved just outside of Edmonton with her husband, Roy. Five years later, he died of polio, leaving her with two young children. “With my husband’s passing I knew I needed to get involved with real estate to support my family. It was pretty cheap in those days, so I thought I would buy a couple houses, fix ‘em up –and hey, it worked out okay,” says Tine. Then she met Dr. Derek Haworth, a young and eligible British physician. They fell in love, got married and, with four kids, Audrey, Elaine, Jim, and David in tow, settled in Cupar, Saskatchewan where Derek opened his own practice and Tine found a new passion – flying. “My husband took flying lessons and started to fly, so I thought if he could do it, well then so could I! We loved to fly up north on Sundays on nice days and just enjoy the scenery,” says Tine. Derek had a heart attack in his late 40s, and after he retired, further real estate deals enticed Tine and her family to head west and settle permanently in Calgary in 1989. Years later, Tine and her husband developed a relationship with Dr. Anne Gillis, Derek’s cardiologist and Libin Institute member. Derek passed away in 2008 due to cardiac health problems, however, Tine’s association with the Institute continued after his passing. “I feel good donating to the Libin. It’s nice to donate to an organization that does so much for so many individuals,” says Tine. “Tine is an astute businesswoman who has thoughtfully chosen to build upon Libin’s existing strengths,” says Barb Giba, Executive Director of Fund Development at the Cumming School of Medicine. “Her investment in the Libin Cardiovascular Institute is increasing its capacity to improve cardiovascular outcomes for Calgarians and beyond.” Tine’s donations have led to initiatives such as the Haworth Laboratories (named in recognition of a donation in memory of her husband, Derek), laboratory support for Dr. John Tyberg, MD, PhD, funds for cardiac electrophysiology recruitment, and an endowment for Libin’s education committee in support of scholarships and funds for the newly named Libin Institute Tine Haworth Cardiovascular Research Day. “Tine and her family have made generous donations with an emphasis on educating trainees in cardiovascular research – which is the future of cardiovascular research in Canada,” says Dr. Anne Gillis. “She and her family remain committed to advancing cardiovascular research through support of the Libin Institute.” LIBIN LIFE 11

THE ENABLING HAND OF FRIENDSHIP By Al-Karim Walli

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1 Back Row [L-R] University of Calgary President Elizabeth Cannon, Libin Institute Director Dr. Todd Anderson, and Director of Research Dr. Ed O’Brien. Front Row [L-R] Libin Institute naming donor Alvin Libin and Dr. Eldon R. Smith, past Dean of Medicine at the Cumming School of Medicine and Emeritus Professor. 2 Reception entertainment, Jocelyn & Lisa 3-4 Event’s main entertainment, Juno award winning artists Raine Maida (L) and Chantal Kreviazuk. 5 Gala co-chair and partner at the Dilawri Group of companies, Tony Dilawri 6 Gala co-chair and Calgary Flames president and CEO, Ken King 7 [L-R] Calgary Health Trust CEO Jill Olynyk, Alex Memedovich, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the Cumming School of Medicine, Dr. Glenda MacQueen, and Candace Lacina. 8 Flames players: Mikael Backlund (left) and his girlfriend Frida Engstrom. Kimberley Jones with her husband David Jones (right)

he Libin Institute’s inaugural The Beat Goes On Gala was a smashing success. Through an energized community, we celebrated our tenth anniversary and raised funds, but like every story of success, the path to the gala was filled with its share of risk-reward navigation. What if we didn’t sell out? What if the sponsors didn’t come to the table? What if we didn’t raise enough money – or any at all? The team made up of dreamers, realists, and even some area experts (whose expertise sometimes told us not exactly what we wanted to hear) went through the roller coaster of brainstorming, spending, saving, and holding breath. Finally, and fortunately, this was all capped by satisfaction and a hint of pride when $750,000, after all expenses were paid, was raised. Be it in context of planning an event or pushing the bounds of cardiovascular knowledge, success is dependent on creativity, innovation, thoughtfulness, and an enterprising spirit. You have objectives, but like obstacles in a river,

challenges may lead to change, but you must always strive, even in the face of uncertainty (and fear). When you do this, something fascinating happens – things just start working out, and this is often through the hands of friendship. So when I think of the success of The Beat Goes On Gala, it really comes down to the power of friendship. A neighbour such as Mark Wallace from Canadian Pacific Railway lending support or being there to help. Or a friend of a friend, who accepts you from day one and who makes it happen, such as Ken King from the Calgary Flames, originally introduced by Alvin Libin. And Tony Dilawri from the Dilawri Group, someone whose heart was helped through the Institute, coming back and helping more than we could have ever expected. As we look forward to September 12, 2015, our second annual The Beat Goes On Gala, we’ll be looking to once again our special ingredient, the enabling hand of friendship. LIBIN LIFE 13

Photos taken by Monique de St. Croix

LIBIN ABROAD

Time and

Knowledge An Impactful and Satisfying Gift By Lauren Sharp

ahraa Bhimji, is helping improve cardiac health care in Pakistan through a one-year full-time volunteer commitment at the Karachi campus of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). A coronary care nurse with the Libin Cardiovascular Institute stationed at the Peter Lougheed Centre, Zahraa is sharing her skills with the hospital to assist with the advancement of nursing practice standards. “Being at the AKUH has been such a fantastic opportunity. I have been able to assist with making policy and education changes as well as bedside differences. I have had the opportunity to directly influence hospital policy and practice in general nursing care,” says Bhimji. During her stay at AKUH, she has evaluated nurses in the cardiac care unit and the cardiac step-down unit and helped strengthen existing orientation processes, ensuring nursing staff remain on par with international standards. “The scope of my volunteerism is related to assessment and overview of ways to improve nursing competency within cardiology; in maintaining best practice standards,” says Bhimji. “We, the AKUH and myself, are hoping the orientation modules will help structure how new staff and nursing students are integrated into cardiology. The clinical audit will highlight future learning needs.” Zahraa arrived in Karachi in June of 2014 as a “Time and Knowledge Nazrana” (nazrana is Farsi for gift) volunteer. His Highness the Aga Khan accepted such gifts of volunteerism during his Golden Jubilee year from members of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community because of “the importance of contributing one’s individual energies, on a voluntary basis, to improving the lives of others” (excerpt of speech in the House of Commons made by the Aga

14 LIBIN LIFE

Zahraa Bhimji (right) receiving her volunteer appreciation award from the Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul (middle) and Human Resources Vice-President Carol Ariano (left).

Khan [Chancellor of AKU], February 27, 2014 in Ottawa). Due to her experience with cardiac clinical and nursing instructor experience, she was selected to assist with staff development, education, and assessing staff needs at the university hospital. “When I started I was a little nervous – was I going to fit in right away? Fortunately, I have really been respected and the fact I can speak their language, Urdu, has made the comradery even better,” says Bhimji. Her stay in Karachi will end in May of 2015; however, with plans to start the nurse practitioner program at the University of Calgary in 2016, she hopes to continue international work with AKUH, thereafter. “As plans to expand the cardiac centre of excellence are upcoming, I am excited to continue my professional collaboration with AKUH in the future,” says Bhimji. In particular, I’m interested in supporting the development of a nurse practitioner role to complement the healthcare teams.”

Researchers’ Spotlights Whether it’s flying to the other side of the Canada, the United Kingdom, Asia or to the closest tip of Antarctica our researchers have worked to expand spheres of knowledge everywhere. Below we highlight two recent Libin Cardiovascular Institute member sabbaticals (research studies abroad) over the last year.

Justin MacDonald, PhD (Birmingham, United Kingdom) Role: Protein Biochemist Tell me about your research in Birmingham: I was awarded a European Commission, Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship to study a drug discovery initiative for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease in the United Kingdom. My research involves the study of proteins that lead to inflammation in the body. Once defined, I try to then control these proteins so that inflammation can be lessened; however, to do so, it requires specialized approaches to define the protein structure. That is, how the protein looks in three-dimensional models so that we can develop drugs that specifically interact with the protein. I worked in Professor Roslyn Bill’s laboratory at Aston University in Birmingham, UK. Her lab is renowned for the use of yeast as protein production factories. With

these tools, we developed means to generate large amounts of protein for structure mapping with X-ray beams. Why that destination? There are strengths in protein biotechnology in the UK and I developed key contacts with the European structural biology community. It is also where the Diamond Light Source synchrotron is located. This is a 1.5 kilometre in circumference scientific machine that acts like a giant atomic microscope, but is 10,000 times stronger. It uses the power of electrons in “beams” to allow scientists to study very small substances. My wife was also completing a hepatology fellowship with the University of Birmingham. How long is your study? One year. Highlights from the trip? Seeing protein crystals in the X-ray beam line.

Dr. Anne Gillis

(Auckland, New Zealand) Role: Cardiologist Tell me about your research in Auckland: When atrial fibrillation (rapid or irregular heart rhythm) occurs, a procedure used to restore normal heart rhythm called ablation is used. From January 2014 to January 7, 2015, I was working with my colleagues in the Bioengineering Institute at the University of Auckland developing an experimental model of atrial fibrillation. Our research is studying factors including the progression of scar tissue in the atrium (heart chamber) on the progression of atrial fibrillation. Through this research, we are trying to understand concepts that may result in improved ablation approaches and outcomes. Why that destination? I have developed great relationships with my colleagues from the University of Auckland. I have also been to New Zealand a couple of times before and I really enjoyed it. The country is very beautiful with a temperate climate and lots of outdoor activities.

How long is your study? The study is in its very early stages and will continue for the next three to four years. Highlights from the trip? In addition to the productive work, I would have to say touring the north and south islands, spending the Christmas season, although it was summer there, with my family, and taking in the awesome scenery.

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CARE DELIVERY

First MRI Compatible Defibrillator in Western Canada By Colin Zak

n a western Canadian first, a Libin Institute medical Brian McComb became the second patient in Canada, and team has implanted a special defibrillator at the Foothills first in the West, to receive the MRI-ICD after discovering Medical Centre (FMC) that enables patients with irregular he suffered from congestive heart failure. The 69-year-old heart rhythms to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Calgary man says he’s excited to be on the leading edge of scans. medical technology. Implantable defibrillators are placed under the skin and “After the procedure, I was up and walking within 24 correct life-threatening, irregular heart rhythms. However, hours. Now I want to focus on spending time with my grandMRI scanners cause traditional defibrillakids,” says McComb. “If my heart stops, tors to malfunction, meaning thousands of it gives me a lot of peace of mind to Albertans cannot use an important diagknow I have the MRI-ICD in my chest.” nostic tool necessary for diagnosing a range The implant procedure for an MRIof conditions, including back and joint ICD is very similar to a traditional ICD problems, strokes, and certain cancers. implant. The device is placed under the “Every year, about 800 Albertans skin, near the collarbone, and with the require an implantable defibrillator due to guidance of X-rays, wires are placed into electrical problems in their heart,” says Dr. blood vessels going into the heart. The Vikas Kuriachan, Libin Cardiovascular entire procedure takes between one and Institute member and Alberta Health two hours. The defibrillator delivers a Services (AHS) cardiac electrophysiologist. small electrical shock to the heart when“This new device will allow patients with ever there is a risk of cardiac arrest from defibrillators to have MRI scans and iman abnormal heart rhythm prove the level of care we can offer them.” Dr. Vikas Kuriachan, left, a clinical assistant Dr. Todd Anderson, director of professor of Cardiac Sciences at the Universi- Libin Cardiovascular Institute says he FMC is one of 55 sites – and Calgary ty of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, one of two Canadian cities – participating with patient Brian McComb believes one day all implantable defibrillain a two-year international study using the tors will be MRI compatible. new MRI-compatible implantable cardioverter-defibrillator “This will be a tremendous step forward in the level of (MRI-ICD). Over the next two years, local researchers will be care we are able to provide patients who require defibrillaproviding MRI-ICDs to patients with irregular heart rhythms tors,” says Dr. Anderson. “Libin, its physicians and researchwho have a high probability of needing an MRI: patients who ers are known for pioneering new and innovative technologies, are young or middle-aged; patients with spine, joint or neuand this is just one more example of that work.” rological problems; and patients with a history of cancer or other problems that may require an MRI for diagnosis.

APPROACH – Now Available Online The Alberta Provincial Project for Outcome Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease (APPROACH) is now available online. Over its 20 year history, the APPROAH database was accessible through a client machine and now this web-based platform allows for easier user access and efficiency. The core of APPROACH collects and processes detailed cardiac information from patients who have undergone cardiac procedures (angiography, angioplasty/stent and/or cardiac surgery since 1995). In 2006, APPROACH expanded to include acute coronary syndrome admissions and thus a more comprehensive patient view. APPROACH is expanding again and will soon be available in cardiac outpatient clinics (Heart function/atrial fibrillation) starting in April 2015. There is national interest in the APPROACH database and it is currently being used in catheterization labs and surgical sites from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John’s, Newfoundland. For more information, please visit APPROACH.org.

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Care Standardized for Albertans with Chronic Kidney Disease By Colin Zak

eveloped by the Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s own Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn and other Alberta researchers, Albertans who are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) will now be able to receive the appropriate medical attention with a new standardized care pathway. The CKD Clinical Pathway provides community physicians, pharmacists, and nurses an online resource that can be used to shape care plans for the one in 10 Alberta adults with chronic kidney disease. “There is currently a wide variation in how patients with chronic kidney disease are identified and treated,” says Dr. Hemmelgarn. “This tool improves access for patients by assisting primary care providers to manage patients with chronic kidney disease in the community, as well as helping to identify patients with more serious kidney disease and ensure they have timely access to a specialist.” The pathway guides clinicians in testing and identifying patients with chronic kidney disease, managing the condition through lifestyle and medication and, in some cases, referring patients to specialists. Linda Marchuk was recently diagnosed with diabetes and says she is glad her family physician had resources easily available

to help manage her condition. “Diabetes puts me at risk for developing kidney disease. It’s a relief to know that I can be closely monitored by my family doctor about my risk factors,” says the 64-yearold Calgary woman. “I would encourage patients to speak with their family physician about their risk factors for chronic kidney disease.” The chronic kidney disease pathway was developed by the Interdisciplinary Chronic Disease Collaboration, a team of Alberta-based researchers, primary care physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nephrologists, and is aimed at improving the health of patients with non-communicable chronic diseases. The pathway is based on best practice and evidence recommendations from a number of sources, including the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the Canadian Diabetes Association, and the Canadian Society of Nephrology.

Cardiac Catheterization Lab Central Referral System Soon to Open at Foothills Medical Centre By Barb Jones Created to improve access for patients awaiting catheterization lab procedures, this referral system will now have cardiac referrals entering the central office, located at the Foothills Medical Centre, where the faxed referrals will be triaged based on the urgency and cardiologist availability. The referrals will then be sent to the most appropriate physician with the shortest wait list. Prior to this system, referrals would be incomplete, patient information would be hard to hunt down, and referrals were always being sent to multiple offices in attempt to get the first spot. Now, with one central place to send catheterization lab referrals, patients can be assured these issues will not occur and they will receive the fastest catheterization time as dictated by their urgency rating. Benefits of a central referral process include timely access to care, more complete patient information, and a localized referral area. The cardiac catheterization lab central referral system has been in place since last summer with a full roll out anticipated for this spring.

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RESEACH

Kathryn King-Shier, PhD Named Inaugural Guru Nanak Dev Ji DIL (Heart) Research Chair

he Faculty of Nursing and the DIL Walk Foundation have partnered and created the Guru Nanak Dev Ji DIL (Heart) Research Chair. It has been established to develop effective, ethno-culturally sensitive programs aimed at prevention and management of heart disease and to benefit the study of cardiovascular health amongst the South Asian population. As chairholder, cardiovascular nurse scientist Kathryn King-Shier will lead

Libin Members Part of $65M Research Network By Lauren Sharp

he Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), the most prestigious granting agency in Canada, has funded $26.3 million to the new research entity, the Canadian Arrhythmia Network (CANet), with a further $40 million in partner funding. It will support research, development of treatment, and prevention strategies for the most common arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) causing distress to Canadians. 18 LIBIN LIFE

research into heart health for this community. King-Shier is a professor in the Faculty of Nursing and a member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta and the O’Brien Institute for Public Health. She has been working with ethnic communities in Calgary and across the country for more than 12 years. “We are excited to partner with the DIL Walk Foundation on this exciting initiative,” says Dianne Tapp, dean, Faculty of Nursing. “Their commitment to cardiovascular health for their community coupled with Kathryn King-Shier’s extensive program of research in this area will go a long way in raising awareness of the heart risks for South Asians.” King-Shier has been working with ethnic communities in Calgary and across the country for more than 12 years with a program of research focused on the ethno-cultural and gender differences in cardiovascular disease symptoms, access to care, and prevention activities. “I am very pleased Katherine King-Shier has been selected for the Guru Nanak Dev Ji DIL (Heart) Research Chair position,” says Libin Research Director, Dr. Ed O’Brien. “Her long-standing contributions to cardiovascular research are unique and have important implications for the patients in Calgary and beyond” The Guru Nanak Dev Ji DIL (Heart) Research Chair is named for the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh guru. Guru Nanak Dev Ji believed all humanity should be treated equally and encouraged physical and spiritual health through community service and a moral life. The chair is a $1-million five-year commitment with both DIL Walk and the University of Calgary contributing equally. The DIL Walk Foundation is a Calgary-based not -for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness of heart disease in South Asians by encouraging them to take a proactive role toward their heart health.

CANet consists of over 100 multidisciplinary researchers (12 from the Libin Institute), healthcare providers, and patients from 25 different heart research centres across the country. The network includes health researchers, engineers, social scientists, industry, government, and non-profit organizations to develop new technologies to improve treatments and diagnosis of a variety of arrhythmia issues such as atrial fibrillation, syncope (fainting), and sudden cardiac death. “The idea of CANet grew out of the vision of the late Cy Frank (former President and CEO of Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions) to use research to address societal needs,” says Dr. Bob Sheldon, Libin member and CANet’s co-founder/Associate Scientific Director. “Drs. George Wells (University of Ottawa), Anthony Tang (Western University), and I took this vision, and asked what do Canadians really need and can we use the great talents

Libin Institute Members Contribute to National Heart and Stroke Report

he Libin Institute Director, Dr. Todd Anderson, and Strategic Advisory Board Chair, Dr. Eldon Smith, were among 16 leading Canadian cardiovascular experts who contributed to this year’s Heart and Stroke Foundation Report on Canadians’ Heart Health. The report – reviewing 60 years of cardiovascular medical breakthroughs, ground-breaking research, and illuminating statistics – highlights advances made such as replacing open-heart surgery with less invasive procedures, improving medications to manage high blood pressure and cholesterol, and cutting smoking rates from about 50 per cent of the public to 16 per cent today. Despite the medical breakthroughs revealed in the report, experts agree that an aging population and risk factors for heart disease remain significant issues. Sixty per cent of adult Canadians are overweight or obese and obesity rates in children have tripled over 30 years. The population is aging and as people get older, their chances of developing cardiovascular disease increases. Smoking rates have decreased but 16 per cent of adult Canadians still smoke, and the proliferation of e-cigarettes poses new risks. “This report really is a chance to remind people that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women and one of the leading causes of death for men,” says Dr. Anderson.“It really speaks to the importance the Heart and Stroke Foundation plays in terms of their fundraising and getting that message and proper facts out to people.”

of Canadian arrhythmia investigators to address them? We settled on the idea of CANet because we knew it was a great opportunity to do the right thing.” The network’s efforts will result in the increase in the quality of life of patients, reduce premature deaths and suffering, ensure healthcare resources are used appropriately, and assist with the development of arrhythmia health-related industries in Canada. CANet’s strong emphasis on patient participation is unique, and rarely seen in other research entities. By having patients present on boards or holding senior management positions, patient contribution will always be present and projects will never commence without their important input. “We deliberately put patients at the heart of the projects, and they drive a lot of the processes,” says Dr. Sheldon. “They’re an invaluable resource that helps us

Dr. Todd Anderson (left) and Dr. Eldon Smith

In the report, Anderson, Smith, and other experts identified a number of research areas that could have an impact on improving the heart health of Canadians. These areas include looking at how to restore function to damaged hearts, identifying genetic markers to reveal which genes predispose a person to cardiovascular disease, and promoting recovery for people surviving and living with the effects of heart disease. Visit heartandstroke.com to see the full report.

strike priorities and tell us what we need to hear about what is important to them.” Some of CANet’s target goals over the next decade include reducing sudden cardiac death by 10 per cent, atrial fibrillation burden by 20 per cent, and hospitalization for syncope patients by 30 per cent. CANet’s Libin Institute members include Drs. Derek Chew, Hank Duff, Derek Exner, Brenda Gerull, Katherine Kavanagh, L. Brent Mitchell, Satish Raj, Bob Sheldon, Michael Slawynch, Stephen Wilton, D. George Wyse, and Lisa Welikovitch. Dr Anne Gillis, recent President of the highly prestigious Heart Rhythm Society, is a founding board member. The Libin Institute will contribute significant in-kind support to CANet and provide leveraging opportunities for research and educational initiatives as they go forward. LIBIN LIFE 19

EDUCATION

International Symposium on Resistance Arteries By Judy Siu

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n September 7-11, 2014, an early snowfall greeted delegates at the 11th International Symposium on Resistance Arteries (ISRA) in Banff, Alberta. This year’s theme was “From Molecular Machinery to Clinical Challenges.” More than 180 people from 18 countries attended, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior and senior faculty. Every three years, ISRA brings together an international group of scientists to discuss and exchange ideas on resistance artery research. This year, ISRA showcased the dynamic research occurring in resistance arteries from basic science through to clinical application. It provided excellent opportunities for attendees to discuss their current research and network with others to build future collaborations. The Libin Institute’s Education Committee Chair, Donald Welsh, PhD, chaired the meeting with the help of an organizing committee that included Libin members Andrew Braun, PhD, William Cole, PhD, Richard Frayne, PhD, and Michael Walsh, PhD, among others. Dr. Constantino Iadecola from Weill Cornell Medical College delivered ISRA’s keynote lecture entitled “Neurovascular pathways to cognitive impairment: blood flow and beyond.” His lecture focused on the importance of cerebral blood vessels and how alterations in these vessels can lead to vas-

Expanding Boundaries in Vascular Biology Symposium By Judy Siu

cular cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Twenty-four invited speakers came from across the world and covered an array of topics, including calcium imaging and excitation-contraction coupling, smooth muscle ion channels, unique vasculature, calcium sensitization, cytoskeletal dynamics, adiposity and vascular control, endothelial structure and function, cell to cell communication, vascular pathology, and genetic regulation of the arterial wall. A total of 130 abstracts were selected for oral presentations and poster sessions. Poster competition winners were from Australia, Denmark, France, USA, and Canada. University of Calgary awardees included Ahmed Hashad, David Rosenegger, Ryan Mills, and Sara Turner. A number of travel awards were also available to international trainees from Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and USA. The next ISRA meeting will be held in Manchester, England in 2017.

[L-R] Anna Devor, PhD, Sarah Childs, PhD, Avril Somlyo, PhD, and Teresa Perez Garcia, PhD

Hot off the heels of ISRA, the University of Calgary and the Libin Institute hosted a symposium on September 12 titled “Expanding Boundaries in Vascular Biology.” Key vascular biologists Sarah Childs, PhD (Libin Institute, University of Calgary), Anna Devor, PhD (University of California, San Diego), Avril Somlyo, PhD (University of Virginia), and Teresa Perez Garcia, PhD (University of Valladolid, Spain) presented to over 75 clinicians, researchers, students, and trainees. The event concluded with a trainee workshop and panel discussion entitled, “Graduation, What’s Next?”

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TRAVELLING TRAINEES Libin Institute researchers supervise about 70 graduate students who come from all parts of the world. Learn more about their backgrounds, research, and what they love most about YYC. Content by Lauren Sharp; Design by Steven Tov

HARIS M VALID FROM Canada DEGREE MSc, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences DEPARTMENT Cardiac Sciences SUPERVISOR Dr. Derek Exner RESEARCH Identifying the relationship between risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in myocardial infarction (MI) survivors. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY The sense of community, the western hospitality, and the beautiful Rockies.

AHMED HASHAD FROM Egypt DEGREE PhD, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences DEPARTMENT Physiology and Pharmacology SUPERVISOR Donald Welsh, PhD RESEARCH Role of calcium channels in the regulation of cerebral arterial tone. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY Stampede, snow, Rockies, hiking, and friendly Calgarians.

NADIA MAAROUF

LINDA SELENE TAMEZ-VIELMA

FROM Morocco DEGREE PhD, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences DEPARTMENT Cardiac Sciences SUPERVISOR Dr. John V. Tyberg RESEARCH Cardiovascular hemodynamics: wave reflection in the aorta and the pathophysiology of systolic hypertension. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY The Rockies and its wealth of technical peaks to attempt.

FROM Mexico DEGREE MSc, Biomedical Engineering DEPARTMENT Biomedical Engineering SUPERVISOR Kristina Rinker, PhD RESEARCH Fluid-flow induces changes on different signaling pathways, where gene transcription and expression are affected. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY I like the mountains and that it is sunny almost every day.

KHALED S ABDELRAHMAN MARCELA RODRIGUEZ FROM Colombia DEGREE PhD, Electrical Engineering DEPARTMENT Electrical and Computer Engineering SUPERVISOR Anders Nygren, PhD RESEARCH Signal processing/ Cardiac electrophysiology - Cardiac optical mapping FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY Fish Creek park, mountains, and the sunsets.

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FROM Egypt DEGREE PhD, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences DEPARTMENT Physiology and Pharmacology SUPERVISOR William C. Cole, PhD RESEARCH How type 2 diabetes affects the function of blood vessels supplying the brain in an attempt to explain the high propensity of stroke among the diabetic population. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY Living close to the mountains.

YINGJIE LIU

FLORIAN HIESS FROM Austria DEGREE PhD, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Science DEPARTMENT Physiology and Pharmacology SUPERVISOR S.R. Wayne Chen, PhD RESEARCH The functional relevance of subcellular ryanodine receptor 2 distribution in the heart and brain. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY Research opportunities and my supervisor.

SHAMINDER SINGH FROM India DEGREE PhD, Nursing DEPARTMENT Faculty of Nursing SUPERVISOR Kathryn King-Shier, PhD RESEARCH Understanding personal and social factors affecting South Asians’ management of their hypertension. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY Multicultural Calgary inspires the world to live with cleanliness, peace, and harmony.

FROM China DEGREE PhD, Physiology and Pharmacology DEPARTMENT Physiology and Pharmacology SUPERVISOR S.R. Wayne Chen, PhD RESEARCH Molecular basis of Ca2+ release termination and its role in cardiomyopathies FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY The beautiful sunshine.

YUAN YU FROM China DEGREE PhD, Medical Sciences DEPARTMENT Medical Science SUPERVISOR Dr. Hude Quan RESEARCH Outcome and resource use of patients with liver disease. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY I really enjoy the sunshine in Calgary, especially in the summer.

RUKSANA RASHID FROM Bangladesh DEGREE PhD, Population and Public Health DEPARTMENT Community Health Sciences (Population and Public Health) SUPERVISOR Kathryn King-Shier, PhD (UofC) and Dr. David Gregory (UofR) RESEARCH Perceived risk of coronary artery disease among South Asian men and women in Canada. FAVOURITE PART OF CALGARY Sunny climate, breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and diverse population.

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SPOTLIGHT ON TRAINEES

Q & A with David Guzzardi and Daniyil Svystonyuk Presenting to a room full of content experts at a national conference can be daunting for most; however, for David Guzzardi and Daniyil Svystonyuk, it is all in a day’s work. David and Daniyil are second year Master’s students in the Cardiovascular Respiratory Sciences program at the Cumming School of Medicine. They are dedicated research students of Dr. Paul Fedak in the Marlene and Don Campbell Translational Research Laboratory and were selected, from students across the country, to present their trainee research at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Vancouver last October.

DAVID GUZZARDI TELL ME ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH I study patients with bicuspid aortic valves – the most common inherited heart defect. Patients often develop an aneurysm (bulging) of their aorta that is at risk of rupturing. Open-heart surgery is required to remove diseased tissue before this occurs, but what tissue is diseased and what is causing the disease is poorly understood. My research is a collaborative effort with Northwestern University (Chicago, IL), and uses a special new imaging technique called 4D flow MRI that can map out blood flow patterns within each patient’s aorta. Using tissue we collect during surgery and with a combination of molecular and engineering techniques we are able to characterize the tissue based on these blood flow maps. Our goal is to understand what tissue is at risk of becoming diseased, which will in turn allow surgeons to develop more patient-specific surgical strategies using 4D flow MRI. HOW DID YOU FALL INTO THIS TOPIC? I worked in Dr. Fedak’s lab as an undergraduate student where I studied heart valves for a separate project. When I mentioned to him I was interested in the intersection between radiology and cardiac surgery, he presented me with a project that fit my interests and was congruent with my previous work on heart valves. WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE WORKING IN DR. FEDAK’S LAB? Excellent. The other students and people in the lab are great to work with. Dr. Fedak himself is also a good mentor; considering he operates on patients and directs a lab he is always available to meet and has excellent research and career advice. TELL ME ABOUT THE AWARD YOU WON AT THIS YEAR’S CANADIAN CARDIOVASCULAR CONGRESS I was one of six trainees across the country selected from a pool of Master’s students, PhD students, medical students, and residents conducting cardiovascular research to compete for the trainee research award in basic science. My work was well received and I am grateful to be the recipient of the award. WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN YOU WON? The quality of the research from all presenters was high, so I was pleasantly surprised and humbled to have been chosen. FAVOURITE PART OF THE CANADIAN CARDIOVASCULAR CONGRESS? Networking with other trainees or having the opportunity to present my work and see my fellow labmates do the same at a national forum. SO WHAT’S NEXT? I am in the process of transferring to a PhD. Ultimately I am looking to emulate Dr. Fedak as a clinician-scientist.

David Guzzardi (left) and Daniyil Svystonyuk

DANIYIL SVYSTONYUK TELL ME ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH My research deals with the biology following a heart attack. People are increasingly surviving heart attacks; however, these same groups of people are then going on to develop heart failure. This is due to a persistent scarring phenomenon that over time ends up being quite detrimental. These individuals’ hearts eventually become dilated and stiff, both important clinical characteristics of heart failure. I developed a novel 3D cell culture platform that, in tandem with human cardiac cells, mimics conditions of the failing heart and screens new therapies that can potentially combat this process. HOW DID YOU DISCOVER DR. FEDAK’S LAB? I did my undergrad at the University of Waterloo and was looking for potential supervisors for my Master’s degree. I became increasingly interested in Dr. Fedak’ s vision, guidance, and his research projects as he embodies the whole idea of translational research – something I am passionate about as well. WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE WORKING IN DR. FEDAK’S LAB? As a mentor, Dr. Fedak has been fantastic. He can help you realize your shortterm goals with your research, but also puts things into perspective. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM WORKING IN HIS LAB? Working on high impact research and subsequently being able to present it at major conferences like the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress and the American Heart Association. I also value being able to hold a mentorship role for students who are in their undergraduate degrees and foster an appreciation for the scientific process. FAVOURITE PART OF THE CANADIAN CARDIOVASCULAR CONGRESS? Presenting my research to a large group of experts or being able to reconnect with individuals I’ve had collaborations with in the past. It was honestly such a great networking experience and a ton of fun. SO WHAT’S NEXT? Continue focusing on my research and working towards my goal as a clinicianscientist.

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