The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) is saddened by the passing of Dr. Donald S. Beanlands. The highly respected and world-renowned cardiologist co-founded the UOHI alongside Dr. Wilbert J. Keon in 1976 and was the institute’s first head of cardiology. He was also its deputy director general until his retirement in 2008.
Legacy and impact
Dr. Donald S. Beanlands presided over a golden age of growth in clinical care and training at the UOHI as the cardiac centre evolved in size and stature. He was a true champion of excellence in cardiac care and his legacy of visionary leadership is evident in every corner of the Heart Institute. His impact is known and appreciated throughout Ottawa and Canada.
He established national and international education programs at the Heart Institute and what is today regarded by many as Canada’s leading postgraduate training program for young cardiologists.
His work and the impressive and cohesive team he built, paved the way to a strong research focus and innovative programs at the Heart Institute, including: reducing mortality among heart attack patients, cardiac clinics and telemedicine for underserviced and remote northern communities, cardiac transplant and mechanical heart support, and early treatment of coronary artery disease and arrhythmias.
Over 50 years of medical practice, Dr. Beanlands received numerous awards. In 1998, he was one of the first to receive the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s Distinguished Teacher/Mentor Award. In 2006, he was proclaimed a Living Legend by the World Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons, and the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences bestowed him with a lifetime achievement award.
Dr. Beanlands is beloved and respected by patients, staff, colleagues, and trainees alike. His legacy will forever be carried in the hearts of those for whom he cared, with whom he worked and those he mentored and guided.
Tribute and memorial
An obituary is published in the Ottawa Citizen.
A celebration of life event to honour Dr. Beanlands will be announced in the coming days.
On behalf of the Heart Institute’s entire team, the Board of Directors and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, we extend our sincere condolences to Dr. Rob Beanlands, president and CEO of the Heart Institute, and the entire Beanlands family.
Media contact
Leigh B. Morris
Communications Officer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409
@email