Cardiovascular healthcare practitioners and researchers from across the country and around the globe are in Vancouver this week to attend the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC), the flagship event of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS).
This year’s event is taking place from October 24 to 27. There will be hub talks, an accredited symposium, interactive workshops, poster presentations, awards, and a lot more.
Below, we present some of the highlights from the first day of the congress. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) to see more highlights as the congress continues over the weekend.
Globe and Mail health columnist André Picard kicks off the congress
As the CCC kick-off’s keynote speaker, André Picard delivered an address that set the tone for a stimulating and insightful conference.
.@picardonhealth highlights how the voices of #cardiovascular physicians & researchers are essential, especially post-COVID — this is why gatherings like #CCCongress are so important.@SCC_CCS pic.twitter.com/sWciKrqpCB
— Heart Institute (@HeartInstitute) October 24, 2024
Obesity and cardiovascular disease: Understanding the current imperatives for improving patient outcomes
Dr. Elizabeth Swiggum is the medical director of the Heart Function Clinic and Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, B.C. She co-chaired a live symposium aimed at helping cardiologists, endocrinologists, family physicians, and allied health professionals understand the impact of obesity on cardiovascular health, the role of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions in cardiovascular disease prevention, and strategies for implementing comprehensive obesity and cardiovascular disease management in clinical practice.
What’s the impact of obesity on #cardiovascularhealth? Cardiologist, HF specialist and a medical director in Victoria BC, Dr. @lizswiggum, shares insights and 3 takeaways from today’s session.#CCCongress pic.twitter.com/kjQnqw1Dso
— Heart Institute (@HeartInstitute) October 24, 2024
A novel mobile screening program for valvular heart disease
Katherine Dagg is a structural heart nurse and the coordinator of the Centre for Valvular Heart Disease at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Her team has implemented a unique and innovative mobile screening program to bridge the gaps in care at a primary community level focusing on underserved communities, Indigenous populations, rural communities and minority groups. Early results of the program, presented at CCC, are promising.
After her poster presentation at #CCCongress, Katherine Dagg shares information about our mobile screening program, and the work we do to prevent heart valve disease. pic.twitter.com/6dtmfI3r7r
— Heart Institute (@HeartInstitute) October 24, 2024
Heart Institute celebrated on national stage during cardiovascular congress
Each year, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society recognizes the outstanding achievements of CCS members and Canadian organizations that contribute to cardiovascular health and care.
CCS Recognition Awards are granted for excellence in research, teaching, exemplary care, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and overall career contribution.
Dr. Jennifer Reed – The Dr. Robert E. Beamish Award
Tonight, @DrJenniferReed will receive the Dr. Robert E. Beamish Award at the #CCCongress. A great achievement by Dr. Reed, the authorship team and the clinical research program.
Congrats! pic.twitter.com/d2YhL0Eqb6— Heart Institute (@HeartInstitute) October 25, 2024
“I would like to warmly congratulate Dr. Jennifer Reed on this wonderful achievement for the best paper published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology,” said Dr. Stanley Nattel, the editor-in-chief of the journal.
Dr. Kwan-Leung Chan – The CCS Achievement Award
For four decades, Dr. Kwan-Leung Chan has been helping patients at the @HeartInstitute. Echocardiography is what he does best. Tonight, he will receive a @SCC_CCS Recognition Award for his outstanding achievement. Congratulations, Dr. Chan!#CCCongress pic.twitter.com/recDOq5DyU
— Heart Institute (@HeartInstitute) October 24, 2024
“Dr. Kwan-Leung Chan’s exceptional work in mentoring the next generation of cardiologists, excellence in clinical care, contributions to the broader cardiovascular community, and extensive research career as a pioneer in transesophageal echocardiography have led to him being recognized as the recipient of this year’s CCS Achievement Award,” said CCS President Dr. Michelle Graham.
Dr. Christopher Johnson – The Exemplary Leadership in Clinical Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery Award
“Dr. Christopher Johnson has shown great leadership in his role as cardiology site director for the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital since 2017, in which he has fostered key relationships between the General Campus and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute,” said Dr. Graham.
Want to learn more? Read the Heart Institute’s news release announcing the awardees.
Affiliate Awards recognize exceptional achievements of members at CCC in Vancouver
CCS affiliate organizations hosting their annual meetings during the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress also recognized the achievements of their members.
Dr. Terrence Ruddy, a consulting cardiologist at the UOHI, was presented with the Dr. Michael Freeman Society of Cardiovascular Nuclear and CT Imaging (CNCT) Annual Achievement Award. The award honours the memory of Dr. Michael Freeman and recognizes a CNCT member who has made an outstanding contribution in their career to cardiovascular nuclear and/or CT imaging in Canada.
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