In the 21st century, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute stands as the largest cardiovascular research and treatment centre in Canada. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, advanced treatments, and personalized patient care, it has become a national leader in preventing and managing heart disease. Read more on iottawa.net.
How It All Began
The history of the Ottawa Heart Institute is closely tied to the pioneering work of Dr. Wilbert Keon. For years, Dr. Keon conducted groundbreaking research on cardiovascular health in Canada. However, in the mid-20th century, Canada lacked the infrastructure needed to further develop his expertise in this field. Recognizing the gap, Dr. Keon spearheaded the initiative to establish a full-scale heart institute in Ottawa in the 1970s. His vision was to create a modern centre dedicated to treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and research.
Building this institution was no easy task. Dr. Keon worked tirelessly to secure funding, seeking partnerships with medical organizations, the University of Ottawa, and Ottawa’s municipal health council. His efforts eventually garnered financial support from the Ministry of Education. Although the funding was insufficient for a brand-new facility, in 1976, the first cardiac unit was established within the Ottawa Civic Hospital—marking the inception of what would later become the Heart Institute.
Dr. Keon continued to serve the institute until his retirement, achieving numerous milestones, including performing Canada’s first artificial heart implantation. His contributions significantly advanced cardiovascular medicine in Canada.
The Institute’s Mission and Achievements
From its opening, the Ottawa Heart Institute became Canada’s leading centre for cardiovascular treatment and prevention. Patients came not only from Ottawa and Ontario but also from across Canada and abroad to receive specialized care. The institute’s work encompasses:
- Clinical Trials
- Cardiac Services
- Cardiac Anesthesiology
- Cardiac Imaging
- Cardiac Surgery
- Heart Disease Prevention
- Cardiology Research
In collaboration with the University of Ottawa, the institute also serves as a training hub for healthcare professionals, including doctors, technologists, nurses, and other medical personnel.
The institute is a unique establishment with over 2,000 staff members. Each year, it serves more than 200,000 patients, offering:
- Comprehensive patient care
- Virtual patient care services
- Canada’s largest heart disease prevention and rehabilitation program
- Telemedicine
- A dedicated women’s heart health centre
In the 21st century, the Ottawa Heart Institute has earned its place as Canada’s premier cardiovascular centre. Over decades, it has evolved from a modest hospital unit into a world-class institution that not only provides exceptional care but also leads in research and innovation in cardiovascular medicine.
