The 2025 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC), recognized as Canada’s foremost assembly of cardiovascular and allied health professionals, is convening hundreds of specialists, researchers, and trainees in Quebec City.
Once again, the Ottawa Heart Institute has a strong presence at this year’s event, with faculty, fellows, clinicians, researchers and patients contributing to presentations, panel discussions, and workshops.
Here are some early highlights from the first day of proceedings.
Bringing the patient experience into cardiovascular research
The Ottawa Heart Institute led an interactive workshop in which presenters explored how patient-oriented research can meaningfully integrate the voices and lived experiences of patients, caregivers, and families across the research lifecycle. Uniquely, the workshop was co-organized by patient partners Ann-Marie Julien and Sheila Gariepy in collaboration with researchers at the Ottawa Heart Institute, reflecting a true partnership model between patients and researchers. Participants learned about the demonstrated value of patient engagement in cardiovascular science, heard real-world perspectives from both researchers and patient partners, and gained access to practical tools and resources to support more inclusive and impactful research practices.
Karen Bouchard, PhD, a scientist and director of the Social Connections Lab at the Ottawa Heart Institute, and Sheila Gariepy, a patient partner, share their insights on how meaningful patient engagement can shape more relevant and impactful cardiovascular research.
After presenting a workshop on patient engagement in cardiovascular research, we sat down with our researcher @Karen_Bouchard and patient partner Sheila Gariepy to discuss how involving people with lived experience strengthens research and improves outcomes. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bUccbJp2Ot
— Heart Institute (@HeartInstitute) October 23, 2025
Advance care planning in cardiovascular care
Advance care planning – talking ahead and planning for future healthcare decisions – is underused in cardiovascular patients.
At the Ottawa Heart Institute, cardiologists Caroline McGuinty, MD, and Markus Schwerzmann, MD, are integrating it into routine cardiovascular care as a first step in addressing patients’ preferences and values as guidance for future treatment decisions.
During the congress, Drs. McGuinty and Schwerzmann summarized the key elements and benefits of advance care planning for all cardiovascular patients. Their workshop guided participants in identifying patients most in need of advance care planning, communicating effectively about goals of care and appreciating the benefits of patient-centred discussions.
In the video below, they share insights from their work and observations on how advance care planning can be more effectively implemented in cardiovascular practice.
Advance care planning—talking early about future care decisions—is still uncommon in cardiovascular care.
At #CCCongress, Drs. McGuinty and Schwerzmann shared how they’re making these conversations a routine part of care to better prepare patients for future treatment decisions. pic.twitter.com/LYbEasfazk— Heart Institute (@HeartInstitute) October 23, 2025
The Canadian Alliance of Cardiovascular Centres hosts third annual workshop
On Friday morning, members of the Canadian Alliance of Cardiovascular Centres (CACC) gathered for their third annual workshop to discuss national priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
The CACC recently announced the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA) powered by the Ottawa Heart Institute as its newest not-for-profit member organization. Together, these two alliances aim to accelerate progress in women’s cardiovascular health across the country.
This collaboration will focus on sharing promising practices, advancing models of care, and developing coordinated advocacy strategies. It will also engage cardiovascular centres nationwide to help scale innovations in women’s heart and vascular health, while working together on communications, events, and awareness campaigns to drive meaningful impact.
As part of this year's workshop, the CWHHA presented their Women@Heart peer support program as an innovation with the potential to be scaled in more cardiac centres across the country.
Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Pullen, BScN, RN, PhD, and Kerri-Anne Mullen, PhD, director of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre and vice chair of the CWHHA, discussed how this collaboration represents a key step toward ensuring women across Canada receive equitable, evidence-based cardiovascular care.
Big win for women's heart health! A new partnership announced at #CCCongress will advance equitable, evidence-based heart health for women across Canada. CCS CEO Carolyn Pullen and Kerri-Anne Mullen of @CWHHC discuss what this collaboration means. pic.twitter.com/rQv1FNfGSm
— Heart Institute (@HeartInstitute) October 23, 2025
Heart Institute recognized with national honours
Each year, the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress highlights excellence and innovation across the cardiovascular community through a variety of awards. At the 2025 congress in Québec City, several members of the Ottawa Heart Institute were recognized, reflecting their significant contributions to cardiovascular care, research, and education in Canada.
CCS Recognition Awards
CCS Recognition Awards honour individuals for outstanding achievements in research, teaching, clinical care, and service. These awards recognize those shaping the future of cardiovascular medicine in Canada.
Michael Froeschl, MDCM – Distinguished Teacher/Mentor Award
The Distinguished Teacher/Mentor Award recognizes long-term excellence in teaching and mentorship within cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Michael Froeschl is celebrated for his dedication to education and professional development, exemplifying leadership and support within the cardiovascular community.
Michel Le May, MD – Research Achievement Award – Clinical Science
One of the most prestigious CCS awards, the Research Achievement Award celebrates established investigators for sustained excellence in cardiovascular research. Dr. Michel Le May received the 2025 award in clinical science, honouring his transformative contributions to cardiovascular research and care delivery.
CCS Abstract Awards
CCS Abstract Awards recognize outstanding research presented during the congress.
Kevin Boczar, MD – Early Career Investigator Award
The Early Career Investigator Award recognizes outstanding clinical or basic science research in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Kevin Boczar was selected this year for his exemplary scientific work and contributions to cardiovascular research in Canada.
Laurie-Anne Boivin-Proulx, MD – Sex and Gender-Based Analysis Trainee Abstract Award
This award recognizes a trainee who best demonstrates appropriate integration of sex and/or gender into their research submitted to the congress. Dr. Laurie-Anne Boivin-Proulx won this year’s award in the clinical science category.
David Nelson, MD – Featured Research Award
The Featured Research Award highlights top abstracts submitted to the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. Selected for their quality, originality, and impact, winners present their work during a high-profile session. Dr. David Nelson’s research was chosen among the best for 2025.
CCS Research Fellowships and Awards
CCS Research Fellowships and Awards provide peer-reviewed funding to support early-career clinician-scientists and researchers advancing original projects across cardiovascular health.
Hassan Mir, MD – CCS–Novo Nordisk Cardiometabolic Research Award
Supported by CCS and Novo Nordisk, this award provides $35,000 in funding to an early career investigator pursuing cardiometabolic disease research. Dr. Hassan Mir was selected through independent peer review for his innovative proposal and potential to advance cardiovascular care.
CCS Affiliate Awards
CCS Affiliate Awards are presented by CCS’s affiliated societies, celebrating accomplishments such as research excellence, mentorship, and travel support within specific cardiovascular disciplines.
Kenza Rahmouni El Idrissi, MDCM – CSCS Dr. Paul Cartier Cardiac Surgery Resident Award
Presented by the Canadian Society of Cardiac Surgeons, this award honours a cardiac surgery resident with outstanding research contributions and potential for a distinguished academic career. Dr. Kenza Rahmouni El Idrissi is recognized for her exceptional achievements and promise as a future leader.
Serah Seo, BA, and Bethlehem Mengesha, MD – CSE Travel Bursary Research Awards
Awarded by the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, these bursaries support trainees or sonographers presenting outstanding echocardiography-related research at the congress. Both were recognized for their promising contributions in this field.
CCS Academy Awards
Joanne Joseph, MD – Dr. Charles Kerr Award
Named in memory of Dr. Charles Kerr, a pioneering cardiologist and humanitarian, this award honours residents who exemplify compassion, advocacy, and service in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Joanne Joseph was recognized for her dedication to supporting others and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment in the cardiovascular community.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Congress continues through Sunday, October 26. Follow the Ottawa Heart Institute on X and LinkedIn to stay connected and make sure you never miss a beat.
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