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Two years ago, we set out with a list of objectives that focused on strengthening member relations and the operation of the Alumni, as well as the establishment of an Outreach Program to embrace those ex-patients who reside in the Champlain Valley (LHIN). We wish to have greater presence in communities by assisting individuals to network within their community and have better access to the benefits of the Alumni. We have made considerable progress on all these fronts and our membership numbers are growing. The Alumni has increased communications with members through the growing number of alumni who are providing us, in confidence, their e-mail address. We also update our website on a regular basis and this has resulted in a significant increase in the number of visitors. Based on your informal feedback, you are finding The Bulletin relevant and informative. We have also enlarged our volunteer team. Some have joined the Board of Directors. Others are helping with various functions, including maintaining member records, office operations, and writing articles for The Bulletin. Your Board is talented, dedicated, and hardworking. These qualities were instrumental in building or updating the necessary infrastructure to support more efficient and effective operations. The Outreach Program is gathering speed and we are intent on giving it continued attention. In response to a request by Dr. Roberts, the Alumni and the Foundation have implemented, harmoniously, a mutually beneficial approach to fundraising and records management. This has helped clarify our respective roles, eliminate duplication of effort, and improve administrative efficiency. We have updated our comprehensive Long Range Plan that continues to focus on the growth of our membership, member services, and in turn our ability to support the UOHI. The ultimate beneficiaries remain UOHI patients and healthcare providers. I am also delighted to announce that Margaret Lilly assumed the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) as of January 1, 2009, taking over from Angie Ross. Previously, she was the Managing Director of the UOHI Auxiliary, a position that she held for four years. This experience has allowed Margaret to gain a solid understanding of the UOHI, its values, its staff and administrative practices, as well as working with and coordinating the efforts of volunteers. Confidently, we look forward to her leadership of our volunteer team and all members of the Board are committed to her success. All in all, we have made good progress, but not surprisingly, there is still much to be done. I am confident that the new Board will continue the good work and meet with the same well-deserved success. I would like to thank the Executive Committee for their significant effort and valuable contributions. These were critical to the accomplishments achieved. We are indebted to Denny Doucette, Past President, for sharing his experience and offering the right counsel at the right time. Daniel Letouzé, Vice President, Chaired the new Funding Request Review Committee and helped establish the Outreach Program. Ted Legg, excelled as our Secretary-Treasurer, issued comprehensive minutes and timely financial statements, and was a key architect of our administrative improvements. The Directors also worked diligently and with great dedication. Hubert Drouin updated and modernized our Constitution and By-Laws. Ann Stolarik led the education program and provided important insights on how the Board could be of greatest help to the UOHI. Karen Charron was an important member of the Funding Request Review Committee and Richard Lindo worked diligently on the Outreach Program and helped round out the team with his steady hand and valued input to Board decisions. Karen Meades has worked closely with Ted Legg on the orderly transfer of responsibilities as she has assumed the Secretary Treasurer position for the coming year. Special thanks must go to Angie Ross who, for twenty plus years, has quietly and competently ensured that the day-to-day activities of the Alumni were carried out on schedule. In particular, I am grateful for all her hard work in 2008 while we were searching for the new CAO. My sincere gratitude also goes out to the following highly appreciated volunteers on our administrative team whose contributions are invaluable: Mary Carley, Helen McGurrin, Frances Sheridan, and Mary Powers handling office operations; Tom Hillman, Banking; Richard Jacobs, Foundation records management systems; Louise Clément website and Bulletin layout design; Judy Hamelin and Ellen Corkery-Dooher Bulletin reporters; Patricia Garstang, Moe Lambert, Dan Trahan, and Ross Wilson, Membership Records maintenance. And last but certainly not least, I would like to thank you, our members. Thank you most sincerely for your earnest desire to "give back" to the UOHI through the Alumni. Thank you for your active participation in the various events, sharing your first-person stories, volunteering your time to work with the Alumni, and continuing to donate generously.
Spring Lecture - April 21, 2009
The first impression one gets of Dr. Bob Roberts on being welcomed into his sunny, orderly office is of an energetic, effusive and very focused man. He is now four years into his job as President and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and it is clear to his visitors that there is no place else he'd rather be. Recalling his past experience at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he worked twenty-three years under world-famous surgeon Dr. Michael De Bakey, he spoke of the importance of excellence, emphasizing the crucial relationship between research and bedside care and the obligation cardiologists have to push the frontiers of knowledge forward and be part of the emerging new technology. Dr. Roberts is a Canadian, born in Grole, Newfoundland. He studied medicine at Dalhousie University and completed his residency at University of Toronto, pursuing his research in enzymology and cardiac metabolism in California and Washington until he assumed the position of Chief Cardiologist at Baylor. He explained how instrumental Dr. Wilbert Keon was in his decision to come to the UOHI in 2004; he had seen Dr. Keon's work when he was invited here to lecture on the genetics of heart disease. At the point where the Heart Institute was looking for a new leader, Dr. Roberts was looking for a position where he could continue his own research and practice medicine with the latest technology. He was impressed by the Board's interest in maintaining and building on the Heart Institute's reputation for patient care as well as their desire to take a giant step to catch up with McGill, Calgary and Toronto in groundbreaking research. So the strong foundation laid out by Dr. Keon, the first-rate work being done here in cardiac research, the simplicity of the less bureaucratic funding process and his desire to "give back" to Canada for providing his training encouraged Dr. Roberts to leave the United States and devote his energies to the exciting prospect of taking the Heart Institute into the future. He admits that he and his family miss their Texas friends but says his Maritime-born wife appreciates the cooler Canadian weather. "What I have to do here is all about research," says Dr. Roberts, adding that excellence and greatness are not the same thing. A small group of excellent collaborators can create excellence so not being in "the world's largest medical centre" is not an issue. Here in Ottawa we are fortunate to have a Board, a Foundation and an Alumni working together to raise funds to forward education and research, thus contributing not just to superb patient care but to "something broader." In his first four years, the resources promised Dr. Roberts came through and grants grew exponentially. Would it be possible to maintain both bedside care and research? Would Ottawans be willing to donate for research benefiting a broader population? The answer was "Yes". Typically, large donations prior to his arrival were in the $100,000 range, whereas now the Heart Institute can receive milliondollar donations, and recently was the beneficiary of a $7-million anonymous gift. Research funding has tripled in three years so that what was $20 million is now $75 million and the Foundation has doubled fundraising to $40 million.  Dr. Robert Roberts with Judy Hamelin and John Herzog One successful research project stimulates another. For example, Dr. Roberts' own lab has identified the first gene in the world for coronary heart disease and he has lectured in seven different countries on this discovery. The focus in coming years will be on five areas of research: cardiac imaging, the genetic centre for cardiac disorders, nuclear cardiology (assisted by MDS Nordion's move of their lab with the latest technology to the UOHI's fifth floor), cholesterol lipid metabolism and clinical trials (over 100 are underway at the moment). As he describes the many areas of progress and activity at the Heart Institute, Dr. Roberts' own pride is evident when he refers to the "first class personnel at all levels who are proud to be part of the institution." He is quick to emphasize that the Heart Institute's academics and research could not be done without the University of Ottawa: "Our relationship with the university gives us the privilege of going out and getting grants and makes it possible to recruit cardiovascular scientists like Dr. Duncan Stewart," new head of the Ottawa Health Research Institute. The university connection also adds international flavour, allowing the Heart Institute to contribute to international knowledge and have an impact across the globe. Dr. Roberts speaks enthusiastically of plans for a research foundation that will enable health-care professionals to have access to the best practitioners in the world and to learn from them. At the moment there are eight endowed lectures, seven endowed chairs, twelve $1-million fellowships (allowing one year of fulltime focused research). His aim would be $100 million total endowments within ten years. On the patient-care front, one of Dr. Roberts' first challenges was to reduce the six-month wait time for major diagnostic procedures. In order to do that, two new catheterization labs were required and the existing one had to be replaced by a high speed one. This process has been completed and now there is no wait time. Moreover, with the use of the new high-tech equipment, overtime hours have been reduced, resulting in greater cost efficiency and improvement in the quality of life of patients and health practitioners. A new coronary care unit to monitor irregular heartbeat has been established and, thanks to emergency funding, new lighting has been installed in operating rooms and the post-operative care facility renovated. Speaking of these important advances, Dr. Roberts seems pleased with the Heart Institute's relationship with the provincial government. "Since the Heart Institute has its own budget with Queen's Park," he says, "provincial funding is fast and significant with minimal bureaucracy." The functional plan for the proposed new wing on the Civic campus of the Ottawa Hospital has been approved, and the Institute is working with the Government to include it in its Five-Year Plan and budget, so that the $150,000,000 addition could be ready in five years. To promote consistent high quality in diagnosis, all cardiology has been consolidated under Heart Institute Department Heads who oversee all procedures, even if some are still done at the General campus. In patient care, everything is now computerized and all clinical data are online and integrated, regardless of which campus treated the patient. This development not only improves administrative efficiency but may also save lives in cases of emergency. With the new wing, there will be more catheterization labs and facilities for a new prevention program; Dr. Roberts optimistically asserts that "the twentyfirst century will be the century of prevention and the eradication of heart disease." Regarding the Alumni, Dr. Roberts is pleased with the way they have collaborated with the Foundation to facilitate donations. "The Alumni are our best ambassadors," he says. They play a crucial role in increasing the Heart Institute's visibility in the community. Satisfied patients are the best publicity imaginable, providing priceless, compelling public relations. In the future, Dr. Roberts sees the new wing materializing, more cardiologists being recruited, increasing interaction with some 34 other hospitals in the Champlain Valley, and the maintenance of the status of the French language, meaning that most doctors are bilingual and there are always people available to translate. He sees his doctors producing more academically, building pride and momentum by contributing internationally. This thoughtful, measured man and inspiring leader ended our interview with the following words: "In ten years, the Heart Institute will be better than it ever was." (Reported for The Bulletin by Judy Hamelin)
Over the last ten years, a rather noisy, obviously convivial group of six friends has been meeting for dinner more or less once a month at the Bay Street Bistro. We greet each other with evident affection, spend a lot of time joking and teasing and make sure we eat a healthy meal. Our group calls itself The Heartbeats and we have been getting together since 1999, a year after each of us experienced a heart event, ranging from an uncomplicated MIDCAB (Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass) to valve replacement to openheart surgery. We first met in Sandra Black's invigorating and inspiring rehabilitation class which we attended over six months, acquiring new habits and abilities that would help us keep in shape and stay heart-healthy. For some reason, the six of us found each other particularly intriguing and, a few months after we completed the program in the Heart Institute gym, we decided to get together for dinner. This became a habit and the Heartbeats were born. In the first few meetings, there was a lot of conversation about the state of people's health, their various medications and reactions to them - in other words, a lot of sharing and mutual reassurance. We were getting used to being cardiac patients and it was good to be with people who were in the same boat and who understood the fears and concerns involved. Sometimes it was more satisfying to discuss our preoccupations with our new "alumni" friends than with our spouses, who might be upset or anxious about the ups and downs of their new role as partner of a cardiac patient. Gradually, as we got to know each other, the subjects of conversation moved away from health issues towards other things we were all interested in, whether family, sports, politics or entertainment, with a little bit of philosophy from time to time. At the beginning, we were virtually strangers - a former pediatric nurse, an ex-Navy aircraft crewman turned security sales rep, a biologist with Canadian Wildlife, two bankers and a high school English teacher, four anglophones and two francophones, three women and three men, all retired. Claire and Gaston discovered that they not only had their heart attacks on the same day in 1998 but were married (not to each other!) on the same day in 1963. People found out they had common friends and common interests: Gaston, now a Master Gardener, could give us advice about plants and bugs and we could count on Yvon for barbequing tips and golf stories. At first, some of us were fairly quiet and reserved while a few extroverts quickly assumed their roles and we gradually fell into feeling comfortable together and learned what made each other tick. At this point, there is no doubt about it: we all look forward to being together every month and people rarely miss a meeting. Occasionally one or two of our partners join the group but most of them feel it is our special meeting and choose not to come. Eventually, we established the tradition of meeting once every summer for a potluck dinner around Judy's pool; without saying so, we are celebrating another year of good health for all of us and probably secretly congratulating ourselves on how well we are all doing. And of course there is always a place at the table for our much loved physiotherapist, Sandra, who shows up whenever she can fit us into her busy life.  The Heartbeats (Judy second from right) All of this has been a lot of fun but, when Gaston and Joyce had to face the worry of their valves being recalled, or when Mike needed encouragement in his battle against diabetes, or when Yvon started having frightening pains in his chest, each one of them felt reassured and more confident when they shared their problems with the other Heartbeats. Great trust had been built up based on our common experience ten years ago and on having been together as we learned how to take care of our hearts. It's hard to define why we mean so much to each other, or why this group has lasted so long. We all have plenty of other friends but between the Heartbeats there is clearly a special bond. Gaston thinks getting together to eat and laugh is a sort of celebration of how much we're enjoying life, despite our brush with mortality. Joyce agrees, saying it's reassuring that we're "still laughing our heads off." Mike, who thrives on the constant sparring with Yvon, says he comes because "you put up with me", adding, "I just love you guys!" For Claire, the group is important because it represents a turning point in her life. "Rehab was a life-changing experience for me," she says, explaining that she had never exercised before. Yvon our "champion" with five hours on the surgery table and three bypasses under his belt, appreciated the excellent care he got at the Heart Institute but felt he "needed more than that to help me move into this new world." Sharing worries and progress with "people who understand" has meant a lot to him. Judy feels her little bypass allowed her to meet a whole new group of friends she would never have met otherwise; "Our hearts brought us together," she says. Starting Your Own Group If you think you'd enjoy starting or belonging to a group like the Heartbeats, your Alumni Board has organized an Outreach Program to help people network, whether they live in Ottawa or in one of the many cities or towns in Eastern Ontario or Western Quebec. If there are a few dedicated individuals in any of these locations who would like to the start their own version of the Heartbeats, please contact the Alumni Office by e-mail at info@ottawaheartalumni.ca or telephone 613-761-4370. Alternatively, Board Director Richard Lindo, who is responsible for the Outreach Program, may be reached by e-mail at prlindo@rogers.com. The Alumni would be delighted to post on its website (www.ottawaheartalumni.ca) the formation of the new group as well as publicize it in The Bulletin. The Alumni Board could also assign a Board Director to facilitate networking and sharing of experience with the new group and to provide any other practical assistance. (Reported for The Bulletin by Judy Hamelin)
Thanks to your generous donations to the Heart Institute Foundation and in some cases directly to the Alumni, your Board authorized the funding of a considerable range of projects and services that amounted to a record of nearly $510,000 in 2008. The most recent projects included:
Have you ever wondered how these projects and services are selected? The Alumni Board meets annually with the UOHI senior doctors, nurses, and administrators to review how past donations have succeeded and where, due to budgetary or other constraints, the Alumni may be able to assist in the coming year. This provides all parties with a "heads up" on where our support may be of greatest benefit. At these meetings, we urge the sponsors of the requests to document them using the funding criteria template that was developed by Treasurer Ted Legg, and to submit them ideally during one of the three intake months. This allows us to weigh the merits of each request individually as well as relatively to the others so that the decision can be made fairly and in line with the available funds. Your Board has formed a Funding Request Review Committee to conduct this evaluation. It is chaired by Vice President Daniel Letouzé and the members are Board Directors Karen Charron and Hubert Drouin. Their recommendations are reviewed at Board meetings and the sponsors are notified promptly of the Board's decision. The critical evaluation criteria include the following questions: These are the mechanics of the process. Of course, there is also a considerable human dimension to consider. Requests are often illustrated by real life anecdotes of the need or the good done with the funding previously received. For example, the request to establish an Alumni Patient Support Fund described how family members of some out-of-town patients, who must be admitted unexpectedly for further diagnosis, find it difficult to pay for an overnight motel room or even for additional return bus tickets. Often nurses have taken up collections from their colleagues to meet such financial needs. The new Alumni Fund will now help defray some or all such expenses. Another illustration is the funding of sternal or "cough" pillows that are used by post-operative patients to press to their chests and thereby reduce the pain of coughing. We collaborated with the UOHI Auxiliary by paying for the materials that their members needed to sew these pillows. Early in 2008, an Alumnus bequeathed her considerable estate to us. We devoted significant effort and time to finding a project that will be worthy of her generous donation. We found two options and, in collaboration with the estate administrator, concluded that the full funding of 16 telemetric monitors be authorized. This equipment transmits the vital signs of 16 patients to the nurses' station, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of nursing staff who can then be available more promptly to those patients who need them most. There are many other stories that could be told. Hopefully the above illustrations convey the message that your donations are deployed most diligently and indeed go far in promoting patient care and making the UOHI the quality hospital that it is. Since the inception of the Alumni to date, the total donations to the UOHI exceed $2,500,000. As donors, you can be justifiably proud of your support. The recipients are certainly thankful!
Allow me to introduce myself: I am Karen Meades, CA, and I am the new Alumni Secretary-Treasurer. After a well-planned transition to ensure a smooth hand-over, I have now taken over from E. J. (Ted) Legg who is completing his term on the Board. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ted for all his work on all our behalves and the many valuable contributions he has made to Alumni financial management practices. Financial Summary It is my pleasant duty to report that your Alumni's finances are sound and that there are appropriate reserves to see us through most unforeseeable event(s). The reserves incorporate both operational and donations. The operational reserve is an accumulation of all the operational surpluses from previous years - as is the reserve for donations. Please note 100% of all donated funds support UOHI Projects, whereas only the OHIA Membership fees are used for administrative purposes. Financial Statements The Ottawa Heart Institute Alumni Inc. audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 are presented in this issue of The Bulletin. Copies will be available at the OHIA's upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June or on request to the OHIA Office. Over this past year, due to your valued donations, the Alumni contributed nearly $510,000 to muchneeded University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) projects and services. They help directly in our mutual quest to improve the care and comfort of heart patients or indirectly by freeing up our hardworking nurses and doctors - thus enabling them to work more efficiently and effectively - which, in turn, has contributed significantly to improving the health of our fellow heart patients. This record amount included over $184,000.00 donated directly to the Alumni from the Estate of a former patient that funded sixteen muchneeded telemetry-monitoring units. In this issue of The Bulletin, there is a more comprehensive list of the key contributions made this year. As a reminder, please don't forget that you can also donate via the Donations-in-Kind route and take advantage of the tax rules approved in May 2006 for the donation of shares to a charitable organization. A number of you have already started to contribute in this fashion. Donating in this way may enable less capital gains tax. Details of how you can do that are on the Ottawa Heart Foundation's website and can be downloaded at Once again, thank you all so much for your generosity and support. Yours truly,
Did you know that heart disease presents differently in women than in men? That mortality rates from heart disease in women are going up even as the mortality rates for men are steadily coming down? That the symptoms in women are more vague, more difficult to pinpoint and easier to miss? That statistically a woman is more likely to die from heart disease (1 in 3) than breast cancer (1 in 27)? That heart disease in women knows no age or ethnicity? That there are specific risk factors which can point to trouble ahead? That all too many women don't realize they are at risk? And, most importantly, that heart disease is preventable? The issue of heart disease in women is very topical these days, judging by the record turnout (on election night too!) at the Alumni Fall Lecture. The presenter was Dr. Louise Laramée, MD FRCP (C), a highly experienced University of Ottawa Heart Institute cardiologist and Fellow who performs cardiac interventions at the catheterization lab, in particular angiogram and angioplasty. After graduating from the Université de Montréal, she joined the UOHI, having been attracted by the opportunity to study under the leadership of Dr. Donald Beanlands. Dr. Laramée's presentation was a timely and sobering wake-up call. Yes, women are at risk of heart disease, but luckily they can do a great deal to prevent it and, when needed, to control it. Unfortunately there is still no cure available.  Dr. Louise Laramée making a point Coronary heart disease affects the arteries of the heart. It begins in childhood and develops over years. The arteries harden as cholesterol, fat and other substances build up on the artery walls. The heart gets less and less nutrient-rich blood. Blockages can result in angina or heart attack. It was through a project that Dr. Laramée undertook in the early 1980s that she realized that coronary heart disease is not the same in women as in men. This information seems to have trickled down to the general population, but the gravity of the situation has yet to be grasped. What are some of the main differences? In men the blockages are localized and therefore easier to treat. In women the plaque deposits are spread throughout the artery, making treatment more difficult. Most interestingly, the symptoms in women are quite different from men. While men tend toward a more dramatic, sharp, squeezing pain in the chest, women's heart disease can manifest itself in a wide variety of ways, though the most important are still chest pain or discomfort. But coronary heart disease in women can also feel like pressure or even just a "feeling" and is not limited to the chest. In fact, one must pay close attention to the whole area from the ears to the navel. Discomfort when walking, a sore arm(s) or little finger(s), pain in the back, throat, neck, teeth or back of the jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, weakness, sweating, "feeling sick" or thinking of calling the dentist can all be signs. It can feel like a stomach pain, burning or even a fullness sensation. If it is exertional, in other words starts when you are doing something (e.g. walking) and stops when you rest, this is an important warning. If it starts when you are emotionally stressed and stops when you turn your thoughts to other things, take note. With fewer classical symptoms, women often hold off going for help. They also tend to be conditioned not to put themselves first, and to minimize their symptoms. Being selfeffacing may lead to delays in diagnosis in Emergency. The medical questionnaire at presentation is centered on the presence or absence of squeezing chest pain, so the diagnosis of angina can easily be missed. These can all lead to later diagnosis and loss of valuable time. If you suspect a problem, don't drive yourself to hospital; call 9-1-1 so that emergency medical personnel can begin treatment at once. Don't be embarrassed by a false alarm. Plan ahead and heed the warning signs. The present profile of women's risk factors is alarming. Does it surprise you to learn that half of Canadian women have 3 to 5 risk factors and that many others have at least a few? Some risks are non-modifiable, such as family history of early-onset heart disease, and age. It seems that even when parents, uncles and other close relatives have died early, lots of people fail to identify this as one of their risk factors. Other risk factors are modifiable such as smoking, physical inactivity, excess weight, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and high stress levels. Unfortunately, risk factors multiply their effect. By way of example, Dr. Laramée showed that, if you have hypertension, high cholesterol and smoke, you are 11 times as likely to develop heart disease! Sadly, it is not at all uncommon to have a woman with slightly high cholesterol and somewhat high blood pressure who smokes. Individually, these are problematic, together they can be explosive. Also, risk factors are interdependent. Hypertension, diabetes, high triglycerides, and low HDL often accompany obesity. Weight gain around the "middle" is especially dangerous as that fat is toxic and becomes one of the most active glands in your body, with secretions which can cause diabetes, hormonal changes and plaque eruptions.  Some of the 120 attendees How can heart disease be prevented or controlled? Treatment includes lifestyle changes, management of risk factors, medication if needed and revascularization to bring more blood flow to the heart through angioplasty with stents (PCI) or bypass surgery. High blood pressure can be improved with weight control, limited salt intake, exercise and decreased stress. Blood sugar level can be improved with proper food choices and weight control. Lipid levels can be improved with healthy eating and exercise. Keeping your body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 and your waist circumference under 35 inches is imperative. On the controversial question of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Dr. Laramée outlined the latest recommendations. In short, HRT is the most effective treatment to control menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats or mood swings but not heart disease. Therefore, HRT should be used to manage moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, using the smallest effective dose for the shortest possible period of time. Dr. Laramée left the audience with the message that coronary heart disease is largely preventable. It is strongly associated with the presence of known coronary risk factors. The presence of multiple risk factors requires a more aggressive approach. The best strategy remains the optimal control of all risk factors. So make healthy lifestyle changes. Reduce excess weight or maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, eat a healthful diet, balance calories taken in with those expended. Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, control high blood pressure, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, control or delay the onset of diabetes, take medication as prescribed, exercise for 30 minutes each day, drink in moderation or not at all, limit salt and saturated fats, learn to relax and deal with your stress, get friends and family to join you in healthy living, and begin today! Following the presentation, attendees posed many questions. Dr. Laramée graciously answered them all. This Fall Lecture venue was also used to present the Alumni's prestigious Keon Award to co-recipient Dr. Joel Price. Dr. Price received his medical degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2004 and is completing a Master of Public Health degree at Harvard University. During his many years of studies, he received some 14 scholarships and recognitions. He also found time to publish in excess of 20 articles.  Dr. Joel Price receives the Keon Award from President John Herzog He is in his fifth year as a trainee in Cardiac Surgery, has been a leader in education as the supervisor of academic activities of the residents, and has worked tirelessly with medical students at the University. He is highly regarded and well liked by his patients and fellow healthcare professionals. Dr. Price is truly a worthy recipient of the Keon Award. All told, the evening was a resounding success as the attendees gratefully applauded Dr. Laramée and cheered Dr. Price. As the curtain fell at 9 pm, people scurried to get home just in time to learn the early election results. (Reported for The Bulletin by Angie Herzog) View the video of Dr. Laramée's entire presentation online!
Michael Doherty completed a 30- year career as a Federal Public Servant that included a combined 20 years of service with the Supreme Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Canada. During this period, he provided advice and guidance to Deputy Heads, Chief Justice of Canada and members of the judiciary on matters pertaining to policy, regulations and various Acts in the areas of Security, Human Resources, Finance and Administration. Subsequently, under contract, he provided specialized expertise in court security management and was responsible for the coordination of court-related security projects, including advising on matters of National Security and protection of same as well as on Human Resources issues Dan Trahan, Bac. Administration (Finance), joined the Public Service in 1972 with Customs and Excise, which subsequently became part of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). His breadth of work assignments included the provision of technical assistance to tax administrators around the world through CIDA and various international organizations, and he was the Canadian representative to the Fiscal Affairs Directorate of the ECD. He co-authored an international compendium of "best practices" directed at tax administrators of emerging economies. Mr. Trahan retired from CRA in 2005 as Senior Director of International and Federal/Provincial Initiatives after a career of 33 years. In accordance with the Alumni Constitution, additional nominations will be accepted until May 4, 2009.
June 4, 2009 at 6:30 PM
The 2009 AGM will be held in the Richmond Room at the Nepean Sportsplex, at 1701 Woodroffe Avenue. There is ample parking behind the Sportsplex (on the east side), where the entrance to the Richmond Room is located. Go in Entrance C. There is a fairly short stairway up to the Richmond Room. If the stairs pose a problem, inside the entrance there is a door on the right that leads to an elevator to the Richmond Room level. Catering is by Capone's. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: Pursuant to Section III, Articles 30 - 37, inclusive, of the Constitution of the Ottawa Heart Institute Alumni Inc., the Twenty-Third Annual General Meeting of the Alumni will be held on June 4, 2009. AGENDA
POST MEETING PROGRAM Two choices for your main course are offered: Roast Spring Chicken, served with a Madeira wine sauce $ 35or Fillet of salmon, served with a limone sauce $ 40 Included are: salad, seasonal vegetables, potatoes, rolls & butter; a glass of red or white wine; and dessert with coffee or tea. N.B. - You must specify your choice of main course
After Dinner Speaker: Dr. Robert Roberts, MD, FRCPC, MACC, President, University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Dr. Roberts' presentation will focus on "Genes and Future Genetic Testing" and the considerable ethical and political concerns that could become barriers if the public is not educated appropriately. Seating will be limited. Please complete the form and mail it to:
Presented by: Dr. D'Mello will discuss an evidence-based approach to obesity that covers the following topics:
When: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 7:30 pm (light refreshments at 7:00 pm) Please confirm by phone at 613-761-4370 if you wish to attend as seating is limited. Spouses welcome.
The Bulletin is published in Ottawa by the Ottawa Heart Institute Alumni Inc., a not-for-profit corporation located at 40 Ruskin Street. It is distributed free to members of the Ottawa Heart Institute Alumni and contains information on health and other matters of interest to members. Contents do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Board of Directors, nor does the Ottawa Heart Institute Alumni Inc., nor the producers, nor the printers and distributors of the publication assume any responsibility for opinions expressed. All communications and contributions should be sent to the address below. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40045889 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: The Bulletin Editor Editor: John P. Herzog Contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission. The Bulletin is intended for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific conditions. You should seek medical advice for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regime.
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Oh, how time flies when you are having fun. I find it hard to believe that this is my last President's Report to our alumni. My two-year term as President concludes at the end of June. Without a doubt, this volunteer position has demanded quite a bit of time, probably a day and a half a week. However, I cannot think of an organization more deserving than the Alumni that provides so much support to the UOHI, to which I owe a great deal of gratitude.
Vitamin D plays an extremely important role in our health, especially for Canadians lacking sunshine during winter seasons. People with darker skin tones are also advised to take a supplement as they have more difficulty generating natural vitamin D from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Having the proper amount in your body can significantly improve bone health, normalize your range of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations, improve muscle strength, reduce fracture rates and rates of falling. It may also improve mood, protect against depression, prevent some cancers and certain autoimmune diseases.