Libin Life Magazine
Learn how the researchers, clinicians and educators within the Libin Cardiovascular Institute are working together to shape cardiovascular health
Libin Life 2025
Message from the Director
At the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, everything we do is grounded in a shared purpose: improving the lives of people affected by cardiovascular disease, not just through discovery, but also through real-world impact. Continue Reading...
Honouring the Mozell family
The Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s rise to national and international prominence over the past 20 years has been fuelled by visionary research, clinical innovations — and the generosity of community champions like J.L. “Sam” and Beverley Mozell. Continue Reading...
Seed funding sparks top-ranked heart research
A generous gift. A bold idea. And a top-ranking grant. That’s the trajectory of a University of Calgary research project that’s helping us understand the heart’s potential to heal. Continue Reading...
Physiology Core Lab fuels cardiovascular research
Dr. Darrell Belke, PhD, remembers the moment inspiration struck. He was part way through a run, puzzling over how the body temperature of hibernating gophers impacted the movement of calcium in the animals’ heart cells. It was a question he’d been chasing for months while completing his master’s degree in Zoology at the University of Alberta. And then, clarity. Continue Reading...
Core Pathology lab supports critical research projects
Dr. Yong-Xiang Chen, MD, PhD, has a very proud family. Growing up in China during the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (GPCR), it was difficult to imagine Chen would have such a successful life, but his curiosity, dedication and hard work paid off. Continue Reading...
Researcher cracking the genetic code of heart conditions
At the University of Calgary’s Libin Cardiovascular Institute, world-renowned researcher Dr. Wayne Chen, PhD, is uncovering hidden genetic causes of deadly heart conditions, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and life-saving treatments for patients and families at risk. Continue Reading...
Autonomic Lab finding real-world solutions for patients
Darla Bennett’s life took an unexpected turn after contracting COVID-19 in December 2021. Long after the initial infection, she continued to experience persistent fatigue, a racing heart, exercise intolerance and a purplish discoloration in her hands and feet. Continue Reading...
Trainee-led organization building community
The Libin Cardiovascular Trainee Organization (LCITO) brings together the institute’s graduate students with the aim of improving their educational experience. Developed three years ago by student leaders, the LCITO is helping create a community amongst Libin trainees. Continue Reading...
Amyloid Program of Calgary a national leader
Seven years ago, family physician Dr. John Pasternak, MD, sat alone in his clinic office, staring at test results that changed everything. “I hung my head and thought, ‘now what?’” he recalls. Continue Reading...
Initiative exposing and addressing health inequities
It may be comforting to believe every Canadian enjoys the same standard of health care, but the facts show otherwise. According to the Government of Canada, health inequities do indeed exist—some Canadians receive excellent care, while others face barriers tied to factors like income. Continue Reading...
Initiative launches enhanced cardiac care program
Calgary cardiac patients will have the opportunity to participate in research while visiting local cardiac clinics at Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities. The Libin Precision Medicine Initiative (LPMI) launched its PULSE Clinic Program earlier this year with the goal of advancing personalized cardiac care for Albertans. Continue Reading...