Libin Institute Elevates Global Heart Health

Members of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute are not only experts in cardiovascular care, but many also have a profound dedication to making a positive impact around the world. Time and again, Libin members give freely of their time and talents to improve access to life-saving care.  The following stories of compassion, collaboration and commitment reflect the heart of the Libin Institute, which is made up of individuals who are passionate about optimizing cardiovascular outcomes for patients. 

Transforming Cardiac Care in Guyana

In 2012, Drs. Debra Isaac and Wayne Warnica embarked on a mission that would forever change the landscape of cardiac care in Guyana. Witnessing the urgent need for better cardiac care during a medical mission, they founded the Guyana Program to Advance Cardiac Care (GPACC). Backed by the Cumming School of Medicine and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, this initiative aimed to provide sustainable change to a country grappling with some of the highest rates of heart disease globally.

Before GPACC, Guyana lacked consistent access to cardiac diagnostics and facilities for monitoring and managing cardiac patients. Today, GPACC stands as a beacon of hope at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, offering a range of services including a cardiac intensive care unit, outpatient heart function clinic, cardiology clinic, active echocardiography and treadmill lab and a cardiology electronic patient database.

Over the years, GPACC has facilitated more than 100 cardiac surgeries and a similar number of catheterizations, treating thousands of patients, both pediatric and adult. The program also initiated a world-class healthcare training program for nurses and provided cardiology training for local physicians. Numerous Calgary-based volunteers have been involved over the years.  Drs. Debra Isaac and Wayne Warnica were recognized by the Guyanese government for their outstanding international service. Learn more about GPACC. 

Teaching advanced techniques in Poland

In 2019, a team of Calgary-based physicians visited Gdańsk, Poland on a mission to improve surgical care in that country. Collaborating with local cardiac surgeon Dr. Wojtek Karolak, the team taught advanced cardiac surgical techniques. The initiative aimed to enhance the skills of the local surgical team, who perform around 1,200 operations annually, including lung and heart transplants.

The Calgary team, comprising cardiac surgeon Dr. William Kent, intensivist Dr. Ken Parhar, anaesthesiologis Dr. Duc Ha, and perfusionist Dr. Steve Menzies, shared expertise in minimally invasive techniques, fostering a collaborative exchange of knowledge and skills.

Delivering Aid to Kyiv 

In 2022, Dr. Paul Fedak spearheaded an initiative to address a shortage of essential supplies at the Heart Institute in Kyiv, Ukraine. After connecting with Dr. Igor Mokryk, Chief of the Department of Adult Cardiac Surgery at the Heart Institute, Dr. Fedak coordinated the delivery of 30 boxes of medical supplies. The shipment, including personal protective equipment, dressings, catheters, syringes, and defibrillator electrodes, showcased the global reach and impact of Calgary's commitment to international cardiovascular care.

Dean Traboulsi's medical missions

Cardiologist Dr. Dean Traboulsi exemplifies a commitment to global cardiovascular health. His medical missions span continents but began in Syria in 2000 when Traboulsi visited the country to lead training activities and conduct procedures as part of a team of Calgary cardiologists. Traboulsi's dedication led him to return to Syria for a decade, and he also visited India, China, Trinidad and Tobago, where he conducted procedures, trained local physicians, and brought medical supplies.

Read more about the Libin Cardiovascular Institute's Top 20 Achievements of the last 20 years here.