Lianne Laing
President | University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation
Five years ago I began an inspiring journey that continues to fill me with gratitude. In my role as President of the Foundation. I am moved every day by the generosity of our donor community and dedication of our team in advancing cardiovascular care.
Thanks to your support, we have reached remarkable milestones this year.
Dr. Ruel, our esteemed cardiac surgeon, chose to remain at the Heart Institute rather than accepting an opportunity in San Francisco, reaffirming his commitment to pioneering minimally invasive robotics in cardiac surgery.
Your generosity has also played a crucial role in establishing the Mobile Valve Clinic, enhancing the Acute Care Unit, and funding critical research that drives innovation in cardiovascular health.
Your contributions continue to strengthen the Heart Institute’s programs and expand community engagement, from the overwhelming response to Heart Month initiatives like “Light the Capital Red” to major events such as the Ottawa Pickleball Classic and Wilbert Keon Memorial Golf Tournament.
Through Jump In for Women’s Heart Health, you have helped to raise awareness and funding for the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre, empowering Canadians to prioritize heart health and to recognize their risk factors and symptoms. Your generosity is the heartbeat of our success.
Your passion and dedication allow us to innovate, educate, and improve lives through world-class cardiovascular care. With deep appreciation, we thank you for being part of this journey and making an extraordinary impact.
Dr. Rob Beanlands President & CEO | University of Ottawa Heart Institute
I recently met the grateful wife of a patient at a community event. She shared the story of a busy nurse who had comforted her daughter, and held her hand, while her father was having a major heart attack.
The child was told, "Your dad is going to be OK. He will have a procedure to open his blocked vessel and be back with you soon." I was deeply touched by this example of how our Heart Institute team lives up to their values every day.
As I reflect on my first full year at the helm of the Ottawa Heart Institute, I am excited to share the progress of our strategic planning. This work is focused on being your world leading Heart Institute, transforming heart health and cardiac care with a mission to give the best possible "heart health for all."
Our plan is built around three core priorities: "Your Heart is in the Right Place", "The Heart of the Community", and "The Heart of Innovation". We look forward to sharing more details over the coming months.
Other highlights of this year have been the launch of our mobile clinic, which allows us to reach patients in underserved communities, and focus on integrating AI technology with human touch and compassionate care.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not share how the enthusiasm and creativity of our leadership team inspires me. The dedication and generosity of our donors and community partners continue to generate a true spirit of collaboration.
Together, we reaffirm that the Ottawa Heart Institute is a compassionate community dedicated to a people-first culture and the well-being of every individual we serve.
Financial Report
**We spend 21¢ for each dollar we raise (not including investment income). This cost is a demonstration of our commitment to good financial stewardship. Financial Statements are available at www.foundation.ottawaheart.ca. The Foundation is accountable to you, our donors, to ensure every donation is directed to meet the funding priorities of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. You help fund investments in education, resources for the next generation of cardiovascular healthcare professionals, ground-breaking research, the purchase of specialized life-saving equipment, and innovative patient care. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
STATS & FACTS
248,882 Patient visits
82% of patients ranked excellent in Patient Satisfaction 69,749 Diagnostic tests
1,637 Pacemaker and 2,127 Open-heart and catheter-based procedures
12,619 Non-surgical interventions
RESEARCH
BY THE NUMBERS 24-25
65 Research faculty (including scientists, clinician scientists, and clinician investigators)
$16.1 Million awarded in peer reviewed grants
401 Published research articles
322 Active clinical research studies
35 Trainee Scholarships (internal and external)
Message from Foundation Board Chair, James Annis
I have been part of the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation Board over the past six years and recently stepped into the role of Chair. Since then, I have experienced significant learning, often joking, "It's like drinking from a fire hose!"
Nevertheless, I am filled with a profound sense of privilege and gratitude.
UOHI is an exceptional institution — indeed, a Canadian jewel recognized worldwide for its innovative practices and excellent cardiac care. At the core of the Institute's success lies a generous community inspired by the Foundation's annual campaign and hundreds of projects, initiatives, and community events each year.
…and 2024 has been an incredible year! We have raised millions of dollars thanks to generous donors and seen countless hours from thousands of volunteers, who keep giving time and energy back to our community.
The Institute's unwavering commitment to innovative research and treatment for various cardiovascular conditions and rare and harder-to-treat ailments is a beacon of hope. This meaningful work continues to strike a personal chord as my son Danny tragically passed away from a rare heart
2024-25 BOARD MEMBERS
Lianne Laing, President, Foundation
James Annis Foundation Board Chair
Grant Jameson Vice Chair
Ian Sterling Treasurer
Ken Jennings Secretary
Dalton McGuinty Chair, UOHI
disease at just two years of age, and my father, diagnosed with a rare deadly heart disease, continues to thrive due to treatment the Heart Institute was able to provide.
As Board Chair, I also know first-hand how extraordinary the Institute's fundraising arm, the Foundation, truly is. I would say that the Heart Institute Foundation is on par with the best healthcare foundations nationwide in terms of its low cost per dollar raised and deep and engaging relationship with its community.
Thank you for your belief in our mission. Your generosity is the bedrock of our success.
Jordan Bianconi
Marc-Andre Groulx
Gail Kaneb
Jake Levinson
Lucas Matheson
Dr. Rob Beanlands UOHI President & CEO
Keira Torkko Chair, OHIRC Board of Directors
Paul Bodnoff Alumni Board Chair
Leslie Mise
Jonathan Murray
Muneeba Omar
Nick Pantieras
Deneen Perrin
Jean Spicer
Erin Zipes
Colin Zappia
Reflecting that the Heart Institute helps so many patients with world-class care, Jocelyne and I are honoured to be in a position to support their priorities, including leading-edge research, specialized equipment and innovative care.
Gilles and Jocelyne