I A C S Recognized Canada's Premier Cardiac Surgeon, Sen. Wilbert Keon

2008-02-29

On the occasion of meetings of the Canadian Heart Health Strategy in Ottawa on Jan.30/08, Dr. Eldon Smith, Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, presented the most prestigious Medal of Merit of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences to Canada's Premier Cardiac Surgeon, Sen. Wilbert Keon.

Following the presentation, Dr. Naranjan S. Dhalla, Executive Director of the Academy, stated: "During 2001 - 2006, the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences has bestowed its highest honour in the form of the "Medal of Merit" to 12 individuals including three Nobel Laureates - Sir John Vane, London, U.K.; Dr. Edwin Krebs, Seattle; and Dr. Robert Furchgott, Brooklyn; as well as great men of Cardiovascular Surgery, Medicine and Sciences namely Dr. Michael DeBakey, Houston; Dr. Eugene Braunwald, Boston; Sir Magdi Yacoub, London, U.K.; Dr. Robert Lefkowitz, Durham; Sir George Radda, Singapore; Dr. Richard Bing, Pasadena; Dr. Robert Jennings, Durham; Dr. James Willerson, Dallas; and Dr. Victor Dzau, Durham.

"For the year 2007, the Academy has awarded its Medal of Merit to the Nobel Laureate Dr. Louis Ignarro, Los Angeles; a Past President of the International Society for Heart Research Dr. Jutta Schaper, Bad Nauheim, Germany; and to a man who is today sitting among us.

Sen. Wilbert Keon was honoured for:

1. His leadership role in promoting the scientific basis of cardiology and cardiac surgery.

2. Pioneering work in cardiac transplantation and development of left ventricular assist devices.

3. Founding of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute as a model for carrying out multi-disciplinary initiatives in cardiovascular treatment and research.

4. Untiring commitment for convincing Canadian governments and various granting agencies to allocate adequate resources for Cardiovascular Research in Canada."