History book traces past 80 years of cardiovascular sciences in Calgary

Posted October 2, 2012

by Lynda Sea

Hearts, Minds and Vision: Book Launch

Attend the official book launch on Friday, October 5, 2012 and you’ll be treated to a feature presentation with opening remarks from former University of Calgary Dean of Medicine Dr. Tom Feasby, a slideshow by Dr. D. George Wyse, book signings and an author meet-and-greet. Books will be on sale starting at 1:45 pm; the Libin Institute will contribute $5 from each book sold at the launch event towards the United Way of Calgary.    

Friday, October 5, 2012
2-3 pm
Foothills Campus, University of Calgary
Rm 1500, O’Brien Centre, Health Science Centre
3330 Hospital Dr. NW
Open to the Public and Media Welcome

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, a world-class centre of excellence for heart health research, education and patient care, releases a new history book this month that is bound to captivate not only those inside the medical field but also the general public, history buffs and anyone touched by heart disease. Hearts, Minds & Vision: Roots of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, 1930-2010 (Kingsley Publishing, 2012) offers a fascinating history of those people who have and continue to dedicate themselves to saving, extending and improving the health and lives of Southern Albertans.

As an entity of both Alberta Health Services (Calgary) and the University of Calgary, the Libin Institute coordinates cardiovascular science research, provides education and training of health care professionals and offers world-class treatment using new technologies and access to cardiac services.

Through a carefully curated collection of archival images, written memoirs and interviews, authors Dr. D. George Wyse, Dr. Robert Lampard, Barbara Kermode Scott and Al-Karim Walli capture a compelling account of the Institute’s origins, milestones and inspiring human stories. Hearts, Minds & Vision tells a unique Calgary story about the pioneers and leaders who had and continue to have a “can-do” attitude and spirit that keeps the Libin Institute and the city at the forefront of cardiovascular science research, health care and education.

“This book tells the story of the remarkable men and women who have built and shaped cardiovascular science and clinical care in Calgary. It gives us a glimpse into the inner workings of their medical world and puts a human face on the saga,” says Alvin Libin, founding donor of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and former chair of the Foothills Hospital Board.

Within the 430-page hardcover book, you can trace the past 80 years in Calgary where rapid changes and huge medical breakthroughs were made in an environment of funding cutbacks and political change. In 1930, Calgary’s first heart specialist Dr. Earle P. Scarlet arrived with an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine, an instrument that was initially met with skepticism but by the 1940s, was an invaluable instrument in diagnosing heart attacks. The first open heart-surgery was performed in Calgary in 1960 at the Holy Cross Hospital. Learn about the impact of creation of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine and the Foothills Hospital, Alberta’s largest hospital, on countless developments that have shaped the way patients are cared for in the city. Also, discover why Calgary’s been given the moniker “best place in Canada to have a heart attack.”

Hearts, Minds & Vision celebrates Calgary’s cardiovascular leaders and goes beyond the diagnoses, treatments and research to shed light on the local doctors, nurses, researchers, trainees, donors, philanthropists and patients who have played a role in fighting heart disease.

Hearts, Minds & Vision - Roots of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, 1930–2010 (Kingsley Publishing, 2012) is now available for purchase at book retailers throughout Alberta and online at alpinebookpeddlers.com and amazon.ca. It retails for $24.95 (CAD).