Heart failure/transplantation
The MHI Heart Failure Clinic actively follows
approximately 300 patients with heart failure due to a variety of
causes - ischemic, valvular, idiopathic and heart failure with
intact systolic function. The team is composed of six
cardiologists, four nurses - including a specialized
nurse-clinician - a dietician and a secretary. In addition, various
caregivers are called upon to work as part of the team when
necessary (clinical pharmacist, social worker and psychiatrist).
The team is very active in research and works in collaboration with
the MHI transplant team.
The MHI's heart transplant team is made up of three
cardiologists, six surgeons, three nurses, a social worker and a
psychiatrist. Some 15 to 20 heart transplants are performed every
year. The team follows roughly 200 post-transplant patients and
assesses some 70 new candidates per year. In addition, the team
follow pediatric transplant patients transferred from pediatric
hospitals once the patient reaches adult age. The transplant team
also runs a very active research program.
A one- or two-year fellowship in heart failure and
transplantation is offered to cardiologists from Quebec, Canada and
abroad. The candidate is integrated into the clinical teams and
takes part in heart failure clinics, pre-transplant assessments,
follow-up on hospitalized patients and post-transplant follow-up,
if desired. Candidates interested in advanced training in
post-transplant follow-up are given a chance to learn the technique
of endomyocardial biopsy. Participation in the research projects is
an integral part of training and the candidate is strongly urged to
initiate his or her own research project leading to publication.
The candidate is also expected to be available for on-call duty in
general cardiology at the hospital.
To obtain funding, candidates are advised to apply for
grants from recognized agencies. The Department of medicine at the
MHI offers scholarships; however, a limited number of scholarships
are available and they are awarded on a competitive basis.
