At the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), the world's best and brightest come together for a common cause: to save lives.
Walking through the halls of the PMCC, it's not uncommon to encounter groups of international fellows intently discussing a complex case with staff physicians. These fellows hail from all over the globe – Asia, South America, the U.S., Europe, Africa – bringing knowledge with them and then taking what they've learned back to their home countries.
Each year, hundreds of national and international physicians apply to obtain post-certification training with experienced specialists at the PMCC in areas such as: adult congenital heart disease, cardiovascular surgery, vascular surgery and heart failure and transplantation.
While they learn, the fellows provide much-needed manpower to help PMCC staff with the day-to-day work of treating patients.
The PMCC's fellowship program attracts international physicians because of its excellent worldwide reputation, says Dr. Barry Rubin, Medical Director of the PMCC.
"We are a growing, expanding, international brand," he says. "We have a clear mission to be the No. 1 heart centre in the world."
Fellows also want to study with the PMCC's many "superstars" in the field, he adds, such as cardiac surgeon Dr. Tirone David, cardiologist Dr. Heather Ross and vascular surgeon Dr. Thomas Lindsay.
While at the PMCC, fellows learn the "PMCC Way," says Dr. Rubin. It's a philosophy that is the cornerstone of the institution and includes three pillars: a mandate to work in multidisciplinary teams, a commitment to using the best equipment in the world and an unremitting focus on innovation.
"Lots of people talk about this, but we actually walk the walk," he says.
Dr. Rubin says that one of the goals of the international fellowship program is to teach fellows the PMCC Way in the hopes that they will bring it back to their home institution in Tokyo or Buenos Aires or Bangalore.
"The real mark of success is: 'Did that person ascend to a leadership position and then start training other people locally, the way they were trained at the PMCC?'" says Dr. Rubin. "That's when you know you've really had an impact."
The third annual Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) magazine published by The Globe and Mail focuses on why Canada's premier cardiac centre is known for being “the heartbeat of innovation.” The magazine explores the PMCC model that supports the creation, development and evolution of innovative ideas into action – making “today's idea, tomorrow's practice.” It also examines the impact that a culture of innovation has on the way cardiovascular care is delivered now and into the future.
