Building the Institute
With the opening of the first heart institute to be built in Canada in 40 years, Alberta has strengthened and expanded its commitment to the prevention and treatment of heart diseases, cardiovascular research and the education of future cardiac professionals by bringing all clinical care, research and training together under one roof.
Timeline
2001: Recognizing the excellence in Edmonton’s cardiac sciences program, the Alberta Government allocates $125 million funding to the creation of the Alberta Heart Institute
2003: Premier Ralph Klein breaks ground at sod turning ceremony at the University of Alberta Hospital campus
2004: University Hospital Foundation heart institute campaign raises $30 million and the Government of Alberta provides extra $20 million bringing funding to $175,000
2005: Structural construction begins above the University hospital’s emergency department and in May, the heart institute is named the Mazanowski Alberta Heart Institute after the Right Honourable Don Mazankowski
2006: Capital Health/the health region appoints three renowned cardiac experts to the Mazankowski: heart surgeon Dr. Arvind Koshal, who was part of the team that performed the first total artificial heart transplant in Canada, is director of development and external affairs; cardiologist Dr. David Johnstone, who specializes in cardiac best practices and outcomes, serves as clinical director; and Dr. Gary Lopaschuk, a scientist and world leader in energy metabolism and control of fatty acid metabolism in the heart, serves as scientific director.
2007: Scientists collaborate onsite with clinicians when the Alberta Cardiovascular and Stroke Research Centre (ABACUS) opens on lower level of the heart institute to provide basic science, population science and clinical trials.
2008: Outpatient clinics open and the first heart patients move in to the heart institute
2009: Operation rooms open and inpatients move in as resources and services are phased in when floor space becomes available
2009: LEED silver certification
2010 - 2011: Construction continued
2012: Alberta Health Services and the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry appoint clinical scientist and internationally-recognized cardiology researcher, Dr. Paolo Raggi Academic Director of the Mazankowski and Section Chief, Cardiology and Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta.
