June 20, 2025
“Health philanthropy is essential because of the impact the community members can have,” says Paul Rossmann, President and CEO of the Calgary Health Foundation. Supplied.
Story by Deanna Dament
June is Health Philanthropy Month. Throughout the month, we’re celebrating our philanthropic partners who raise funds for health care across the province.
The Faces of Foundations profile series introduces you to leaders in healthcare philanthropy across Alberta. This week, we’re pleased to profile Paul Rossmann, President and CEO of Calgary Health Foundation.
Why did you become involved with Calgary Health Foundation?
I became involved with the foundation because of a deep commitment I have to improving the well-being of our city and its people. Healthcare touches everyone and Albertans deserve a system that is innovative, compassionate, and accessible.
I believe Calgary Health Foundation’s impact can be even greater. I see an opportunity to be more strategic and proactive about where we can have an impact. Calgary is a generous community — and I’m confident the community will step up to help. I’m excited about the growth potential and what the future holds for innovation in healthcare.
Why is health philanthropy important to you?
Health philanthropy is essential because of the impact the community members can have. While healthcare is publicly-funded, philanthropy fills in some of the gaps. If the community is behind a particular initiative, it becomes a priority, and that’s often the catalyst for additional public funding and for sustaining a program.
One of Calgary Health Foundation’s priorities right now is women’s health. The foundation is focused on improving research, accessibility to timely care, and advocacy.
One project we’re working on is a women’s cardiovascular health clinic. The need for this clinic is highlighted by the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, more than all cancers combined.
There are gaps in the care women receive because they experience heart disease differently than men. When women have a heart attack, they are less likely to go to the emergency, less likely to be seen and treated, and less likely to receive follow-up. To improve this situation, the foundation is working with Dr. Roopinder Sandhu to fund a pilot program to address this problem. If it were not for the philanthropists, the program may not have launched.
What does being a leader in healthcare philanthropy mean to you?
Being a leader in healthcare philanthropy means taking an active role in driving meaningful change. I want the foundation to be proactive and talk to the medical community and hospital leaders to learn of ideas that, if funded, will have the greatest impact.
What recent foundation accomplishments make you most proud?
A recent success, that I am proud of, is the Calgary Endoscopic Spine Surgery, Research & Advancement (CESSRA) program at Foothills Medical Centre, which the Foundation is supporting. Endoscopic spine surgery is one component of this program which involves only a tiny incision to accommodate an endoscope — allowing for ultra minimally invasive spinal cord surgeries. This surgery reduces the risk of complications, reduces the length of hospital stay, and reduces recovery times. This program results in better patient care, better outcomes and it improves the capacity of the healthcare system because patients are not in hospital for days. The first successful implementation of this technology in the Prairies occurred in January.
It feels good to fund this innovation, especially if you know people who have had back surgery in the past, and understand how impactful these minimally invasive options are.
What initiatives are coming up for the foundation?
There’s a lot coming up for the foundation! In addition to the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Clinic, the foundation is working with Dr. Erin Brennand, department head, Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Foothills Medical Centre, to set up a Rapid Access Gynecological Clinic with a see-and-treat model for women and hopefully relocating the Pelvic Floor Clinic to a better location.
What is the best way for Albertans to support the foundation?
There are many ways to support the foundation, such as donating funds, volunteering and being involved in our events. Physicians, in particular, can help by referring grateful patients who want to give back for the care they received.
For more information on the Calgary Health Foundation, visit givehealth.ca.
