Recruited to the University of Ottawa in 1975 to become the head of the division of cardiology, Dr. Beanlands co-founded the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) with Dr. Wilbert J. Keon in 1976, where he served as chief of the division of cardiology until 1995, before taking on the role of deputy director general. He was named professor emeritus by the University of Ottawa in 1998.
Renowned for establishing and growing the division of cardiology into a centre for academic and clinical excellence, Dr. Beanlands was lauded for his tremendous leadership and vision in developing world-class undergraduate and postgraduate training programs alongside innovative research and care programs that benefited countless patients. He received numerous awards and accolades during his career, including being proclaimed a Living Legend by the World Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences. Upon his retirement, the City of Ottawa proclaimed May 1, 2008 as Dr. Donald S. Beanlands Day.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Dr. Beanlands’ colleagues, friends and family, including his son Dr. Rob Beanlands, uOttawa Faculty of Medicine professor and UOHI president and CEO.
See also a statement on the passing of Dr. Beanlands from University of Ottawa President and Vice-Chancellor Jacques Frémont.
More tributes: An In Memoriam from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute | A statement from the Canadian Cardiovascular Society | An article from CTV News Ottawa | The obituary