An accomplished dancer, Dr. Dennie seeks to express herself with the same grace and precision on stage as she does in her medical practice. A former high-level gymnast who competed in the Olympic trials, she turned to dance to stay active. Whether in her dance training, or her ongoing clinical and teaching skills development, Dr. Dennie aims to maintain unwavering determination and courage. Her strong sense of community drives her to use her talents for fundraising events like "Dancing with the Docs" which supports The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
"For me, dance is more than an extracurricular activity, it allows me to stay active and push my boundaries while contributing to a good cause," says Dr. Dennie. "When I'm on stage with Dancing with the Docs, I am truly delighted!"
As a cardiothoracic radiologist and professor of radiology, Dr. Dennie is known for her collaborative approach. As Chief of the Thoracic Imaging Section at The Ottawa Hospital, she pioneered an innovative pre-operative lung nodule localization program. She also played a key role in the Ontario Lung Cancer Screening Pilot for People at High Risk, translating lung cancer research into clinical practice.
“I enjoy bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. Addressing the gaps that will directly benefit patients is truly fulfilling.”
Dr. Carole Dennie
Dr. Dennie is also a pioneer in implementing imaging programs in remote locations. She played a crucial role in developing a cardiac CT program in Iqaluit, Nunavut, enabling patients in these remote, predominantly Indigenous areas to access state-of-the-art imaging services without having to travel to Ottawa.
"After a full year of efforts to get government approval, we were able to install the necessary equipment on their CT scanner and train technologists," recalls Dr. Dennie. "The community can now schedule ten cardiac CTs per month on-site."
Although she discovered her Métis roots late in life, Dr. Dennie, a French-Canadian who grew up in a small village near Sudbury, Ontario, recognizes the barriers and challenges faced by individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds aspiring to practise medicine and become leaders in the field.
"I don't feel I can legitimately represent the Indigenous community, as I was only recently made aware of this part of my identity," says Dr. Dennie. "But I'm proud to be part of this community."
Dr. Dennie’s successes and tenacity have led her to hold various leadership roles at the University of Ottawa, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and with national and international imaging companies. She is a past president of the Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology and the North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Dennie also has a strong passion for teaching.
She was instrumental in establishing the radiology program at the Faculty of Medicine, where she created several courses for first-year medical students. As a pioneer in this field, she has brought valuable expertise, shaping radiology education for future generations of healthcare professionals.
"This period was exhilarating,” recalls Dr. Dennie. “We started from a blank slate, and had to create everything: designing the courses, building the team, organizing the logistics, etc. It was exciting!” She adds with a smile, “It could also be tiring. Being one of the few bilingual teachers, I remember teaching in one language, then running to another class to teach the same course in the other language. But it was worth it!”
Since its inception, the Faculty's radiology program has gained momentum and acclaim nationally, to the extent that the radiology review course has become a popular step for all Canadian residents in their final year of training as they prepare for the Royal College exams.
Her mission is to provide continuing education opportunities, enabling radiologists to provide the highest quality services throughout their careers. She has given over 150 lectures in Canada and across the world, organized multiple national and international conferences, and published nearly 150 peer-reviewed articles and eight book chapters.
Dr. Dennie is also committed to mentorship, especially for women. Her career path serves as an inspiration, helping students envision stimulating and fulfilling careers. "I am aware of the challenges that ambitious and determined students face. I take every opportunity to guide them towards their goals," says Dr. Dennie "I consider this part of my role as a teacher; knowledge transfer is even more effective when you can also share experience."