Two years of intensive learning
Foundation, in collaboration with Dr. Laura Vidales, fellow cardiologist at the Institute
Home > Blog > Two years of intensive learning
This article is adapted from the Foundation’s magazine
From Argentina to Montreal, Dr. Laura Vidales continues her specialization in congenital heart defects.
Each year, cardiologists from around the world come through the doors of the Montreal Heart Institute to join one of 11 fellowship programs under the supervision of high-level experts.
In 2020, Argentinian cardiologist Laura Vidales began her second year of fellowship at the Institute, where she continued her superspecialized work in congenital heart defects. This innovative branch of cardiovascular medicine has blazed a path for itself with rapid advances over the last few years. Thanks to the support of the Foundation’s donors, Dr. Vidales and many other doctors have become acquainted with the Canadian healthcare system.
The ability to adapt—an essential skill in 2020
Dr. Vidales can attest that the upheavals of the past few months have had an impact on the teaching, care and research typically offered at the Institute. It implemented measures to protect patients and staff, and whatever can be done remotely is done so.
But for her, it’s far from being the first foray into the unknown.
In the last year, she had to overcome a series of challenges that strengthened her expertise, including mastering a new language and a new environment, not to mention working in a field that seems to evolve every day.
Dr. Vidales highlighted the patience, respect and compassionate approach of the doctors who welcomed her at the Institute. These things inspire her on a daily basis, not to mention lend themselves well to her subspecialty.
Everyday empathy
“Since the day they were born, the majority of my patients with congenital heart defects have had to endure countless medical appointments, percutaneous procedures,
surgery, and the list goes on. This is a harsh reality for both them and their families. It’s essential to not only provide them with medical care, but also treat them with compassion and a positive, empathetic attitude,” said Dr. Vidales.
She admires this duality she’s observed in experts at the Montreal Heart Institute— they are at once elements in a well-organized system and warm-hearted individuals who always see the patient behind the illness.
It’s true that there are many differences— resources, systems, approaches—from one country to the next. But Dr. Vidales believes this vision of medicine is something we can all agree on. And she’ll surely bring it with her when she returns home.
donate today
You will also like:
Education: at the heart of the Institute’s mission
Year after year, the Institute’s internationally renowned fellowship program welcomes over a dozen foreign medical specialists who wish to hone their skills in cardiovascular care. In addition to being an unparalleled personal experience for these health professionals, this complementary training program allows them to make a difference in the lives of the 68,000 patients who walk through the doors of the Institute each year.
Read more →
Building the Institute of tomorrow
“Peter, there’s a cardiac arrest in the ER. C’mon, let’s go!” When Dr. Peter Guerra worked in internal medicine, a senior resident grabbed him to help out with an emergency cardiac procedure. As is often the case when the heart is involved, someone’s life was on the line. At that exact moment, he knew he had found his calling.
Read more →
When reality exceeds your wildest dreams
Even as a child, Caroline Dupré knew she wanted to be a nurse. “Taking care of people is what’s most important to me. When I was small, I carried around a little doctor’s bag and put bandages on my dolls. You could say I figured out pretty early on that I wanted to work in a hospital.” Growing up, she set her sights on working at the Montreal Heart Institute, a dream that quickly came true.
Read more →
A family story: a father-daughter team of radiologists
When three generations share the same passion, it becomes part of their DNA! Read on to discover the story of Dr. Pierre Robillard and Dr. Julie Robillard, a pair of outstanding radiologists.
Read more →