$10 million for precision medicine at the Montreal Heart Institute thanks to Marvin and Philippa Carsley

August 22, 2022
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The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) has received a major $10 million donation from Marvin and Philippa Carsley. This amount, which represents one of the biggest funding commitments received to date by the MHIF, is entirely dedicated to the development of precision medicine.

“Cardiovascular diseases are still the main cause of death in the world and the second leading cause of death in Canada. By investing in this area of expertise, we are doing our part to reverse the trend,” said Marvin Carsley.

In recognition for Marvin and Philippa Carsley’s generous contribution, a pavilion at the Montreal Heart Institute was inaugurated in their honour.

Reducing the number of cardiovascular incidents by half over the next decade

The Montreal Heart Institute’s ambition is clear-cut: to reduce the number of incidents caused by cardiovascular diseases by half by 2030. Developing precision medicine is paramount to reaching this lofty goal.

Precision medicine, also referred to as personalized medicine, is about providing patients with tailored care and treatments according to their specific traits. The Research Centre led by Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif is currently carrying out major impact studies in this field.

“The Institute is a pioneer in precision medicine thanks to sophisticated genetic research projects as well as health care professionals who are always seeking to personalize prevention with recommendations that are adapted to each patient. In the near future, it will even be possible to prevent a cardiac event before it occurs,” said Mélanie La Couture, President and CEO of the Montreal Heart Institute.

“Over the years, Marvin and Philippa Carsley’s precious support has enabled the Institute to carry out myriad promising projects in research, prevention, teaching, and ultraspecialized care for patients,” said Alain Gignac, President and CEO of the MHIF.

A testament to the heart

Marvin Carsley has been a member of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation since 1984 and a board member since 2004. He and his wife have donated more than $14 million to support the Institute’s promising projects.

The Philippa and Marvin Carsley Cardiology Chair was made possible thanks to their generosity. They also helped fund a cutting-edge hybrid room in the operating area along with the Magnetic Resonance Centre. The couple has even recently committed to supporting Dr. Jean Lucien Rouleau’s work for the Canadian Heart Function Alliance, an organization whose goal is to tackle the challenges of heart failure.

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

Created in 1977, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation raises and manages funds to support the Institute’s innovative and priority projects and fight cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the world. Its philanthropic events and donors’ contributions have enabled this leader in cardiovascular health to become the largest cardiac research centre in the country. Over the years, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation has raised more than $350 million in donations. Its 27,882 donors have made it possible to make important discoveries and support the Institute’s specialists, professionals, and researchers to provide state-of-the-art care to tens of thousands of patients in Quebec.

About the Montreal Heart Institute

Founded in 1954, the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) constantly strives for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and basic research, ultra-specialized care, professional training, and prevention. It is home to Canada’s largest cardiology research centre, cardiovascular prevention centre, and cardiovascular genetics centre. The Institute is affiliated with Université de Montréal and has more than 2,000 employees, including 245 physicians and more than 85 researchers.

From left to right: Alain Gignac, Pierre Anctil, Marvin and Philippa Carsley, Mélanie La Couture and Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif