Cardiologist receives Quebec’s highest scientific honour

Montreal, QC – Dr Jean-Claude Tardif, cardiologist, clinician, director of the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) Research Centre, professor of medicine at Université de Montréal, and Pfizer research chair in atherosclerosis at Université de Montréal, has been awarded the Prix Armand-Frappier as part of the 2011 Prix du Québec. The prize is the highest distinction awarded by the province of Quebec to a scientist who has contributed to the development of a research institution.

“We are extremely proud that Dr Tardif has received this prestigious distinction,” said Robert Busilacchi, MHI executive director, when the winners were announced. “Dr Tardif is a visionary with a passion for discovery as well as a true scientific leader with the ability to harness the strengths of each of his team members. An international expert in cardiovascular health, Dr Tardif is an eminent researcher and a superb clinician. He applies personalized medicine in his current practice to shape the medicine of tomorrow and develop treatments for patients suffering from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.”

Since 2004, Dr Tardif has directed the MHI Research Centre, where he heads up a team of more than 600 people. He spearheaded the creation of the first GLP-grade (good laboratory practice) pharmacogenomics centre in Canada as well as that of the Centre for Excellence in Personalized Medicine at the MHI. In the past few years, he has supervised the deployment of new international research infrastructure, for which he has received more than $120 million in funding. These networks and centres include the Canadian Atherosclerosis Imaging Network (CAIN), the MHI Biobank, and the Montreal Heart Institute Coordinating Centre.