Robert Roberts MD, FRCPC, FRSM, MACC, FAHA, FESC, FRSC, LLD (Hon.)

Dr. Roberts completed his undergraduate (Memorial University), Medical school (Dalhousie University) and training in cardiology (University of Toronto) in Canada. He proceeded on scholarship to the University of California and was recruited to Washington University in St. Louis as Director of the Coronary Care unit (1973-1982). In 1982 he was recruited to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston as Chief of Cardiology where he served for 23 years. He was recruited as President and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) where he completed two 5 year terms (2004 to 2014).

Under Dr. Roberts leadership, as Chief of Cardiology the Baylor Program became world renowned particularly for research and pioneering the training of cardiologists in molecular cardiology. These trainees, many of whom, would subsequently occupy leadership roles in the US, Canada, and throughout the world. During his tenure as President and CEO of UOHI he founded and directed The Ruddy Canadian Cardiovascular Genetics Centre, and established The Research Methods Centre. The research endowment tripled from 15 million to 55 million as did competitive grant funding. Under his leadership UOHI achieved world recognition for its research impact being ranked by SIR SCHIMAGO to be in the top 2% of 3,043 institutions worldwide. The future was secured with approval and funding for a $200 million expansion to the institute which was initiated in 2013 and completed in 2018.

Dr. Roberts, in addition to his administrative roles, has had a distinguished and prolific international career as a Cardiologist, Educator and Scientist having lectured throughout the world and given several prestigious presentations including: Opening Plenary addresses of the American College of Cardiology, (Simon Dack Lectureship), the Japanese College of Cardiology, the Japanese College of Circulation, the Australian and New Zealand Heart Association (Hall Lecture), the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the International Academy of Cardiology. In 2013 he addressed The Royal Canadian Institute for the advancement of science.