What do you do for a living?

I am a Affiliate Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, part of the University Health Network (Toronto, Ontario). My work focuses on researching and improving patient education and access to cardiac rehabilitation programs, including for women.

What is your interest in women’s heart health and what made you decide to pursue a career related to it?

During my clinical work as a PT in Brazil, I observed that women were significantly underrepresented in low-resource CR programs. When I moved to Canada for my PhD and began working with CR programs in a high-income setting, I noticed a similar trend: those who needed these programs the most were still not accessing them.

This discrepancy led me to investigate the barriers and facilitators to participation, as well as the specific information needs of different ethnic groups. My initial focus on language access evolved into a broader understanding that generic resources were not adequately addressing women’s needs. This realization drove me to lead the development of Cardiac College for Women, a targeted educational platform designed to better meet the needs of women in cardiac care.

What was your career path that got you to your current position?

My career journey has been marked by significant challenges and triumphs, navigating the complexities of being a women, an immigrant, an international student, and a mother. I relocated to Canada to pursue a PhD, and upon completing my degree, I undertook two postdoctoral fellowships. Following these fellowships, I worked as a scientific associate before ultimately securing my current role as an affiliate scientist.

Soon, I will officially become the Chair of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR), a council that includes 45 CR associations and 17 countries without such associations. Our main goals are to unify global efforts in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation, establish international standards, promote these services as essential, and support countries in creating and improving programs tailored to local needs.

One of my priorities as Chair is to focus on women’s issues. I have already co-lead the development of the first-ever women-focused guidelines for CR and conducted global surveys to identify barriers and assess the state of women-focused CR delivery worldwide. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5-10 years, I see myself continuing to advance the field of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation, with a strong focus on improving access and outcomes for women globally. I aim to expand the reach and impact of the Cardiac College for Women, furthering research on gender-specific barriers and solutions in cardiac care.

Additionally, I hope to strengthen international collaborations and continue to influence global guidelines and policies in cardiovascular health.

A key aspect of my vision is also to inspire and support students, especially women immigrants like myself, by providing mentorship and opportunities to foster their growth in the field. I aim to create pathways for these students to excel and contribute meaningfully to cardiovascular care and research.

What advice would you share with someone in high school (or college/university) looking to pursue a career in women’s heart health?

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in women’s heart health, my advice is to stay curious and committed to understanding the unique challenges women face in cardiovascular care. Seek out opportunities for research and clinical experience, and be proactive in addressing gaps in knowledge and practice. Collaborate with diverse teams and be open to innovative approaches that can improve patient outcomes.

Most importantly, advocate for and involve patients in your research to ensure that the solutions you develop are grounded in real-world needs.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

It's crucial to involve patient partners in research projects to ensure that the work is relevant and impactful. For instance, I recently received a grant from PIPER, where a patient partner is a co-PI. This collaboration is helping refine the Cardiac College for Women to better address the specific needs and preferences of women. Engaging patients directly ensures that our research and interventions are truly patient-centered and effective.