Jeff Healey
PHRI Senior Scientist Jeff Healey has received the 2025 Canadian Heart Rhythm Society (CHRS) Achievement Award. The award was presented at the CHRS annual meeting in Halifax on September 13.
The award recognizes individuals whose careers have significantly advanced the field of heart rhythm research. For Healey, it’s a recognition of decades spent improving patient care through both research and clinical practice.
“It has been greatly rewarding to work in the Canadian Heart Rhythm research community as this group’s high-quality clinical trials have shaped the practice of medicine worldwide. At this point in my career, I find new inspiration in training and mentoring the next generation of trialists, who will carry on this great tradition,” said Healey.
Healey is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke prevention. He was the lead author of the ASSERT trial, which demonstrated the increased stroke risk associated with subclinical AF detected by pacemakers. He also led the ARTESiA trial, which demonstrated that anticoagulation with apixaban reduced the risk of stroke in patients with sub-clinical atrial fibrillation. He is also the principal investigator of the LAAOS-4 trial, evaluating the role of left atrial appendage occlusion on top of NOAC therapy for prevention of stroke in high-risk individuals with atrial fibrillation.
In addition to his research, Healey has held key leadership roles in the field. He is Yusuf Chair and Director of Cardiology at McMaster University. He chairs the Canadian Stroke Prevention and Intervention Network (CSPIN) and is past chair of the Canadian Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines Committee. Also, he serves on the steering committee of the international AF Screen organization.
