The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta continues to receive international recognition as a leader in heart research and much of the credit belongs to the contributions of the institute’s namesake.
Respected philanthropist and businessman, Alvin Libin, was the visionary who, as the chair of the Foothills Hospital in the 1980s, identified the need for a centre focused on cardiovascular health.
Dr. Eldon Smith, recruited from Dalhousie University, helped establish the institute in 2004.
“Eldon had an idea and a dream that there was an opportunity here to take and put, link together cardiology with the educators, the clinicians and the researchers together,” said Libin.
Dr. Smith says the institute owes a great deal to Alvin and Mona Libin.
“We have profited immensely from their support, not only financial support which has obviously been very significant, but their support in terms of their own energy and time,” said Dr. Smith.
Dr. Todd Anderson has come up through the ranks from his time as a University of Calgary student to his current role as the director of Libin Cardiovascular Institute.
“What he's allowed us to do is to bring together our scientists, our educators, those people that go out and provide clinical care, and put us all together in an institute and allow us to grow and prosper,” said Dr. Anderson.
Libin is part of theCalgary Flames ownership group. Flames President Ken King says Libin leads with quiet humility.
“We have a spring barbeque for our team every year,” recollects King. “It was at his house and he got up and he said ‘You know what? We need to learn how to win and the people we're involved with here don't know how to lose’.”
“It was quiet. It was subtle, like everything that he does.”
For his numerous contributions to the community, in medicine, business and sport, Alvin Libin is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
