UBC Cardiology Launches Inaugural Think Tank

UBC Cardiology Launches Inaugural Think Tank to Address Disparities in Indigenous Cardiovascular Care

On January 24, members of the UBC Division of Cardiology, partners, and Indigenous patient representatives came together at Vancouver General Hospital to talk about two projects to improve heart health for Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

Led by Dr. Miles Marchand, Dr. Jasmine Grewal, and Dr. Richard Bennett, the Think Tank initiative is working to make cardiac care more accessible and sustainable in Indigenous communities. Indigenous peoples in BC face higher rates of heart disease, more hospital visits, and shorter life expectancy—on average, 15 years less than non-Indigenous residents. Many remote communities lack access to essential heart tests, leading to delayed diagnoses and poor health outcomes.

To address these challenges, the Think Tank is developing two programs. The first is a mobile heart clinic that will bring testing and diagnosis to remote areas. A specially equipped vehicle with a cardiologist, family physician, ECG technician, and sonographer will provide ECGs, stress tests, echocardiograms, and blood tests. Inspired by similar successful programs, this initiative aims to improve access to timely care.

At the meeting, participants discussed the best equipment, vehicle options, staffing, funding, and how to ensure long-term patient care. They also talked about research, quality improvement, and making sure the program lasts.

The second initiative is a culturally safe heart health and wellness program for Indigenous patients recovering from heart events. It will offer case management, virtual and in-person rehabilitation, Elder support, patient groups, and culturally relevant education. Integrated with services like the First Nations Health Authority’s Virtual Doctor of the Day, this program will focus on patient needs, family involvement, and community-based care. Discussions covered program locations, staffing, funding, and how to make the program sustainable.

Both programs emphasize community partnerships and cultural safety, recognizing that trust and collaboration are key to success. The Think Tank is also exploring ways to connect with existing services like Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) to increase impact.

A pilot for the mobile clinic will start in fall 2025 at ten Carrier Sekani Family Services sites, with plans to expand further. The wellness program will launch in January 2026, working alongside the mobile clinic to provide ongoing care.

The meeting was productive and enriched by the insights of patient partners and local healthcare providers. The Think Tank thanks everyone who participated and looks forward to making these projects a reality.

Stay tuned for more updates!