2014 INDUCTEE Salim Yusuf, MBBS DPhil Global Health, Heart & Vessels, Evidence-based Medicine & Clinical Trials, Health and Medical Education & Training
November 26, 1952
MBBS, Bangalore University (1976)
DPhil, Oxford University (1980)
2024: Oxford University Honorary Degree Recipient
2023: Kairali Global Lifetime Achievement Prize for Researchers
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2024: Oxford University Honorary Degree Recipient
2023: Kairali Global Lifetime Achievement Prize for Researchers
2022: Killam Prize
2021: World Heart Federation Lifetime Achievement Award
2020: McLaughlin Medal of the Royal Society of Canada
2014: The Gairdner Wightman Prize
2013: American College of Cardiology International Service Award
2013: Officer in the Order of Canada
2008: American Heart Association Clinical Research Award
2008: European Society of Cardiology Gold Medal
2005: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
2003: Paul Wood Silver Medal, British Cardiac Society
2002: Louis and Arthur Lucian Award for Research in Circulatory Disease
2001: Prix Galien Canada Research Award
2000: Gustav Nylin Medal, Swedish Society of Cardiology
1997: Heart and Stroke Foundation Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Research
1992: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, UK
1992: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Pioneered global clinical trials for heart research
A tireless builder of global heart care capacity
The leading North American clinical trialist, Dr. Salim Yusuf’s epidemiologic work in more than 60 countries shows the majority of risks of both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease are attributable to the same few risk factors. His large-scale studies involving several hundreds of thousands of individuals in dozens of countries have changed the way some of the world’s most deadly health conditions are prevented, treated and managed.
Key Facts
Initiated, along with Richard Peto and Peter Sleight, the concepts of large, simple trials and meta-analysis
Coordinated the ISIS trial which set the structure for future international collaborative work in cardiovascular disease and demonstrated the value of beta-blockers in myocardial infarction
Involved in the discovery of new treatments for heart disease including ACE inhibitors, dual antiplatelet, and novel antithrombotic agents
Explored the role of the environment, health policies and health systems in influencing cardiovascular disease mortality globally
Published more than 800 articles in refereed journals and was the second most cited researcher in the world for 2011. In 2020 he was the world's most cited cardiology researcher.
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Yusuf’s influence on international researchers is perhaps one of his most enduring gifts. By involving researchers in collaborative networks, and by providing practical training in the conduct of productive research projects, he has helped establish a much deeper understanding of the key principles that underlie epidemiological research in an astounding number of research fellows who have benefited from his direct supervision. Through his research, training, and network-building, Dr. Yusuf has brought the world community closer to establishing global programs of heart disease prevention.
2024
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Co-authored a controversial paper that debated that in communities where mean sodium intake is more than 5 g/day is linked with cardiovascular disease.
The paper debates the salt guidelines of WHO, which recommended that populations should consume less than 2 g/day as a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease. This paper is criticized by the medical community especially by the American Heart Association.
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Dr. Salim Yusuf spoke at the Cardiology Update 2017 symposium
He argued the saturated fat guidelines even though he admitted he is not an expert in nutrition. He states how eating more carbohydrates is harmful and higher saturated fat intake is protective and slightly beneficial .
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Dr. Yusuf became the President of the World Heart Federation
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentAt the WHF, he initiated the Emerging Leaders Program in 100 countries with the aim of halving the CVD burden globally within a generation.
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Salim Yusuf inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Kingston, Ontario
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Dr. Yusuf established the HOPE Peace Through Health Chair at McMaster University and initiated one of the first Peace through Health university courses in the world
Leadership in Organizational Development, Health & HumanitiesBeyond his medical contributions to his community, Dr. Yusuf is also an advocate for peace.
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Served as a senior Scientist of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for a term of five years
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Dr. Yusuf became a founding member and was appointed to the Executive Council of the Heart Failure Society of America
Leadership in Organizational Development -
Dr. Yusuf moved to McMaster University, where he established an international program of research in cardiovascular disease and prevention, culminating in the creation of the Population Health Research Institute
Heart & VesselsThe work of this group has led to a better understanding of the risk factors for heart disease and strokes globally.
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Dr. Yusuf moved to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, USA
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentHe was a leader in their SOLV trial (establishing the value of ACE inhibitors in LV dysfunction) and DIG trial (clarifying the role of digitalis).
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After completing his medical studies in Bangalore, Dr. Yusuf received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford
At Oxford he completed his DPhil and also found time to represent St. John’s College in hockey.
1976
An investigator, teacher, and role model; a leader in the development of health research policy.
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