Dr. Zachary Laksman, a specialist in heart-rhythm disorders at Providence Health Care, has been named a Recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2019.
He is Cardiac Electrophysiologist and Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and the Director of the St. Paul’s Hospital Atrial Fibrillation Clinic and the Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic. He specializes in managing heart rhythm disorders, including heart rhythm surgeries and devices.
The clinical scientist focuses on stem cell disease modeling and drug screening, cardiogenetics, and personalized medicine. He holds the Inaugural Dr. Charles Kerr distinguished Scholar in Cardiovascular Genetics and a Health Professional Investigator Award from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.
“Zach represents the tip of the spear of a new generation of cardiovascular innovators that will change heart health for the next generation,” says Dr. Andrew Krahn, UBC Head of the Division of Cardiology and a heart-rhythm specialist at St. Paul’s Hospital. “We are extremely proud of his achievement and look forward to his future contributions in this field.”
Annual program recognizes exceptional achievements of 40 Canadians under age 40
Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 is an annual recognition of the exceptional achievements of 40 outstanding Canadians under the age of 40.
It was founded in 1995 by Caldwell and since then has recognized more than 720 outstanding Canadians. It’s a coveted award for young business leaders. Honourees have a strong track record of achievement after their win; the ranks of Top 40 alumni include hundreds of nationally and internationally prominent CEOs, CFOs, executives, and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Laksman and his peers were selected from over 850 nominees by an independent Advisory Board that included 25 business leaders from across Canada. Honourees were chosen on four key criteria: Vision & Innovation; Leadership; Impact & Influence; and, Social Responsibility.
Providence Health Care’s Heart Rhythm Program provides specialist care and follow-up services to patients with disorders such as atrial fibrillation, while it also provides evaluation and ongoing follow-up care to patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators .