Montreal, Tuesday, October 01, 0009
Dr. Martin G. Sirois: How to Stimulate or Block the Creation of Blood Vessels for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer and Arthritis

Winner of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation’s 2009 Martial G. Bourassa Prize, Dr. Martin G. Sirois specializes in the study of blood vessel inflammation.  His research team at the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) focuses on the cellular mechanisms that regulate the inflammation and creation of blood vessels with a view to treating heart disease.

“If we can find the key to curing the inflammation of blood vessels, our research won’t limit itself to heart disease, it will also have an impact on treating and preventing rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic blindness and psoriasis, among others.  We believe it will also be possible to block the creation of new cancerous blood vessels,” says Dr. Sirois, whose highly respected research has been presented and published internationally.

“We are proud to award the Martial G. Bourassa Prize to Dr. Sirois,” declares Foundation Executive Director Danielle Pagé.  “Thanks to Dr. Bourassa’s generosity, the Foundation can award the $25,000 prize annually in recognition of excellence in clinical or basic research and dedication to the scientific life of the Montreal Heart Institute,” added Ms. Pagé.

Dr. Martial G. Bourassa
A cardiologist at the MHI since 1965, Dr. Martial G. Bourassa is considered a pioneer of cardiology in Quebec and is recognized for the invention of the Bourassa catheter, which is in use all over North America and Europe.  Dr. Bourassa has inspired several generations of researchers and has influenced the future of medical research in Quebec.

The Montreal Heart Institute and its Foundation
The MHI is a world-renown ultra-specialized cardiology hospital dedicated to care, research, teaching, prevention, rehabilitation and the assessment of new technologies in cardiology.  The MHI is at the service of the Quebec community with two thirds (2/3) of its patients living outside Montreal.  All donations to its Foundation will assist the MHI in saving lives and providing solutions to Canada’s number one killer, heart disease.

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Photos and Dr. Martin G. Sirois c.v.: Available upon request

Information : 
Johanne McDonald
Director of Development and Communications
Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
514 376-3330, ext. 2205
johanne.mcdonald@icm-mhi.org