Dr. Marc Ruel
Dr. Marc Ruel, pianist
While pursuing his medical studies, Dr. Marc Ruel completed a Master's in Piano Performance at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec, awarded with the highest distinction. As a young trainee in surgery, he was laureate of an international piano competition and appeared as a soloist across North America and Europe, notably at the Montpellier International Music Festival. He holds a predilection for Beethoven, Liszt and Rachmaninov.
By day, Dr. Ruel is a cardiac surgeon and professor at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, where he founded its internationally recognized minimally invasive cardiac surgery program. A pioneer in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, he has developed surgical techniques now used around the world and has published more than 500 scientific papers. His contributions to clinical care, innovation and research make him a sought-after cardiac expert globally. He earned numerous national and international honours, including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Gold Medal in Surgery, Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal, and lifetime achievement awards from several organizations.
He is delighted to return to the piano for this concert, marking the University of Ottawa Heart Institute's 50th anniversary.
Research and clinical interests
Dr. Ruel has published over 500 scientific papers and chapters, and seven books. He has delivered over 350 invited lectures and led or participated in 17 international practice guidelines or consensus statements on cardiovascular care. Dr. Ruel continues to lead key clinical trials in cardiac surgery. In 2007, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada awarded Dr. Ruel the Gold Medal in Surgery for his work in regenerative medicine. In 2012, Dr. Ruel received Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to cardiac care. In 2024, the University of Ottawa named Dr. Ruel Researcher of the Year — the second clinician to receive the award since its creation in 1963. In 2019, the American Heart Association honoured Dr. Ruel with its Distinguished Achievement Award. Several organizations have also presented him with awards for lifetime achievement. He is considered among the “Giants of Cardiothoracic Surgery,” a recognition of his lasting impact on the field.
Until recently, Dr. Ruel was the president of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS), one of the most respected medical societies in the world. Since the CCS was established in 1947, only three other surgeons have held this role. Dr. Ruel currently serves as surgery editor and associate editor for the prestigious journal Circulation. Dr. Ruel serves as a reviewer for several leading national and international research and funding agencies, including the British Heart Foundation, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Austrian Science Fund, the Research Council of Norway, the Dutch Research Council, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. He has also contributed his expertise to regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition to his advisory roles, Dr. Ruel has been recognized with several national honours.
Dr. Ruel’s philosophy of care is in keeping with the core values of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Above all, he demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring every patient and their family receives world-class care when they come to the hospital for surgery. This devotion extends, roots, and grows outward, resulting in a culture of care providers who consistently strive for excellence at all costs: in clinical/surgical care and technical innovation, in research, and in the dissemination of knowledge and support to peers, colleagues, and the aspiring healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
