Cardiologists Dr. Anhar Alhussani (left) and Dr. Marian Kotrec (right) are presenters at this year’s Cardiology Day. An event connecting hospital cardiologists with community physicians to share knowledge, exchange ideas and stay up-to-day on latest practices in heart health.
Heart health isn’t just about beats per minute – it’s about staying ahead of the curve.
That’s where Cardiology Day comes in. This annual event hosted by Niagara Health’s Cardiology program brings together cardiologists and primary care providers from across Niagara to exchange ideas, discuss best practices and learn about the latest innovations in heart health.
Taking place on March 5, the event includes sessions led by Niagara Health and community cardiologists, providing physicians with the opportunity to sharpen their skills, strengthen collaborations and gain the latest insights into cardiovascular medicine, ensuring they deliver the best possible care to their patients.
Among this year’s presenters are doctors’ Marian Kotrec and Anhar Alhussaini, Niagara Health cardiologists with a deep commitment to education and patient care.
Originally from Slovakia, Dr. Kotrec’s journey to medicine was driven by curiosity and a passion for cardiovascular health. His participation in Cardiology Day highlights the importance of continuous learning and teamwork in improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Alhussani, an echocardiographer and cardiac intensive care physician, trained at McMaster University and the University of Toronto and is dedicated to blending community practice with academic medicine.
We sat down with Dr. Kotrec and Dr. Alhussaini to learn more about their paths to medicine, passion for cardiology and why events like Cardiology Day matter for physicians.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in cardiology?
Dr. Kotrec: During my early training, I had an anatomy class in medical school where I was studying the heart with a cadaver in my hands and an anatomy textbook in front of me. I was struck by the complexity of the heart, which led me to cardiology. Later, during my research and clinical fellowship, I saw how advancements in cardiac care improved patient outcomes. The ability to apply medical and technological innovations to help patients live healthier lives continues to motivate me.
Dr. Alhussaini: I was drawn to cardiology while studying physiology and found myself naturally drawn to the subject. In cardiology, there is an intersection between physics, math and physiology – this was the perfect combination for me. If I hadn’t pursued medicine, I likely would have gone into engineering, as I love critical thinking and problem-solving. The heart is also where we make human connections – with patients, family, colleagues and the community.
Q: What has been your journey with Niagara Health, and what made you choose to practice here?
Dr. Kotrec: I joined Niagara Health in 2013 when the new hospital in St. Catharines opened as part of the expanding cardiology team. I was drawn by the opportunity to contribute to a growing cardiac care program and serve a diverse patient population. Additionally, I valued the opportunity to be involved in teaching and mentoring future physicians as an adjunct associate professor at McMaster University. In 2016, I co-founded the Cardiology Associates of Niagara alongside my colleagues Dr. Adnan Hameed and Dr. Alexandrea Bojcevski, establishing a specialized outpatient clinic that provides cardiac care and non-invasive cardiac testing. Being part of this initiative has been rewarding, as it enhances access to cardiac care and improves patient outcomes in our region.
Dr. Alhussaini: I completed my training during the COVID-19 pandemic and a colleague of mine recommended Niagara Health for its blend of community practice and academic opportunities. I was drawn to the idea of building a unique practice while advancing my career. After researching Niagara Health’s values and meeting with Cardiology Head of Service, Dr. Adnan Hameed, it became clear that my values aligned with the organizational culture. The collegiality in the department was apparent from the start and I appreciate the supportive and collaborative environment here.
Q: Why do you believe Cardiology Day is a valuable event for healthcare providers?
Dr. Kotrec: Cardiology Day is an opportunity for primary care physicians to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in cardiovascular medicine while earning CME credits. The event fosters stronger communication between specialists and primary care physicans, ensuring more efficient referrals and better patient care. By learning from experts, general practitioners gain practical tools they can immediately implement in their practices, improving cardiovascular outcomes for their patients.
Dr. Alhussaini: Cardiology Day serves as a hub to connect with primary healthcare colleagues, address their needs and foster collaboration. This year marks the 28th annual event, featuring expert speakers and relevant topics tailored based on feedback from previous attendees. It provides a platform to discuss barriers to care, establish local pathways and improve patient access to specialists. It’s also an opportunity to identify quality improvement projects that can benefit the community. This year, I’ll be presenting on hypertension, focusing on secondary workups and management of resistant hypertension. It’s rewarding to contribute to physician education and strengthen collaboration between specialists and primary care providers.
To learn more about Cardiology Day or to inquire about registration, please contact Amanda.Etherington@niagarahealth.on.ca.
