Ruth Collins-Nakai is a cardiologist and physician leader. While at the University of
Alberta, she created its Congenital Heart Program and played a key role in establishing
satellite cardiology clinics across the Prairies. A staunch advocate of public health, she
highlighted the need for more research into early childhood development and led
efforts to introduce airline smoking restrictions. Former president of the Canadian
Medical Association, she also influenced research and clinical practices worldwide as
the first Canadian to head two of the leading bodies in her field: the American College
of Cardiology and the Inter-American Society of Cardiology.