The Brain-Heart Connection: From Research to Reality 

The Brain-Heart Interconnectome State of the Science Summit brings together leading experts advancing research and care for brain–heart conditions. This public lecture extends that dialogue beyond the lab and into the community, highlighting innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and elaborating on the value of moving away from siloed models toward integrated research and care. 

Researchers will share emerging insights, highlighting the shift from siloed approaches — where brain, mental health, and cardiovascular conditions are addressed separately—to more integrated models of research and care. Individuals with lived experience will offer powerful perspectives onhow these siloed versus integrated approaches have shaped their health journeys, and why whole-person care matters. 

The lecture will explore key topics, including:

• Integrated care for those with brain-heart conditions 
• Prevention of brain-heart conditions and healthy aging behaviors
• Holistic approaches that integrate community and culture

The session will incorporate an interactive Q&A, providing the audience with an opportunity to engage directly with speakers. 

No background in science and medicine is required, only curiosity about the brain-heart connection!

Reception from 4:30-5:30pm. 

Moderator:

Raywat Deonandan, PhD

Global Health Epidemiologist and Science Communicator, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa.

Dr. Deonandan brings critical appraisal and evidence-based insight to complex, rapidly evolving global challenges. His research spans the epidemiology of reproductive technologies, digital health, and the ethical dimensions of global health interventions, with a focus on population health. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in the interior of Guyana, working to understand and address health challenges faced by remote Indigenous peoples.

Speakers and Panelists Include:

Jess Fiedorowicz, MD, PhD 

Head and Chief of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital; Professor and Tier 1 Clinical Research Chair in Bipolar Disorders and Metabolism, Department of Psychiatry and School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa

Dr. Fiedorowicz’ research focuses on morbidity and mortality in bipolar disorders with methods expertise in quantitative methods in epidemiology. Clinically, he is board certified in psychiatry and in obesity medicine and values taking an integrative, interdisciplinary approach to care.

Heather Foulds, PhD 

I acknowledge that I live and work on lands of the Nêhiyawak, Nêhithawak, Anishinabek, Nakawe, Nakota, Nehinawak, Lakota, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another.

Associate Professor, CIHR Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Wholistic Health and Well-Being Through Physical Activity for Indigenous Peoples; Heart & Stroke/CIHR Indigenous Early Career Women’s Heart and Brain Health Chair (2018-2025) and Co-Scientific Director of aen mamawii kiiayaahk (Healing Together).

Dr. Foulds’ research focuses on Indigenous wellness, healthy aging and management of chronic conditions, and human performance.

Maiya Geddes, MD, FRCPC 

Associate Professor, Killam Scholar, and Behavioural Neurologist Scientist, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University

Dr. Geddes leads a translational research program at The Neuro focused on motivational neuromedicine in aging. Her work examines neurobiological mechanisms underlying motivational resilience and vulnerability in aging and Alzheimer’s disease to inform interventions for promoting protective behaviours and prevent dementia, and ultimately help older adults lead healthier lives.

Vanessa Hall

My name is Vanessa Hall. I am a 43-year-old Métis single mother of two young men.  We live just outside of Estevan, Saskatchewan. My life as a mother has given me the privilege of caring for family members with chronic illness, mental health problems, and navigating through those journeys. I have twenty-two years of experience working in healthcare. Throughout those twenty-two years I have committed to caring for patients with mental health illnesses as well as chronic illness. Mental illness has been a part of everyday life for me. Myself, my two sons and other family members have all been diagnosed with mental illness. It has been my responsibility and goal to lead by example that the journey through this illness is difficult but possible. I look forward to the discussions we will have on this panel. 

Eman Mahmoud

Eman is a patient with lived experience in heart health and mental challenges, passionate about sharing their journey to support awareness, empathy, and patient advocacy.