Latest News

Save the Date: OAC 2026 Clinical Practice & Financial Management Seminar

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists will host its 2026 Clinical Practice & Financial Management Seminar on April 25, 2026, in Toronto. In-person and virtual attendance options will be available.

OAC participates in Ontario Budget 2026 consultations

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists participated in the Ontario Budget 2026 consultations, emphasizing the need to recognize hospital and outpatient cardiology services as essential health-care infrastructure requiring sustained support.

OAC Participating in the 22nd Annual International Arrhythmia School — Member Discount Available

22nd Annual International Arrhythmia School (Feb 6–8, 2026). OAC is participating as a speaker, and OAC members receive a discounted registration rate.

OAC Information Webinar – EQI Program Accreditation Requirements Update (2025)

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC), in collaboration with Accreditation Canada will host a webinar on December 3, 2025, to review the updated EQI Program Accreditation Requirements that will take effect in 2026.  We’ll discuss what’s changing, how April 2026 implementation will work, and practical steps to prepare your team and facility.

What we’ll cover:

• A concise update on the EQI program and what’s new for 2026
• Key timelines, documentation, and readiness checkpoints
• Considerations for community and hospital-based echo labs
• What to communicate to clinicians, sonographers, and admin leads
• Live Q&A with Accreditation Canada Diagnostics and OAC

Who should attend: Cardiologists and echo program leads who want to stay informed about upcoming EQI program changes and 2026 implementation details.

Note: This session is open to all cardiologists in Ontario, including non-members of the OAC.

We hope you can join us. If you have any questions that you would like addressed at the webinar, please send them to us at [email protected]. For more information, contact:

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410-250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, ON M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054 | Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

OAC Information Webinar – Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 8:00pm

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) will host a members-only webinar on Wednesday, November 5 at 8:00 p.m. to review recent OMA–Ministry of Health decisions that are poised to affect the delivery of cardiac care in Ontario.

The discussion will highlight:

• Upcoming updates to the OHIP Schedule of Benefits
• Efforts to ensure appropriate recognition of cardiology’s clinical complexity within the provincial healthcare system
• The OAC’s continued advocacy for accessible, high-quality cardiac services across Ontario

This session offers members the opportunity to stay informed and engaged as the OAC continues to represent Ontario cardiologists in key healthcare policy and system planning discussions.

🔒 This session is open to OAC members only.

To register, please use the invitation emailed to members or contact us to confirm eligibility.

For more information, contact:

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054 // Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

2025 Annual General Meeting of Members

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) will hold its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Members:

📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025
🕗 8:00 p.m. (Eastern)
💻 Online via GoTo Webinar

Agenda Highlights

The AGM will include:

• Review of OAC’s work and finances from the past year
• Election of directors and other governance matters
• Updates on advocacy, OHIP fee proposals, billing and payment issues
• Accreditation initiatives and member benefits

Who Can Attend?

• The AGM is open exclusively to OAC members in good standing.
• Not yet a member? With the 2025–26 membership year now underway, this is the perfect time to join OAC and take part in shaping the future of cardiology in Ontario.

👉 Register for the AGM:  OAC 2025 AGM Webinar Link

👉 Join or Renew Membership: 2025-26 Membership Form

Proxy Voting (Members Only)
OAC members who cannot attend the AGM virtually may be represented by proxy. Completed proxy forms must be submitted to [email protected] by Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.✍️ Download Proxy Form

If you have any questions or need assistance with your membership renewal, please contact:

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

OAC Now on Bluesky and Twitter

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) is expanding its online presence. In addition to Twitter, OAC is now on Bluesky, a growing platform for professional dialogue and health policy discussions.

Follow us for updates on advocacy, practice management, and initiatives that support cardiologists and advance patient care in Ontario.

• 👉 Follow OAC on Bluesky: @ontheartdocs.bsky.social‬
• 👉 Follow OAC on Twitter: @OntHeartDocs 

OAC Information Webinar – Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 8:00pm

The next OAC Information Webinar will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 8:00pm via GoTo Webinar. OAC Board members will take this opportunity to provide key updates on:

✅ OHIP fee schedule updates and modernization
✅ New EQI program accreditation standards
✅ Ongoing advocacy and initiatives (i.e.,the 2025 Budget, OAC Seminar, and expanded clinic benefits)
✅ Member priorities for 2025–26

This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and engage directly with the OAC team.

🔒This webinar is intended for OAC members and Ontario cardiologists. To register, please refer to the invitation you received via email or contact us at: [email protected].

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K2
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-free: 1-877-504-1239
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

Investing in Cardiac Care: OAC’s Statement on the 2025 Ontario Budget

Keeping Heart Health and Cardiac Care in Focus

Last week, the Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) offered recommendations to the provincial government ahead of the 2025 Ontario Budget. Our goal was to highlight the urgent need for dedicated investment in cardiac care—both in hospitals and in community-based clinics.

With the release of the 2025 Budget, we welcome the government’s continued investment in the health care system, particularly in expanding access to primary care, modernizing hospital infrastructure, and improving system capacity. These are important and welcome steps.

At the same time, we note that the budget did not include specific funding for cardiac care or chronic disease management—despite heart disease remaining one of the leading causes of death and hospitalization in Ontario. We remain committed to working with government and system partners to ensure cardiac care continues to receive the attention and support it deserves.

OAC’s Key Recommendations Remain:

• Support the full continuum of cardiac care in both hospitals and the community
• Strengthen coordination between primary and specialist care
• Address access barriers for underserved and rural patients
• Expand capacity through flexible outpatient care models
• Invest in prevention, chronic disease management, and cardiac rehabilitation

Read More:

• OAC’s Full Budget Submission (PDF)
• OAC’s Response to the 2025 Ontario Budget (PDF)

For more information, please contact:
Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca
📍 410-250A Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON M4P 1K2
📞 416-487-0054 | 1-877-504-1239 (toll-free)

2025 OAC Cardiology Clinical Practice & Financial Management Seminar: A Resounding Success

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists proudly hosted its 2025 Cardiology Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar on Saturday, April 26th at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital in downtown Toronto.

A packed room of attendees heard impactful presentations and participated in lively, moderated discussions covering key topics such as:

• Understanding billing best practices to support efficient, quality-focused care
• Preparing for upcoming changes to the Echocardiography Quality Improvement (EQI) Program
• Planning career transitions across different stages of cardiology practice
• Integrating AI into clinical workflows
• Navigating the influence of regulatory oversight on your practice.

The event was extremely well-attended and offered outstanding networking opportunities, bringing together cardiologists from across Ontario to exchange ideas, gain valuable insights, and strengthen professional connections.

Dr. Shekhar Pandey, Mr. Steve Udvari, Dr. Amr Moustafa, and Ms. Jessie Zhao provided insights on billing best practices that support quality care delivery and effective practice management.

Dr. Robert Wald, Ms. Shireen Persaud, and Dr. Tony Sanfilippo shared perspectives on upcoming changes to echocardiography accreditation and what they mean for cardiologists in Ontario.

Midday Prize Draw
Dr. Lebei Pi was the winner of a special draw prize (a pair of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses), presented by OAC Executive Director Tim Holman and 2025 Seminar Chair Dr. Rakesh Bhargava—part of a lighthearted interlude during the networking lunch break.

Dr. Atul Jaidka, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow, and Mr. Andrew Pyle offered perspectives on early practice setup, technology adoption, financial planning, and career longevity.

Dr. Rakesh Bhargava, Mr. Neil Abramson, and Dr. Ken Melvin discussed the importance of understanding and addressing regulatory challenges that arise within a cardiologist’s day-to-day practice.

Thank you to all our speakers, moderators, sponsors, and attendees for making this seminar such a success!

OAC Statement on Re-Election of Ontario Government and Cabinet Appointments

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) extends its sincere congratulations to Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party on their re-election in the provincial election held on February 27, 2025.

We also congratulate the members of Cabinet appointed on March 19, and in particular the Honourable Sylvia Jones on her re-appointment as Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

The OAC looks forward to working with Premier Ford, Minister Jones and their Cabinet colleagues to continue building a modern, connected, and sustainable healthcare system for all Ontarians. We remain committed to supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen public health care, reduce wait times, and expand access to innovative services and technologies.

For more information, please contact:
Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca
📍 410-250A Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON M4P 1K2
📞 416-487-0054 | 1-877-504-1239 (toll-free)

Cardiology, Career & Connection — April 26, 2025 in Toronto

The most important conversations in Ontario cardiology are happening on Saturday, April 26, 2025—and you’re invited.

From billing and accreditation to practice growth, regulatory affairs, and retirement planning, the OAC’s 2025 Cardiology Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar brings the whole picture together.

In just over a minute, Dr. Rakesh Bhargava, 2025 OAC Cardiology Seminar Chair and fellow cardiologist, shares why this event matters to your practice and your future:

https://youtu.be/9vfA-RpG6Ww?si=sLKr2rD7GMYrnyEG.

What to Expect:

Gain practical, actionable insights on:

• Optimizing OHIP billing through proven best practices
• Achieving and maintaining echocardiography accreditation
• Advancing your practice and career through innovation, strategy, and financial planning
• Staying ahead of evolving regulatory changes

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital
2nd Floor, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON

View Seminar Agenda

Post-Event Reception:

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Pantages Hotel Downtown Toronto
3rd Floor, 200 Victoria Street (across from the venue)

Registration Rates:

• OAC Members: $125
• OAC Member Practice Managers: $125
• Non-OAC Members: $175
• Non-OAC Practice Managers: $175
• Residents & Fellows: $50

👉To register, click here 2025 Cardiology Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar.

Planning to stay overnight? Register by April 1 to access our discounted group rate at the Pantages Hotel.

For more information, contact:

Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
410 – 250A Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON M4P 1K2
416-487-0054 | Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

Register for the CSE Echo Weekend – May 1-3, 2025 in Toronto

The OAC is a proud sponsor of the 27th annual Canadian Society of Echocardiography Hybrid Echo Weekend, taking place from May 1-3, 2025, at the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Early bird rates are in effect until Saturday, March 22, 2025.

The CSE Weekend is YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITY to engage with echocardiography experts from across the country, to share knowledge and strengthen collaborations, benefitting patients and healthcare providers in Canada and globally. International echo experts will also join us to share their expertise!

For more information, including registration details, click here: Registration Information.

2025 Cardiology Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) is holding its 2nd Annual Cardiology Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this exciting seminar is designed to inform and equip Ontario’s cardiologists with the tools and insights they need to succeed at every stage of their careers— from launching a practice to managing growth, and eventually transitioning toward retirement.  Attendees will hear from OAC Board members and outside financial, accounting, and legal experts who will offer valuable advice for running a successful practice and achieving your professional and personal financial objectives. Key topics for this year’s seminar include:

• Optimizing Your OHIP Billing Potential
• Navigating Ontario’s New Echocardiography Standards and Accreditation Requirements
• Strategic Career Planning: From Early Success to Retirement Readiness
• Proactive Solutions to Medico-Legal Challenges

When:    Saturday, April 26, 2025
Where:  Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for registration details coming soon!

For more information, contact:
Tim Holman, Executive Director
Ontario Association of Cardiologists
Tel: 416-487-0054
E-mail: [email protected]