Winnipeg, August 24, 2026 – St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, in partnership with Heart & Stroke and Research Manitoba, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Shelley Zieroth as the Heart & Stroke, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, and Research Manitoba Chair in Women’s Clinical Heart Health Research.
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among women, yet women have historically been underrepresented in cardiovascular research. The Chair will provide leadership in developing a Women’s Heart Care program in Manitoba, advancing research, promoting the integration of best practices into clinical care, and fostering collaboration with researchers across Canada and around the world.
A recognized leader in women’s heart health
Dr. Shelley Zieroth joined the Section of Cardiology at St. Boniface Hospital as Director of Heart Function Clinics in 2006. She is currently a Clinician-Scientist and Professor in the College of Medicine, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, and cross-appointed to the Department of Pathophysiology and Pathology at the University of Manitoba.
After earning her medical degree and completing specialty training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Zieroth pursued a postdoctoral clinical fellowship in Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation at Toronto General Hospital. Her research focuses on heart failure and cardio-kidney-metabolic interactions.
A collaborative commitment to improving women’s heart health
The Chair reflects a shared commitment by St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Heart & Stroke, and Research Manitoba to advance research that improves cardiovascular health outcomes for women.
“St. Boniface Hospital Foundation is grateful to partner with Heart & Stroke and Research Manitoba to support this important leadership role,” said Karen Fowler, President & CEO of St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. “Dr. Zieroth’s work will help accelerate discoveries that improve heart health outcomes for women and have a lasting impact in Manitoba and beyond.”
“Heart & Stroke is proud to support this important investment in women’s heart health research,” said Dr. Ryan Perry, Vice-President, Research and Science at Heart & Stroke. “Women have historically been underrepresented in cardiovascular research, and addressing those gaps is essential to improving health outcomes. Dr. Shelley Zieroth’s leadership will help advance knowledge, strengthen collaboration and accelerate the translation of research into better care for women in Manitoba and across Canada.”
“Investing in women’s heart health research is essential to improving health outcomes today and for future generations,” said Jennifer Cleary, CEO of Research Manitoba. “We are proud to support Dr. Shelley Zieroth’s leadership and the innovative research that will build Manitoba’s capacity and improve cardiovascular care and outcomes for women.”
“I am honoured to be appointed to this Chair position and to continue advancing research that addresses the unique cardiovascular health needs of women,” said Dr. Shelley Zieroth. “Through collaboration, innovation and research excellence, we have an opportunity to improve care and outcomes for women living with heart disease today and for generations to come.”