From the moment Ismat Shah moved from Pakistan to Canada in 1969, her life was marked by a singular passion for healthcare and a deep commitment to serving others. A graduate of Ottawa University with Honors in Science and later Queen’s University for Medicine, Ismat dedicated over 25 years of her career to advancing cardiac care at the Ottawa Heart Institute, where her work left an indelible mark on both colleagues and patients alike.
Driven by a desire to constantly learn and contribute, Ismat pursued specialized training in cardiovascular technology, completing the ECG course and obtaining her ARDMS certification through the Burwin Institute. Her practicum at the Ottawa Heart Institute allowed her to hone her skills, and within just a year, she became Charge Technician—an achievement that reflected not only her technical expertise but her exceptional leadership and dedication to patient care.
For Ismat, patient care was always more than just a professional obligation; it was a calling. Her proudest moments came not from titles or accolades, but from knowing that every day, she put the well-being of her patients first.
Her willingness to sacrifice time and effort, always with compassion and joy, became the defining quality of her career.
Even after her retirement in 2018, Ismat’s desire to contribute to the healthcare field never waned. Her passion for learning and helping others remained as strong as ever. This passion was reignited when she attended the Canadian Society of Echocardiography’s 2024 lecture series and learned about MTIMA’s life-changing work in Malawi. Moved by MTIMA’s mission to deliver critical care and training in underserved regions, Ismat was inspired to donate her archived echocardiography resources—an act of generosity that ensures her legacy will continue to help those in need, long after her retirement.
Through her selflessness and dedication, Ismat Shah has not only enriched the lives of those she worked with, but has also made a lasting impact on global healthcare. Her contributions to MTIMA reflect her lifelong belief in the power of education, collaboration, and the responsibility of using one’s resources for the greater good. Her story is a testament to the idea that the most meaningful legacies are built through compassion, service, and the desire to empower others.
From MTIMA - We Thank You!
