Are you a priority in your own life – especially during a heart attack?
Watch a 20-minute excerpt from my Heart-Smart Women presentation.
♥
My presentations are based on the unique grassroots perspective of a Mayo Clinic-trained women’s heart health advocate and heart attack survivor. (Read more about my WomenHeart Science & Leadership training on the Sharing Mayo Clinic website)
As my health allows, I do morning presentations to community groups, medical conferences, health care professionals, workplace wellness events, service club meetings in or around Victoria or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – or farther afield via ZOOM.
Topics covered include women’s unique cardiac risk factors, how we can address those risks, heart attack early warning symptoms that may surprise you, and the surreal reality of becoming a patient. Each talk is based on the most recent cardiology updates from the Mayo Women’s Heart Clinic and other world experts, and tailored to fit the specific needs and time requirements of each audience.
I generally take the summers off from booking presentations. See also: my Heart Sisters Media Coverage page.
Recent and Upcoming Presentations
♥ September 5, 2023: Guest lecture (virtual) on women’s heart disease to medical students at State University of New York (SUNY)
♥ June 15, 2023: Guest lecture (virtual) to nursing students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Vancouver BC.
♥ March 29, 2023: MotHERS™ Podcast interview about pregnancy complications and heart disease risks, with Dr. Graeme Smith, OB-GYN, Queen’s University. Check for podcast link later this month.
♥ April 13, 2023: Heart-Smart Women, Tapestry Residence Monthly Luncheon, Victoria, BC. Closed to the public
♥ April 29, 2023: “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice” at the 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (8 a.m., Vancouver BC) panel discussion (virtual) with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck. NOTE: Women with lived experience of heart disease can register FREE to attend the full conference April 28 & 29 virtually (via Zoom) by registering here.
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.
GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland
Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ 
May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
” A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
” Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
” Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
S
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
“Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
“Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
..
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
“Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
“Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion (virtual) with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
” Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
” Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
..
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
S
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
“Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
“Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
My hope is to help kick some collective female butt around here raise awareness of women’s heart disease – which kills five times more women than breast cancer does every year. In fact, heart disease will kill more women this year than all forms of cancer combined.
My presentations are based on the unique grassroots perspective of a Mayo Clinic-trained women’s heart health advocate and heart attack survivor. (Read more about my WomenHeart Science & Leadership training on the Sharing Mayo Clinic website)
As my health allows, I do morning presentations to community groups, medical conferences, health care professionals, workplace wellness events, service club meetings in or around Victoria or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – or farther afield via online conference or discussion panel presentations.
Topics covered include women’s specific cardiac risk factors, how we can address those risks, and heart attack early warning symptoms that may surprise you, and the surreal reality of becoming a patient. Each talk is based on the most recent cardiology updates from the Mayo Women’s Heart Clinic and other world experts, and tailored to fit the specific needs and time requirements of each audience.
I generally take the summers off from booking presentations. See also: my Heart Sisters Media Coverage page.
..
Recent and upcoming presentations:
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
“Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
“Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 202
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
” Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
” Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
l
As my health allows, I do morning presentations to community groups, medical conferences, health care professionals, workplace wellness events, service club meetings in or around Victoria or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – or farther afield via online conference or discussion panel presentations.
Topics covered include women’s specific cardiac risk factors, how we can address those risks, and heart attack early warning symptoms that may surprise you, and the surreal reality of becoming a patient. Each talk is based on the most recent cardiology updates from the Mayo Women’s Heart Clinic and other world experts, and tailored to fit the specific needs and time requirements of each audience.
I generally take the summers off from booking presentations. See also: my Heart Sisters Media Coverage page.
..
Recent and upcoming presentations:
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
S
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
“Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
“Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
l
Are you a priority in your own life – especially during a heart attack?
Watch a 20-minute excerpt from my Heart-Smart Women presentation.
♥
My hope is to help kick some collective female butt around here raise awareness of women’s heart disease – which kills five times more women than breast cancer does every year. In fact, heart disease will kill more women this year than all forms of cancer combined.
My presentations are based on the unique grassroots perspective of a Mayo Clinic-trained women’s heart health advocate and heart attack survivor. (Read more about my WomenHeart Science & Leadership training on the Sharing Mayo Clinic website)
As my health allows, I do morning presentations to community groups, medical conferences, health care professionals, workplace wellness events, service club meetings in or around Victoria or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – or farther afield via online conference or discussion panel presentations.
Topics covered include women’s specific cardiac risk factors, how we can address those risks, and heart attack early warning symptoms that may surprise you, and the surreal reality of becoming a patient. Each talk is based on the most recent cardiology updates from the Mayo Women’s Heart Clinic and other world experts, and tailored to fit the specific needs and time requirements of each audience.
I generally take the summers off from booking presentations. See also: my Heart Sisters Media Coverage page.
..
Recent and upcoming presentations:
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
“Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
“Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
l
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion (virtual) with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
” Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
” Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
I generally take the summers off from booking presentations. See also: my Heart Sisters Media Coverage page.
..
Recent and upcoming presentations:
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
“Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
“Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
l
Are you a priority in your own life – especially during a heart attack?
Watch a 20-minute excerpt from my Heart-Smart Women presentation.
♥
My hope is to help kick some collective female butt around here raise awareness of women’s heart disease – which kills five times more women than breast cancer does every year. In fact, heart disease will kill more women this year than all forms of cancer combined.
My presentations are based on the unique grassroots perspective of a Mayo Clinic-trained women’s heart health advocate and heart attack survivor. (Read more about my WomenHeart Science & Leadership training on the Sharing Mayo Clinic website)
As my health allows, I do morning presentations to community groups, medical conferences, health care professionals, workplace wellness events, service club meetings in or around Victoria or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – or farther afield via online conference or discussion panel presentations.
Topics covered include women’s specific cardiac risk factors, how we can address those risks, and heart attack early warning symptoms that may surprise you, and the surreal reality of becoming a patient. Each talk is based on the most recent cardiology updates from the Mayo Women’s Heart Clinic and other world experts, and tailored to fit the specific needs and time requirements of each audience.
I generally take the summers off from booking presentations. See also: my Heart Sisters Media Coverage page.
..
Recent and upcoming presentations:
♥ April 29, 2023: 2023 Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit (April 28-29, Vancouver BC) panel discussion with Kelly Saylor and Brenda Lauck, “Why Your Patient’s Not Following Your Advice”
√ May 12, 2022: “Women and Heart Failure”; 2nd Annual HeartLife Canada Patient Day: “E3 – Engage, Educate, Empower.” 9 a.m. PST (free, virtual, open to all, pre-registration required)
√ January 29, 2022: Victoria Women’s Transition House support group, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ Friendly Pharmacy 5 Podcast interview with pharmacist Lindsay Dixon “Delayed Diagnosis: the Carolyn Thomas Story: ( 56 minutes); February 2022
√ November 1, 2021: : Victoria Women’s Transition House, Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 12, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House, ‘Strength: Health and Wellness for Women 50+ ‘Group. Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ May 6, 2021: Victoria Women’s Transition House (virtual). Victoria, BC Canada. Closed to the public.
√ April 23, 2021: Workshop panel discussion “A Vision for the Future of Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events” (virtual) at Achieving Excellence in the Diagnosis of Acute Cardiovascular Events, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
July 7, 2020: Evidence-Based Medicine 2020 conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
√ February 18, 2020: SOLD OUT: My 11th annual HEART MONTH presentation, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ September 7, 2019: “A Typical Heart“ documentary film screening and panel discussion event, St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ April 16, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health, Central Saanich United Church (formerly Shady Creek Church) Saanichton, BC, Canada.
√ March 12, 2019, Semester of Dialogue in Health Care class, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canadah. Registered SFU students only.
√ February 26, 2019, Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ February13, 2019, Wear Red Canada, Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Women’s heart health update from Dr. Tara Sedlak, Dr. Karin Humphries, Dr. Annie Chou, heart patients Renee van Campen and Carolyn Thomas.
√ October 24, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Harbourside Rotary Club, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ June 27, 2018: “Pregnancy As a Marker for Future Health”; panel presentation with Dr. Graeme Smith and Dr. Lisa Hollier at the 74th Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Registered conference delegates only.
√ April 5, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Victoria, Union Club, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women breakfast presentation, Heart and Stroke Foundation Annual Heart Month Breakfast for Members of the BC Provincial Legislature, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ February 27, 2018: Heart-Smart Women luncheon presentation, Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ January 17, 2018: WomenHeart Support Group monthly meeting, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Room 303, Royal Building,Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 27, 2017 Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising campaign launch called In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles (raising $3.2 million for new cardiac equipment), Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 23, 2017: Heart-Smart Women brunch presentation, Victoria Newcomers Alumnae, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ May 13, 2017: Heart-Smart Women – In the Cathedral! Mother’s Day Weekend Talk and Afternoon Tea, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, Canada. More info here!
√ February 28, 2017: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health: Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. SPECIAL ♥ Watch a 20-minute excerpt from this presentation.GUEST SPEAKER THIS YEAR: cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, internationally recognized expert on women’s heart health, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona, and best-selling author of Saving Women’s Hearts will join me onstage!
√ January 12, 2017: luncheon presentation, Newcomers of Greater Victoria, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, David Foster Theatre, Victoria, BC Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 28, 2016: luncheon presentation, Probus Club of Victoria, Uplands Golf Club, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ November 25, 2016: ElderFriendly Community Network, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ October 26, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health:Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ October 12, 2016: luncheon presentation, Victoria Newcomers Club, Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public.
√ March 15, 2016: Heart-Smart Women: All About Women’s Heart Health. Hillside Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ March 10, 2016: Friends of Government House Society, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada. Government House volunteers only, not open to the public.
√ March 2, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 25, 2016: My Health Data: Privacy in the Era of online Sharing. 5th Annual Quality Forum, BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Conference participants only.
√ February 24, 2016: Monterey Centre presentation Heart-Smart Women: All about Women’s Heart Health
√ February 16, 2016: Luncheon speech: Kiwanis Club of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. Kiwanis Village. Kiwanis members only, not open to the public.
√ February 16, 2016: My annual Heart Month presentation to Sole Sisters running club, 6 p.m. St. Joseph’s School, Victoria, BC, Canada. Members only, not open to the public. Note: Love the way Mena put up a slide on the big screen featuring my new “grandsister” Everly Rose! ♡
√ January 19, 2016: Adult Fellowship Group. Salvation Army Citadel Church, Victoria, BC Canada.
√ November 3, 2015 – Island Heart To Heart Alumni event, Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada. More information: (250) 383-5448. Open to heart patients and friends.
√ October 11, 2015 (left) – Community Building: How to Make a Presence in Your Community. Conference on Heart Disease in Women: A New Era of Understanding, Recognition, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Registered conference participants only, not open to the public.
√ September 8, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women; Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
√ May 30, 2015 – The ePatient Movement and Social Media webinar, University of the Philippines College of Medicine Seminar in Health Informatics. Registered participants only; not open to the public.
√ May 26, 2015 – Heartwarmings: Heart-Smart Women Monterey Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada. Open to all.
√ May 12, 2015 (left) “Your Heart, Your Health”: panel discussion in Vancouver, BC Canada about women and heart disease; other guest speakers were Dr. Jacqueline Saw, Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Margot Davis. Read about this event on the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute site.
♥ ♥ ♥
Please get in touch with me if you’d like more information about arranging me to speak to your group (minimum audience size: 50).
.
Here’s what my audiences say:
“A knowledge translator who helps the audience understand the information being given and how it may affect or help patients, Carolyn Thomas took the health research presented and translated it into something personal. In Thomas, the audience could see themselves, their mother, or another loved one; her story made the day’s information more relatable, understandable, and impactful.”
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
“Really great to hear from Ms. Thomas… Extremely captivating… Wonderful to include the patient perspective… Very effective at helping us see the effects of our care on women… Incredibly valuable… Extremely entertaining… Very interesting… Just great!”
OB-GYNs attending the 74th Annual Scientific Conference of The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada
.
“Thank you for your ongoing investment in women’s heart health, not only locally but also much farther afield. Your passion in getting the message out through five annual Cardiac Café presentations here at UVic has been greatly appreciated as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and by those who have returned with a friend or two (or more!)”
Kristy Abrahams, University of Victoria Continuing Education, Victoria, BC
“You must consider attending this incredible information presentation about women and heart disease. Carolyn Thomas is a marvelous speaker and a heart attack survivor. We need to be aware of women’s heart disease risks, and Carolyn has all sorts of knowledge to share with us. I have been to her seminars before – it changes every time – and will be going to this one as well. What can be better than getting information that may help save our lives?”
Irene Pitt, retired administrator, Victoria, BC
“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we all are for your generous offering of ‘self’ to the Cardiac Nursing group. You expressed yourself so eloquently, with humour and such openness. I have repeatedly been told that you were the highlight of all of our Cardiology Day presentations. You grounded the nurses in the reason they do what they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Barb Field, Cardiac Social Worker, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC
“Thank you again for doing such a great job with your talk. You really captivated and engaged the group with your story, and you brought the importance of “The Heart Truth” to the forefront. I’ll let my Heart and Stroke Foundation colleagues know how much we all enjoyed and appreciated your presentation.”
Aderita Guerreiro, Heart and Stroke Foundation, B.C. and Yukon
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today. People were so grateful for all the information you gave, and for the friendly, non-threatening way you passed on your message. Everyone I spoke to afterwards said they were so glad they had come to your talk!”
Valerie MacDevitt, Canadian Federation of University Women, Victoria Branch
“This morning you were the subject of conversation at our office. Your recent presentation here on ‘Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues’ was such a hit that those counselling staff who were unable to attend are now wondering if you would do another presentation here.”
Vi Glossop, USTAT Mental Health Team, Vancouver Island Health Authority
“You are a wonderful spokesperson for all women. You have also taken your own difficulties and produced a huge positive wave that will keep having its own ripple effects. I truly felt your presentation was so delightful, entertaining yet serious, and vitally important to us all. Thank you so much and congratulations!”
Faith Russell, University Women’s Club, Victoria, BC
“Thank you so much for coming to speak to our office today. It was absolutely fantastic! I will highly recommend any women I know to go to any of your presentations, and I sincerely hope there will be more of these for women working in government. It is probably odd to say, but it is almost like you were meant to have heart issues so that you could get the message out there, which you do brilliantly. Very informative and inspiring!”
Diane Francis, Ministry of Labour, Government of British Columbia
Heart Sisters 