Chi-Ming Chow
From Atlantic College to National Leadership: Dr. Chi-Ming Chow’s Journey of Service
Chi-Ming Chow (AC ’84) has been announced as the incoming President of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS), with his term beginning in October 2026. The CCS is the national voice for cardiovascular clinicians and scientists in Canada, representing more than 2,500 cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and heart health specialists. Through setting standards of excellence, advancing knowledge, and influencing public policy, the Society plays a critical role in improving heart health for all Canadians.
For Chi-Ming, stepping into national leadership is not simply a professional milestone, but a responsibility shaped by values formed early in life. While at Atlantic College, he vividly recalls a visit from the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Speaking to students gathered in the Bradenstoke Hall, the Prince encouraged them to work hard to become leaders in their chosen fields, not for status, but because positions of influence create greater opportunities to help others.
That message stayed with Chi-Ming. Reflecting on his long-standing involvement in professional and community organisations, he notes that his commitment to leadership and public service has always been driven by a desire to have the greatest possible impact. “By being in a position of influence,” he recalls learning, “you have the opportunity to help more people.”
Now, more than ever, we need to educate young people to embrace peace, sustainability and humane leadership. As an alumnus of UWC Atlantic, I am proud to support the Systems Transformation Pathway, an important educational innovation that equips students with a systems lens for tackling complex global challenges. I believe the work AC is doing today will help shape a new generation of thoughtful leaders across many fields.
Dr. Chow is a cardiologist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and a full professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He holds an undergraduate degree from Brown University and completed his medical training and postgraduate studies at McGill University, followed by further training at Harvard University. Alongside his clinical and academic work, he has made significant contributions to medical education and innovation, developing widely used digital tools and guidelines that support healthcare professionals around the world.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Chi-Ming has received numerous national awards recognising his excellence in teaching, innovation and service to cardiovascular health in Canada. He is currently Vice President of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, past President of the Canadian Society of Echocardiography and President of the Chinese Canadian Medical Society.
Chi-Ming remains closely connected to UWC Atlantic as the parent of two alumni and as a founding benefactor to the innovative Systems Transformation Pathway programme. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership in service of others, a commitment first sparked on the Bradenstoke benches and now carried forward onto an international stage.
Catch up with Dr Chow by listening to his regular podcast called Morning Medical, where he reviews the latest health news from around the world
