Autonomic researcher recognized nationally for contributions to clinical science

Dr. Robert Sheldon, MD, PhD, a world-renowned cardiologist, researcher and University of Calgary professor, has been awarded the 2024 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Research Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to Clinical Science.

“I am grateful to be honoured by my peers,” says Sheldon. 

Sheldon is a cardiac arrhythmia specialist and professor in the departments of Cardiac Sciences, Medicine and Medical Genetics at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). He is highly respected for his groundbreaking research on cardiovascular autonomic disorders, particularly vasovagal syncope — a common fainting condition.

His work has significantly advanced diagnostic and treatment strategies for these often-debilitating conditions, benefiting patients in Canada and globally.

Sheldon’s research and leadership in the field have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including the 2016 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Annual Achievement Award and the 2018 Arrhythmia Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award. 

His scientific contributions include more than 210 published manuscripts and 29 book chapters, as well as numerous high-impact papers in the New England Journal of Medicine. He has served on the writing committees for every major guideline or scientific statement on syncope over the past decade, including those from the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society.

Sheldon completed a PhD in molecular biology at the University of Colorado, followed by two postdoctoral fellowships, including one at Cambridge University under Nobel laureate Dr. James Watson. 

He earned an MD from the University of Toronto and completed residency training in internal medicine, cardiology and electrophysiology before joining UCalgary as a clinician-scientist in 1988. 

Early in his career, Sheldon recognized the importance of addressing syncope and shifted his research focus to understanding and treating this complex condition. Over the last 30 years, his work has transformed the clinical management of syncope patients worldwide and has positioned him as an international leader in the field.

In addition to his research, Sheldon has held numerous administrative roles, including associate dean of clinical research at CSM and senior vice-president of research at Alberta Health Services. He served on the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Governing Council for nine years and is a fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society, Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Sheldon is also recognized for his contributions to training and mentoring the next generation of cardiovascular investigators. 

He co-developed the TORCH Cardiovascular Training program and played a key role in establishing and securing funding for the Canadian Syncope Network (C-SPIN) and the Cardiac Arrhythmia Network of Canada (CANet). These programs have provided valuable training opportunities and supported early-career researchers.

“Dr. Sheldon has a charitable spirit of training and sharing,” says Dr. Satish Raj, MD, professor in the Department of Cardiac Sciences at UCalgary. “He has created opportunities for trainees and junior faculty to develop and excel. At a personal level, he has been a mentor to me for almost two decades, helping me to navigate from a fellow through my journey to senior faculty. He is highly deserving of this award.”