In Memoriam: Stuart J. Connolly, MD

June 7, 2024 — It is with great sadness that the Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology (DAIC) team has learned of the passing of arrhythmia medicine pioneer Stuart J. Connolly, MD, on June 2. 

According to his obituary published in the Hamilton Spectator, he completed a Bachelor of Philosophy at McGill University, then a Master of Philosophy at Fordham University, then returned to McGill where he graduated from medical school in 1977. Stuart met his wife Elaine during cardiology training at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto. After a year together they set off to Stanford University for post-doctoral training, then returned to join the faculty at McMaster University. In 1984 they moved to Lowville, where they would live for 36 years together until Elaine's passing in 2020. Stuart had a celebrated career as a cardiologist and researcher. His research impacted millions globally in the field of atrial fibrillation, stroke prevention and anticoagulation. He remained active in research until the very end of his life and is recognized worldwide as one of the most impactful clinical investigators in cardiac arrhythmia management, cited over 200,000 times to date. Among his over 400 publications, Stuart published 4 of his 26 New England Journal of Medicine papers in his final year. During his forty years at McMaster, Stuart founded the cardiac arrhythmia service and served as cardiology division director. Stuart mentored many promising clinicians and scientists at McMaster and at other institutions around the world, with great care and dedication, helping them to make meaningful and lasting impacts in their areas of investigation.

You can view the full tribute here.