Dr. Elizabeth Swiggum

Bio

Transforming Cardiovascular Care through Leadership, Innovation, and Data Informed Decision Making

Dr. Elizabeth Swiggum is an accomplished cardiologist, educator, and healthcare leader with a passion for delivering quality, patient-centered care. She has served as the Medical Director of the Heart Function Clinic and Cardiac Rehabilitation at Royal Jubilee Hospital from 2005 – 2024. With a focus on improving access and equity in healthcare, she plays a key role in transforming cardiovascular services across British Columbia.

As a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Swiggum is committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. She is also an influential leader within multiple healthcare organizations, serving as the Board Chair of Doctors of BC and the Medical Chair of Heart Failure and Chronic Cardiovascular Disease at the Cardiac Services BC (CSBC).

Her expertise in heart failure is nationally recognized through her role as a Board Member of the Canadian Heart Failure Society. Driven by a vision to make healthcare more efficient and equitable, Dr. Swiggum is transitioning into community practice with Pulse Complete Cardiac Care, where she will continue her mission to provide exceptional cardiovascular care.

CLINICAL INTERESTS

• Heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation, and chronic cardiovascular disease
• Virtual care models, including pharmacy-led titration of guideline-directed medical therapy and hybrid models for cardiac rehabilitation
• Equitable and patient-centered healthcare delivery

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Innovations in heart failure management and cardiovascular rehabilitation
• Stem Cell therapy for advanced heart failure
• Development and implementation of national heart failure guidelines

MEDICAL SCHOOL/RESIDENCY/FELLOWSHIP/QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctor of Medicine (MD): Dalhousie University, 1998
• Internal Medicine Residency: University of British Columbia, 2001
• Cardiology Residency: University of British Columbia, 2004
• Fellowship in Heart Failure & Cardiac Rehabilitation: St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, 2005
• FRCPC: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, 2004
• FCCS: Fellow of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society
• Sauder Physician Leadership Program: Vancouver, 2022

HIGHLIGHTS/ACHIEVEMENTS/COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Medical Director: Heart Function Clinic & Cardiac Rehabilitation, Royal Jubilee Hospital (2005 – 2024)
• Board Chair: Doctors of BC (2024 – Present)
• Medical Chair: Heart Failure & Chronic Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiac Services BC
• Board Member: Canadian Heart Failure Society
• Teaching Excellence Award: UBC Department of Medicine Honour Roll (2017)
• Visionaries Under Forty Award Recipient (2007)
• Community Leadership: Advocate for improved access and equity in cardiovascular care