Announcement
After 17 Years of Transformational Leadership, Dr. Stanley Nattel to Complete his Term as CJC’s Editor-in-Chief
June 25, 2026
Dr. Nattel’s substantial contributions to the CCS family of scientific journals will be recognized with a series of activities and a tribute at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress.
It was 17 years ago that the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) purchased the Canadian Journal of Cardiology (CJC) and appointed Dr. Stanley Nattel, a cardiologist, electrophysiologist, and world-renowned researcher in atrial fibrillation, as its Editor-in-Chief.
His qualifications made him a perfect fit for the role, including 14 years directing the Montreal Heart Institute Research Center, holding the prestigious Paul-David Chair in Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, authoring more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, serving on editorial boards at top journals including Circulation and JACC, and a proven track record of mentoring 160+ research trainees.
Over 17 years, Dr. Nattel guided the Society’s journal through a period of sustained growth and played a critical role as the CJC expanded into a three-journal portfolio, including CJC Open, launched in January 2019, and the CJC Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease in February 2022.
“We are deeply grateful for Stan’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular science and to serving our society’s members,” says Dr. Sean Virani, President of the CCS. “Stan’s legacy will continue to inspire the CCS’s family of journals and the broader cardiovascular community for generations.”
Dr. Nattel’s time with the journal has been marked by a strong commitment to scientific excellence, editorial integrity, and relevance to clinical practice. He played a pivotal role in strengthening peer review processes, elevating the journal’s international profile, and fostering collaboration across disciplines within the cardiovascular community.
Under his tenure, the CJC impact factor quadrupled—now at 5.7—and steadily attracts high-impact and international submissions.
“As Editor-in-Chief, Stan has been a transformative visionary, putting our journal family on the global stage with rigorous science, robust editorial processes, and a personal touch that reflects his extraordinary commitment to the cardiovascular community,” says Dr. Andrew Krahn, past president of the CCS.
His contributions to the cardiovascular research community go well beyond the traditional responsibilities he fulfilled proudly as Editor-in-Chief. He has also been instrumental in mentoring hundreds of young researchers, reviewers, and associate editors, ensuring the journal remains responsive to evolving healthcare priorities, and championing new technologies and digital platforms to expand the journal’s reach.
It was so well deserved, and no surprise, when Dr. Nattel was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2024. In 2025, The CCS awarded him the CCS Achievement Award for his many contributions—just two of numerous acknowledgments he was bestowed throughout his career.
Dr. Nattel to complete his term on December 31, 2026
As the CCS marks this milestone, it also looks ahead to building on the solid foundation established under Dr. Nattel’s guidance.
To maintain strong, innovative editorial leadership, recruitment for the next Editor-in-Chief will begin shortly. The CCS is committed to attracting a respected, forward-looking leader who will advance the journal with the same standard of excellence.
A transition plan is in place to ensure continuity for the CCS journals as Dr. Nattel completes his term at the end of the year.
The CCS is proud to recognize his exceptional leadership and lasting contributions and especially for having served as Editor-in-Chief of the CJC since 2010.
The CCS looks forward to celebrating Dr. Nattel’s accomplishments in the coming months and recognizing his numerous contributions.