CCS Member Profile: Dr. Eric Yu 

The value of paying it forward, staying true to your principles, and sharing adventures along the way

Dr. Eric Yu is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Toronto. He completed his MD at the University of Toronto in 1990, and after a subspecialty fellowship in echocardiography, joined the Division of Cardiology at the University Health Network, University of Toronto in 1997. He also holds a Masters of Education from the University of Toronto. 

Dr. Yu is an internationally and nationally recognized educator, recognized for both innovative techniques in medical education and for excellence in teaching. He is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards for teaching, teaching design, development, and innovation at the local, provincial, and national levels.

He has held multiple leadership roles in cardiovascular education at the University of Toronto, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

 

What is your top tip for trainees and early career CCS members?

Follow your heart. Do something original. Do not be afraid to move against the crowd. Aim to be unforgettable, in a good way. Stay true to your principles, and remember kindness and humility go a long way.

What do you think should be a top priority for the Canadian Cardiovascular community?

Many of us would not have been able to achieve the successes in our careers without the selflessness, generosity, kindness, and care of our teachers and mentors during our training and early careers.  Although we remain always thankful to these individuals, the best way to recognize and show appreciation for their efforts is to do our part and ‘pay it forward’ in our interactions with our junior colleagues.

 What are you most proud of in your career?

I have had the pleasure of training well over 125 Cardiologists during my tenure as Cardiology Program Director at the University of Toronto. To be able to see each of them succeed and flourish as cardiologists across Canada and around the world, knowing that I played a small part in their development, is truly special and extremely satisfying to me.

What brings you happiness every day?

To see those closest to me happily doing what they wish to do, being happy and healthy is my definition of happiness.

What are five experiences on your bucket list?

In no particular order.

How do you measure success?

Delivering more than was ever expected of me.