Advancing Cardiac Care: Insights from the Career of Dr. John Ducas (Part 2)
Dr. John Ducas, a cardiologist with over 40 years of experience, has been instrumental in advancing cardiovascular care through clinical innovation and leadership. In this interview, he reflects on the evolution of acute cardiac care, the value of mentorship, and lessons from a career devoted to both patient care and healthcare system improvement.
6) What do you think has been your greatest impact beyond procedures—on trainees, colleagues, or the health-care system?
I hope my greatest impact has been helping build a culture where we ask, “What does the patient need, and how do we make that happen reliably?” Whether it’s developing standardized ACS pathways, strengthening triage and transfer processes, or advocating for better care for patients in remote communities, it’s been about improving the system in a way that supports frontline teams.
I’ve also tried to model something simple but important: respect for colleagues and staff, seriousness about quality, and a consistent focus on patients—especially those who have the least access and the highest burden of disease.
7) What advice would you give to the next generation of health care providers just starting out?
Put the patient first. That doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but it does mean you bring your best effort, your integrity, and your attention to what matters most for the person in front of you.
And I’d add a second point: protect your stamina. Medicine is a long career. If you want to serve patients well over decades, you need a life that supports that—good habits, good relationships, and a team mindset. Patient-first and sustainable practice are not opposites; they’re partners.
8) As you step into retirement, what are you most looking forward to—and what will you miss the most about medicine?
I’m looking forward to time with my wife and family, and to travel—especially the kind of travel that lets you slow down and really be present.
What I’ll miss most are the people: the nurses, colleagues, and staff I’ve worked alongside for years, and the patients I’ve known over a long span of their lives. Caring for patients has been an honour, and some long-term patient relationships are hard to describe to anyone outside medicine—they become part of who you are.
9) Finally, be honest—what is one thing you definitely will not miss about being a cardiologist?
Meetings. Endless meetings—especially the ones where the default stance is “here’s why this can’t be done,” instead of “how can we make this work for patients?” I won’t miss the bureaucracy. I’ll miss the clinical work and the people.
Dr. John Ducas, MD, FRCPC
