Hargun Kaur
Hargun is currently a third-year medical student at McMaster University. Hargun balances medical school with diverse leadership and advisory roles across various organizations, including mental health, health innovation, and community advocacy initiatives.
Hargun highlights how her interest and experiences in research began during her senior year in high school, which was driven by a desire to understand the risk factors that predispose individuals to major adverse cardiovascular events. This passion was inspired by her grandfather’s battle with cardiovascular disease. Selected among hundreds of high school students for the Hamilton Health Sciences Research Award, Hargun investigated the relationship between diabetes and early-onset atherosclerosis under the supervision of Dr. Geoff Werstuck at the Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute. This initial exposure to the research process, where she independently conducted immunofluorescence, created by key figures for her final paper, and presented her work to the lab team, sparked her passion for research.
Since then, Hargun has authored an impressive 18 publications with 10 more in progress, covering a wide range of topics such as the effect of testosterone on cardiovascular risk, rate versus rhythm control for post-operative atrial fibrillation (AF) management, and gender differences in operating room distribution among surgeons. Her research efforts have been recognized through funding and awards from various prestigious organizations, including the Mach-Gaensslen Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the Cardiovascular Network of Canada, the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society, McMaster University, NSERC, and Hamilton Health Services.
Currently, Hargun is leading two significant projects: one on gender disparities in Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant funding for cardiovascular research, and another on a network meta-analysis of beta blockers for post-operative AF management. Leading a team of medical students, the goal of the gender disparities project is to confront systemic biases that hinder the advancement of gender minorities in cardiology and contribute to a more equitable research environment. The beta blocker project aims to provide clearer guidelines on the best options for managing post-operative AF. Under the guidance of Dr. William McIntyre and collaborating with renowned researchers including Dr. Richard Whitlock, Dr. David Conen, and Dr. Emilie Belley-Cote, Hargun has thrived in a rich research environment, presenting her proposals and results at bi-weekly AF Rounds and benefiting from comprehensive mentorship.
Beyond clinical research, Hargun is committed to translating knowledge into health interventions that support marginalized communities. She has developed a culturally relevant app for diabetes education for South Asians, led heart health fitness challenges, and created accessible infographics for the South Asian Community Health Task Force. As a member of the CIHR’s Older Adult Advisory Council, Hargun advocates for inclusive clinical and research practices, including support for young caregivers and culturally appropriate aging-in-place strategies.
Her career goals include becoming a cardiologist who integrates clinical practice with research and advocacy. Hargun is particularly focused on addressing health disparities and promoting equity in cardiovascular outcomes. She states that “given my background as a first-generation Canadian and young woman of colour, I hope to conduct research and trials that evaluate health disparities, policies affecting social determinants of health, and innovations that reduce adverse events by making care more equitable, efficient, and effective.
When reflecting on her time as a CHAT trainee, Hargun shares that “being part of the CANet CHAT community has been an incredibly enriching experience. Receiving the CHAT travel award allowed me to attend the European Society of Cardiology, my first international conference, providing me with invaluable exposure and opportunities that would not have been possible without CANet’s support. Reading the trainee newsletter has introduced me to remarkable work being done by fellow trainees and helped me connect with like-minded individuals. I was very inspired by the CANet events and the forum in Montreal last year, especially those focused on patient perspectives, which have shaped the ways I interact with patients during clerkship and will continue to influence my approach in the future. CANet’s dedication to fostering innovative cardiac research and professional growth makes it an ideal community for anyone passionate about advancing cardiovascular health”.
In her spare time, Hargun enjoys reading romcoms by Emily Henry, cheering on India’s cricket team, watching any and all reality TV dating shows (Love Island, anyone?), and planning her next solo trip!
To stay up-to-date on Hargun and her research, follow her on X @hargun_kaur, visit her ResearchGate profile here, or connect with her on LinkedIn here.
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