For the first time, cardiac catheterization labs are coming to Surrey Memorial Hospital. A major milestone made possible through record-breaking donor support.
To help launch this new program, Surrey Memorial Hospital is bringing together an exceptional team of interventional cardiologists, including Dr. Wael Sumaya, whose career has taken him from the United Kingdom, Ontario, and Halifax and now, to Surrey.
A global journey in cardiac care
Dr. Sumaya is an Interventional Cardiologist and Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University, currently practicing at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. There, he performs complex and high-risk coronary interventions using advanced techniques.
His academic background includes a PhD in Cardiovascular Science from the University of Sheffield, where his research focused on optimizing antithrombotic therapy (medical treatment aimed at preventing blood clots). He serves as a local principal investigator for multiple clinical trials and currently leads both the Tertiary Care Transfer Service and catheterization lab education programs. His contributions have been recognized with the Junior Faculty Research Award from Dalhousie’s Department of Medicine.
Dr. Sumaya’s passion for cardiology stems from his desire to make a tangible difference in moments when every second matters.
“When a patient comes in with a heart attack, you can intervene and see the results almost instantly. It’s incredibly meaningful to help someone feel better in real time. And the field is always advancing. Research, therapies, and technology continue to move the needle toward better outcomes.”
Why Surrey and why now
Attracted by the same natural beauty that draws so many to Surrey, Dr. Sumaya brought his family to B.C. to see if it could be home. The landscape captured their hearts, but it was Surrey’s promise and opportunity that ultimately made the decision clear. With the new medical school opening and a diverse, growing patient population ideal for clinical research, Surrey is at a pivotal stage where education, innovation and community are all coming together.
“Everyone is working toward the same goal, to establish a high-quality interventional service that functions smoothly and cohesively. It’s rare to see this level of alignment and drive from the very beginning.”
A service that will save lives
When it comes to heart attacks, every minute matters. Delays in accessing a cath lab can significantly affect recovery and long-term health. If a patient has to travel long distances for treatment, that can negatively impact their outcome. Having cath labs in Surrey provides faster care, saving lives and keeping patients south of the Fraser closer to their families.
Dr. Sumaya is confident in the future of Surrey’s program:
“In five years, I believe we will be one of the highest-volume and highest-quality centres in British Columbia and increasingly in Canada. As the service grows, we’ll expand into more structural heart interventions as well.”
For Dr. Sumaya, joining this program is both personal and professional. A commitment to excellence and to the patients who will depend on this service.
“We are building something that will serve this community for generations. We are here for Surrey, and we are ready.”
Want to read more about the opening of the cardiac cath labs in Surrey? Click here.
