Robert Hamilton

Biography

Dr. Hamilton was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he completed his undergraduate degree, medical degree, paediatric training and initial training in children’s heart disorders. He then underwent fellowships to complete his cardiology training, spending a year each at Alberta Children’s Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston. While training in Toronto in 1987, Dr. Robert Freedom requested that Hamilton join the staff and complete his training in children’s heart rhythm disorders. Between 1988-89, Hamilton completed his training under Dr. Arthur (Tim) Garson Jr. and subsequently became a staff member at SickKids. Hamilton became Section Head of the Heart Station/Electrophysiology Service in 1998 and went on to recruit three additional partners and a core group of trained technicians who provide expert invasive and non-invasive care of children’s arrhythmias and prevention of sudden death. He acted as acting division chief from 2000 to 2001 and was promoted to professor in 2004. Hamilton is cross-appointed to the SickKids Research Institute as an Associate Scientist, and runs research programs in the basic science of congenital heart block (CIHR funded) and the diagnosis and mechanisms of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (Caitlyn Morris Memorial Fund of the SickKids Foundation). Hamilton was the founding scientific advisor to the SADS (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes) Canada patient support group and organizes and contributes to annual patient support events. He also has completed a Masters in Health Policy and Management from the University of Toronto, and is a member of the Expert Advisory Committee on the Vigilance of Health Products (Health Canada). He is completing a term as the Medical Director of the SickKids Telemedicine Program.

Research Interest

Etiology of Congenital Heart Block (in children of mothers with lupus or Sjøgren’s syndrome).