Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Australia. Now, an act of generosity is set to change what that means for heart patients for generations to come.

With the philanthropic support of long-time Cabrini champion Eva Selwyn, Cabrini Health is proud to announce the establishment of the Eva Selwyn Endowed Chair of Cardiac Research.

Professor Nathan Better, a specialist in nuclear cardiology and cardiac computed tomography and internationally recognised clinician-researcher in advanced cardiac imaging, has been appointed the inaugural Chair, marking a new chapter for both Cabrini Research and the patients whose lives may be changed by the discoveries ahead.

An endowed chair is among the most prestigious forms of philanthropic investment in academic medicine. It provides permanent, sustained support for an outstanding clinician-researcher, protecting research time and allowing the Chair to combine their research with clinical care.

“But at its very heart, this investment is about people,” Prof Better said. “Our patients are ultimately going to be the beneficiaries of this generous gift because it will allow us to invest in our researchers and increase our capacity to undertake more research, which means more clinical trials, new treatments, and improvements in diagnoses, imaging diagnostics and interventional techniques.

“We’ll find better ways to do things because of this investment.”

Eva Selwyn has long been guided by a strong belief in the power of research to transform patient outcomes. Her generous gift represents a significant and enduring investment in cardiology innovation.

“Heart conditions impact people in so many ways,” Eva said. “We wouldn’t have the variety of treatments available today if it wasn’t for investments made into research in the past.

“These treatments are improving and saving lives. I’m very passionate about this cause and thrilled to be establishing the Endowed Chair in Cardiac Research. Imagine what we can achieve together, for the future.”

Cabrini Research currently conducts cardiology clinical trials in research areas including hypertension, atherosclerotic disease, atrial fibrillation, aortic stenosis and diastolic dysfunction. Eva’s gift will further strengthen Cabrini’s cardiac research capacity and support additional cardiologist-researchers with protected research time. It will also support the recruitment of emerging talent and build the infrastructure required to take on more clinical trials and investigator-led studies. Eva’s hope is that this gift will help move the dial in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
Professor Better shares that goal. He has watched the pace of progress in cardiology across his 40-year career and is optimistic about its trajectory.

“I started practising back when stents didn’t exist and patients over 70 were routinely excluded from coronary care,” Prof Better said. “Whereas today, I regularly treat patients in their nineties and beyond.

“The rate of progress in 40 years has been astronomical, and with the support of people like Eva, it’s going to keep advancing. There are new technologies on the horizon and new genetic therapies around the corner. Conditions that were a death sentence 15 years ago, now we’re treating with medications and people are surviving and living normal lives.

“I’m very optimistic that in five, 10, 15 years’ time, we’ll see more extraordinary advances. This is what Eva’s gift gives us: an opportunity to actually go forward and to really make things happen.”
The Cabrini community thanks Eva Selwyn for this significant gift. Her generosity creates a lasting legacy that will drive excellence in cardiology research at Cabrini — and improve patient care for generations to come.

About Cabrini Research

Cabrini Research supports a growing portfolio of clinical trials and investigator-led studies across oncology, cardiology, and other specialties. Working in collaboration with leading Australian universities and research institutions, Cabrini’s researchers are committed to translating scientific discovery into better outcomes for patients. To learn more, visit cabrini.com.au/research.