Matthias Friedrich

Matthias Friedrich, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University, and serves as a Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) at the Glen site. He leads the Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Research Centre within the Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program at the Centre for Translational Biology.

Dr. Friedrich's research focuses on novel techniques for optimizing and simplifying clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) protocols that require minimal interaction and reduce the need for contrast agents or stress protocols. His work includes the application of novel CMR image reconstruction techniques, machine learning, automated scanning, and the validation of novel imaging biomarkers in clinical studies. Several current projects explore new options for assessing coronary vascular function using breathing maneuvers instead of traditional pharmacological vasodilators or stress protocols as vasoactive triggers.

Dr. Friedrich's recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on advancing oxygenation-sensitive CMR techniques and applying them to understand myocardial ischemia, myocarditis, and various cardiomyopathies. His work increasingly integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to enhance diagnostic capabilities, with recent studies focusing on automated detection of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other cardiac conditions using deep learning analysis of CMR images.

• Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
• Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC)

Dr. Friedrich's research program receives significant support from the Family Courtois Foundation through the McGill University Health Centre Foundation. He maintains close collaborations with invasive and non-invasive cardiology, cardiac surgery, and radiology teams at the MUHC, as well as active collaborations with other hospitals in Montreal and academic centers worldwide, including cohort research with the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds.

The CMR Research Centre at McGill University Health Centre, led by Dr. Friedrich, has access to two clinical MRI scanners (Siemens Skyra 3.0T, GE Artist 1.5T) and full-time access to a dedicated MRI system (GE Premier 3.0T) for CMR research. The team is actively developing and validating novel imaging techniques that aim to significantly change diagnostic cardiology practice through improved accessibility, safety, and diagnostic accuracy.