Sonia Anand

Dr. Sonia Anand is a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at McMaster University, where she serves as Director of the Chanchlani Research Centre focused on Health Equity and a Senior Scientist at the Population Health Research Institute. She holds the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario/Michael G. DeGroote Chair in Population Health Research and was appointed Associate Vice-President, Global Health in 2023. Her clinical expertise includes vascular medicine at Hamilton Health Sciences.

Education:

• Doctor of Medicine, McMaster University (1992)
• Internal Medicine Training, McMaster University (1996)
• Fellowship, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (1996)
• Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology, McMaster University (1996)
• Ph.D. in Health Research Methodology, McMaster University (2002)

Dr. Anand’s research focuses on environmental and genetic determinants of vascular disease across ancestral populations, women’s cardiovascular health, and health equity. She has led groundbreaking work in epidemiology, nutrition, and genetic association studies, particularly in South Asian and Indigenous communities. Recent studies explore dual anticoagulant/antiplatelet regimens (e.g., rivaroxaban+aspirin) in peripheral artery disease (PAD), maternal-infant nutrition biomarkers, and social determinants of chronic disease.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2019)
• Lifetime Achievement Award, South Asian Health Foundation (2020)
• Board Member, Heart and Stroke Foundation (2021)
• Margolese National Heart Disorders Prize (2022)
• Fellow, Royal Society of Canada (2022)
• YWCA Women of Distinction Award (2023)
• Jack Hirsh Award, McMaster Department of Medicine (2024)
• Robert Beamish Leadership Award (2024)
• King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025)

Her scholarly activity spans 490+ publications, including leadership in the VOYAGER-PAD and COMPASS trials, epidemiological work in the PURE study, and community-based research on Indigenous and South Asian health disparities. She emphasizes inclusive research practices and policy advocacy for cardiovascular care equity.