• 22 Mar, 2025
• Dr. Radin Kamvar

Healthy Heart, Healthy Mind: Insights from Dr. Radin Kamvar on Cardiovascular Disease, Neurocognitive Disorders, & the Future of Healthcare

Magazica: Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Magazica. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Radin Kamvar.

Dr. Kamvar is a medical doctor with a deep interest in how our bodies and minds work, especially when it comes to our hearts and brains. He is also an international medical graduate (IMG), showcasing his dedication to medicine on a global scale. Dr. Kamvar is passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives through medicine. We are honored to have him share his journey, insights, and expertise with us today—insights that can help us live healthier, smarter lives. So, let’s dive in. Dr. Kamvar, welcome!

Dr. Radin Kamvar: Thank you very much for inviting me and for the beautiful introduction. I want to say hello to the viewers and readers and thank you for having me here.

Magazica: Oh, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Becoming a doctor is a long and challenging journey, as we all understand. What initially sparked your interest in medicine? Was there a specific moment or experience that solidified this path for you?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: That’s a good question. I’ve had a strong interest in medicine and healthcare since childhood. I remember a specific moment when my grandfather was diagnosed with a heart condition called aortic stenosis. He ended up in the hospital, and I saw the medical team—how they communicated and worked to find better solutions for the patients, crafting effective management plans.

I was deeply inspired by how beautiful and essential the role of healthcare is in society, especially the work of physicians. From that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue a medical degree and practice as a physician in the future.

Magazica: You are an international medical graduate, which speaks volumes about your determination and adaptability. Could you share a bit about what that journey has been like? Perhaps you could highlight some key lessons or milestones you’ve encountered while navigating different healthcare systems and educational approaches.

Dr. Radin Kamvar: Yes, of course. Thank you for your kind words. The journey has definitely been challenging since starting medical school. I began my medical education in Hungary back in 2016. Adjusting to a new environment and learning new languages—especially Hungarian, which is one of the most difficult languages in the world—was no easy task. To communicate with patients and work within the healthcare system, I had to adapt and learn the language. It was very different from my home country, Iran, both culturally and academically.

During my time in Hungary, I learned a lot from my mentors and professors, including specialists in various medical fields.

We faced many challenges in Hungary, from exams to language barriers, especially in clinical settings where we needed to communicate with patients. As international students, we had to work harder than Hungarian students. Despite these difficulties, I graduated in 2023 and moved to Canada.

In Canada, I began preparing for my licensing exams, the MCCQE1 and NAC OSCE, while working alongside remarkable Canadian physicians. Thankfully, I passed both licensing exams. Currently, I am in the process of completing my residency application.

Magazica: It sounds like an incredible and rigorous journey. What has been your biggest takeaway from these experiences?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: Medicine is a vast field, and anyone who enters it must be prepared to work hard and remain optimistic. You need to have resilience and adaptability, especially when moving to a new country with different cultures and people. Having lived and studied in Iran, Hungary, and now Canada, I’ve seen both similarities and differences in healthcare systems.

For example, in Iran, the healthcare system is more doctor-centered, where the doctor’s word is absolute, and patients are expected to comply without question. In Canada, the system is very different—it’s patient-centered. Patients are presented with options, and they make the final decisions. This approach truly puts the patient first, and I find it very positive.

Another important lesson I’ve learned in Canada is the value of respecting diversity. Here, you meet people from all kinds of backgrounds, cultures, and religions. As a physician, it’s crucial to respect every patient equally and avoid judgment based on their beliefs, skin color, or culture. Respect and understanding are fundamental to treating patients effectively. In Canada, patients’ needs come first, and they are treated with the utmost care and dignity.

As a physician who studied in Hungary, I learned the importance of adaptability. It’s essential to adjust to the environment you are living in. In medicine, adaptability is a key skill, especially in healthcare practice.

Magazica: Fantastic, fantastic. So let’s move on to your field of interest—cardiovascular diseases and neurocognitive disorders. Let’s focus on the first one: cardiovascular diseases. What does this term encompass, and why are these conditions critical for everyone to understand?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: Cardiovascular diseases refer to any conditions related to the heart. For example, hypertension—commonly known as high blood pressure—can lead to various heart issues and damage organs such as the kidneys, liver, and eyes. Other examples include valve disorders and heart failure. Essentially, anything related to the heart falls under cardiovascular disorders.

It’s crucial to pay attention to our heart health. For example, lifestyle changes can significantly impact conditions like hypertension. Reducing salt intake is vital for controlling blood pressure. A sedentary lifestyle—sitting too much and not having any physical activities—can negatively affect our cardiovascular system and overall health, leading to poor outcomes.

Many people don’t realize how important simple lifestyle changes can be. For instance, individuals with a high salt intake are at greater risk of developing hypertension. If they have a family history of high blood pressure, the risk is even higher. People with such predispositions need to be especially mindful of their lifestyles—they need to stay active and cut down on processed foods, sugar, and excess salt.

I’m not saying don’t enjoy fast food or go to places like McDonald’s, but moderation is essential. Small changes can make a big difference in heart health.

Magazica: That’s a valuable perspective. What else can lead to hypertension?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: Stress is another significant factor.

Magazica: And an imbalanced diet?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: Yes, exactly. An imbalanced diet and sleep quality are significant factors. If someone is going to sleep at 2 a.m. and waking up at 7 or 8 a.m., this irregular sleep cycle can contribute to developing hypertension.

We have what I call the “4 S’s” when it comes to hypertension: reduce salt intake, ensure good quality sleep, and stop smoking. Smoking counts as two “S’s” because it’s that impactful. Smoking not only increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases but also raises the likelihood of developing cancer.

We need to take care of our bodies by avoiding excessive consumption of junk food, fast food, and processed foods. It’s equally important to ensure good sleep and manage stress levels. I understand that stress is unavoidable for many people, especially with the current economy and societal challenges. However, practices like meditation, yoga, or other stress-reducing activities can be incredibly helpful.

Physical activity is also crucial. Walking for at least 45 minutes a day is essential for heart health. It can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and even cancer.

Magazica: Fantastic suggestions. That actually led to my next question: What are some common habits that people, even from an early age, can adopt to reduce their chances of developing cardiovascular diseases? You’ve already answered this beautifully.

Let’s move on to your second area of interest, which I see from your profile: neurocognitive disorders. For those of us who aren’t medical professionals, the term can sound intimidating. What are some common misconceptions about brain health that you wish more people understood?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: That’s an excellent question. Many misconceptions surround neurocognitive disorders. One common misunderstanding is that they are synonymous with Alzheimer’s disease. This is not true.

Neurocognitive disorders are an umbrella term, and Alzheimer’s disease is just one subtype. There are many diseases under this category, such as Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease (which can lead to dementia), Huntington’s disease, and others. All of these conditions involve cognitive decline, which is the hallmark of neurocognitive disorders.

For instance, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder where patients may experience forgetfulness, lose the ability to perform daily tasks, and even struggle to recognize family members. Once simple tasks, like going to the bathroom or washing dishes, become increasingly difficult or impossible.

However, neurocognitive disorder is not the same as Alzheimer’s; Alzheimer’s is merely one type of neurocognitive disorder. This is an important distinction I wish more people understood.

People often think that Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is simply a part of aging—that as people grow older, say 70 or 80, their cognition declines, and that’s Alzheimer’s. But that’s not true. Occasional forgetfulness, like forgetting someone’s name now and then, is normal. However, when it progresses to forgetting family members or struggling with simple activities of daily living, it could be Alzheimer’s disease and needs to be checked.

Cognitive decline of this kind is not a normal part of aging; it’s a potential sign of Alzheimer’s disease that requires medical evaluation. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s at this time, but some medications can slow its progression and help manage symptoms, including psychiatric symptoms like depression or anxiety. While researchers haven’t found a definitive cure yet, I’m hopeful that future advancements in science will lead to breakthroughs, as this condition is becoming increasingly common.

Magazica: The world of medicine is constantly evolving with new technologies and discoveries. What excites you most about the future of healthcare, particularly in your field?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: AI is growing rapidly, especially in the healthcare system, and I’m very excited to see where it will lead in the next 10 years. For example, in cardiology, we already have AI-powered imaging and wearable devices that allow for earlier detection of heart diseases. These technologies can even help prevent disease progression by alerting patients and doctors to early signs of trouble.

AI’s potential extends to diagnostics, where it could support physicians in identifying conditions more quickly and accurately. In specialties like radiology and pathology, AI might be able to detect abnormalities, such as identifying cancer cells or biomarkers, with a level of precision that complements human expertise. For instance, it could help detect tumors at earlier stages, improving patient outcomes.

While I hope AI won’t replace healthcare professionals, I believe it will play an increasingly supportive role, enhancing our ability to deliver quality care. I’m optimistic that AI will continue to help us address challenges in medicine, especially in areas like cancer detection and treatment.

Magazica: That’s fascinating. In this age of the information revolution, there’s so much medical information available online. What’s your top advice for finding trustworthy sources and making informed decisions about health?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: Many people, including my own family, turn to “Dr. Google” when experiencing symptoms. Let’s say someone has abdominal pain; they might search “causes of abdominal pain” and come across a list of possible conditions. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety—thinking it might be cancer when it’s actually just a minor gastric issue.

While the internet is a great resource for learning and expanding knowledge, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. If someone has symptoms or is concerned about their health, they should see their family doctor. These are trained professionals who can assess symptoms accurately and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests or treatments. Relying solely on online resources can lead to distress and misinformation. It’s better to learn from real human intelligence, not just artificial intelligence.

Magazica: Looking back on your incredible journey, what has been the most rewarding aspect of pursuing a career in medicine? What keeps you motivated during challenging times?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: The most rewarding part of medicine, for me, is making a real difference in people’s lives. Helping patients understand their conditions and supporting them during difficult times is deeply fulfilling. What keeps me motivated is the knowledge that one day, I’ll make a meaningful impact on many patients’ lives—helping, healing, and supporting them in numerous ways. That vision of the future inspires me to keep going, even during the tough times.

Magazica: Finally, for someone inspired by your story and considering a path in healthcare, especially as an IMG in Canada, what advice would you offer to support their journey?

Dr. Radin Kamvar: That’s a great question. Many IMGs come to Canada to pursue medicine, obtain their licenses, and practice here. It’s a challenging journey, particularly with so many talented doctors and the competitive nature of the healthcare system.

For those preparing for licensing exams, my advice is simple: study hard, stay determined, and keep pushing forward. Even if things don’t go as planned, don’t lose hope or get discouraged. Persistence is key to overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.

Success doesn’t happen in one day. It takes time, persistence, and resilience. If you’re not yet where you want to be, keep fighting, keep working hard, and stay passionate about your goal in medicine. Believe in yourself.

Challenges and setbacks are part of the journey, but they don’t define your future. You have to fight for your dreams. Never give up. Trust in your abilities, and you will reach the position you’ve worked so hard for. Believe in that.

Magazica: Thank you, Dr. Kamvar. Thank you for sharing all those beautiful insights with our readers and viewers.

Dr. Radin Kamvar: Thank you for having me.

Magazica: Thank you.