Alexander M. Clark is Associate Dean (Research) and Professor at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing in Canada. His international research program draws on complexity theory to understand outcomes in populations with coronary heart disease. His special interests are in: secondary prevention / cardiac rehabilitation, disease management and self-care. This work has directly influenced practice, policy and guidelines on both sides of the Atlantic and Australasia. It has been published in some of the world’s most impactful journals in medicine, cardiology, social science, nursing, and rehabilitation. He also works locally, nationally and internationally as a mentor to promote academic excellence in doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. For these contributions, the World Economic Forum accorded him the status of: ‘Young Global Leader’ in 2011. For four years, he has been Co-Chair of ‘Qualitative Health Research’ – the largest conference in this area in the world.