10-Minute Interview: Mark N. Harvey, MD

Please describe your medical background and education. Why did you choose to work in the field of electrophysiology? I completed my undergraduate at Abilene Christian University, then graduated from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Science. I attended Medical School at the University of Oklahoma, completed my Surgery Internship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, then attended the University of Michigan for my Internal Medicine residency, Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowships. I did undergraduate and graduate research in tumor virology, followed by medical school research in developmental therapeutic in oncology. I became interested in EP as an Internal Medicine intern at the University of Michigan. Catheter ablation was being developed, and I had the opportunity to care for these patients in the Cardiology Department. I had initial exposure to EP and the University of Oklahoma as a fourth year student in the CCU with Dr. Ralph Lazarra as the attending. He introduced me to Dr. Fred Morady at the University of Michigan, and I began research projects with the EP department. My original intention was to return to molecular biology research, but I was fascinated with electrophysiology and the new technique of catheter ablation. What do you consider your areas of specialty in EP? Do you also work on pediatric EP cases? I am involved in all areas of EP, including catheter ablation and device implantation. We do not work on pediatric cases. What has been your most challenging experience in practicing medicine as of yet? My biggest challenge is blending the demands of a busy clinical practice with family and personal time. Describe a typical work week for you. I schedule procedures three days a week, with one full day of clinic. I go to an out-of-town outreach clinic two days a month. I have an excellent staff that supports me. What is your best piece of advice to give to others in the field of electrophysiology? It is important not to close doors to new technology, but it is also important to understand the economics of EP. You must blend good clinical judgment with sound economics, and consider the impact on your patient as well as the healthcare system. What technology and/or procedures in EP do you find most promising? I have been impressed with the success of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. AF is a great challenge in clinical practice, and to have a procedure that provides better outcomes than current antiarrhythmics is exciting. Is your hospital currently involved in any EP- or cardiology-related clinical trials? Yes. We have been involved in various trials related to biventricular pacing, device therapy for atrial fibrillation, and drug therapy for atrial fibrillation as well as trials evaluating the usefulness of pacemaker diagnostics.