Hi All , im looking for the best EP doc for AF ?
The best i have found is an article in the Daily Mirror which listed the top 10 as voted for by their piers .
I know there's a list of EP docs on the Association etc but i want o track down those that are known to be the best in London and South East ,
anyone know of any other listings other than the one in Daily Mail which was published a few years ago ?
hope everyone is doing well
Matt
Hello mjm and welcome to the forum. We often get asked this question and it’s not an easy one to answer. The reason is, as individuals we generally become involved with an EP and unless something goes horribly wrong (which tends not to happen) in terms of performance or bed side manner, most choose to stay with their EP so we are not really able to comment objectively on anyone else. I guess the other problem is how do you quantify “good” ! I have been very fortunate in that since 2014, I have met and/or witnessed presentations from a number of EP’s in London and the South East, predominantly from St George’s, Barts, Harefield and the Royal Brompton and I can honestly say that I would happy to be treated by any of them. If you want names, Prof. Richard Schilling, heads a great team at Barts and I’m sure others here will share their experiences. If you click on the link below, you will see the EP who did mine at St George’s. As for who is best, honestly don’t know........good luck.
As FJ has said Richard Schilling who I have known on and off for about ten years (not as a patient) is highly respected but I do know of people who couldn't get on with him and went elsewhere. We are all different and react to different people so "best" or "good" can be quite subjective.
The other point to understand is that in all these top centres of excellence such as Barts or RBH they have to teach people and several members of this forum have been dissapointed to find that their ablations were not performed by the EP they had expected even if they were in attendance .
My best advice is to find a centre with a good record and ask qustions of the EP regarding their results and any adverse reactions.
In order to cut through the enormous waiting list problems I can see that there will be a lot more delegation, certainly for the next year or two ☹️
For the last six years I have been under the care of Barts, I cannot answer in terms of clinical expertise but I have always had excellent continuity of care with Mr Sporton who is on Professor Schillings team. After initial appointments at Barts Dr Sporton sees me at a local hospital and I’ve come to know him over time. Everything is explained fully and pleasantly. I met Professor Schilling in Barts who came to see me after an unsuccessful third ablation in September last year and I have every confidence in him and his team. I’m waiting for a Pace and Ablate starting in two weeks, also importantly I am an NHS patient and my waiting times haven’t been too bad at all.
I had my ablation in St Thomas’ in London in 2013 and EP was Mark O’Neill. He was very respectful of patient, explained options of meds vs ablation route and gave me the choice. He agreed to meet me for a 2nd consultation before I made up my mind. I opted for ablation, had it done six months later and clear of AF for almost 8 years. (Recently having signs of returning but we shall see). I should add I was having episodes most days lasting 5 or 6 hours. It took 5 months for heart to settle down but then ... joy. No more AF😄
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My AF story in Woman and Home Magazine!!
