Society Holds Its First Research Forum to Identify EP Opportunities and Challenges

The Research Forum's second day included attendees dividing into four working groups, challenged with developing ways the Society could best help move the EP field forward. Download recommendations by Research Forum working groups » (PDF, 48K) Previous Heart Rhythm Society Research Fellowships awardees who participated in the forum spoke of the impact their award has had on themselves, the EP field, and patient care; discussed research funding in today's environment and the importance of research funding. Watch interviews now »

As the international leader in science, education and advocacy for heart rhythm professionals and patients, the Heart Rhythm Society hosted its first two-day research forum on December 14-15, 2010 to identify opportunities and challenges to furthering research in the field of electrophysiology (EP). Download Research Forum program (PDF, 396K)

The forum connected more than 70 key individuals in the health care field representing organizations with an interest in advancing research in EP, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, multiple medical institutes and hospitals, non-profit associations and pharmaceutical and biomedical corporations.

Sessions at the forum were moderated by leading experts who discussed ways to overcome barriers to innovation and implementation, and the need for HRS to lead efforts to promote research of heart rhythm disorders. Keynote speakers during the first day of the forum included Francis S. Collins, MD, Ph.D., director of the National Institutes of Health who presented “Exceptional Opportunities in Biomedical Research” and Susan Dentzer, Editor-in-Chief of Health Affairs, who identified “Opportunities & Challenges for Embracing a Research Future.”

During day two of the forum, attendees broke out into four working groups challenged with developing ways the Heart Rhythm Society could best help move the EP field forward in the following areas:

• Leadership Role & Associate Membership Status
• Collaboration with Other Medical Societies and Industry
• Clinicians and Clinical Trials: HRS.TrialNET (new resource)
• Advancing Research Careers
• Supporting and Funding Research
• Public Education on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

HeartRhythm Journal Editor-in-Chief Douglas P. Zipes, MD, FHRS asks a question during a Forum presentation.

The working groups overwhelmingly support the idea that the public needs to be educated about the need for continued research of heart rhythm disorders, the importance of clinical trials, and the need for increased funding from the public and private sectors. Download recommendations by Research Forum working groups » (PDF, 48K)

“We have a renewed commitment to developing and promoting clinical trials, providing funding options for investigators to develop new therapies, and educating the public about why research is the cornerstone of our treatment options for patients. We look forward to the hard work ahead of us, but are confident that our work in this area will bring us closer to ending the pain and suffering of individuals living with heart rhythm disorders,” said Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, Society president.

Left to right, Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, 2010 – 2011 President, Heart Rhythm Society; Francis S. Collins, MD, Ph.D., Director, National Institutes of Health; Susan Dentzer, Editor-in-Chief, Health Affairs and Health Correspondent, PBS, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer; James H. Youngblood, CEO, Heart Rhythm Society; Peng-Sheng Chen, MD, FHRS, Forum Co-Chair and Christine M. Albert, MD, Forum Co-Chair