whats a typical day as an EP PA like?

[HJK]

Hi,

 

I am being offered an EP position. It is at a huge academic center meaning good benefits with not so salary. As I am told i would be trained as a fellow per directors, I am thinking if 70% of that plans comes to fruition, it Will be golden. On the other hand, if it becomes a way for docs and fellows to get away with documentation, i am guessing it won't be my last job. Even if the latter is true, a couple years of assisting procedures with pre and post op care related in Cardiology won't be a terrible thing in terms of moving on afterward.

 

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

Thank you.

[Teasip]

What are your duties that you're being hired to perform? Having spent a couple of years with a group who had an EP specialist, and thus interacting with him during procedures, I found it to be somewhat similar to what an anesthesiologist goes through. Hours of boredom with minutes of potential shear terror mixed in. It is the only procedure that I've ever been able to think of to where we actually try to "kill" the pt. by inducing the arrhythmia and then get them out of it. I can tell you this, I've NEVER seen anyone run a code as smoothly and correctly as this man did. One of the phrases that I pass along to patients/families that I borrowed from him is "healthy hearts don't have unhealthy rhythms". Just because you haven't been made aware that you have an unhealthy heart doesn't mean that you don't have one. I primarily use this when performing sports physicals during the summer for the upcoming school year. Out of curiosity, which state is this position?

 

One other point for those trying to learn to read EKG's, when an EP can't tell if it's VT or a form of SVT from looking at the rhythm strip or 12 lead then you know it isn't easy. The point being that if you can't tell, it doesn't always mean that you don't know enough or are missing something. Always assume a wide complex arrhythmia is ventricular in origin, and not vice versa.

[PAstudentCanada]

What is "EP?" Electrophysiology?

[Teasip]

Yes, cardiology sub-specialty.

[HJK]

Watched a first year fellow implanting an AICD and watched them performing the function check on ICD as you explained.. Omg..*

 

Informed that I will be assigned to a lab. Likely start with procedures related to AICD from replacement to inplantation eventually performing most of procedures myself with of course constant supervision for a few months. Heard plans for ablations as well but multiple professors with multiple fellows... Will see how the plan turns out. Then heard little different plans from the nurses/techs as the department is in need of helping hands with getting consents and paper works ready for the procedues. Won't mind that at this time neither.

 

Healthy hearts don't have unhealthy rhythms.. Thank you.

[Houstonian]

I am surprised that the hospital will allow you to perform this sort of invasive procedure. You should be sure to check on the hospital credentialing process for your position

[Houstonian]

I am surprised that the hospital will allow you to perform this sort of invasive procedure. You should be sure to check on the hospital credentialing process for your position

[Houstonian]

I am surprised that the hospital will allow you to perform this sort of invasive procedure. You should be sure to check on the hospital credentialing process for your position

[DJ Bunnell MSHS PA-C]

I am finding this question long after it was posted.  However, I recently transitioned into EP and have some insight into the issue.  

 

I serve a veteran population in an academic setting and provide full service care with my team of physicians, nurses, and EP lab staff.  I see in-patients and out-patients.  We have an arrhythmia clinic and a device clinic.  We perform and I assist with EP Lab procedures such as device placement, generator changes, EP studies, arrhythmia ablation, tilt table testing, and cardioversion.  I manage scheduling for our regional center.  I provide support for our device surveillance center.  

 

It is an excellent field for PAs because it sits at the intersection of complex physiology and complex technology.  There is a large and growing population with devices that need lifetime follow-up by individuals who understand their disease process and have expertise in their particular device.  Atrial fibrillation and heart failure are common issues for which you are called upon to manage. It is notable that the Heart Rhythm Society accepts PAs as Fellow Members and the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners has certification exams to demonstrate expertise in both electrophysiology and device management.  

 

Yes, it helps to have experience with hands-on surgical skills.  I come from a Cardiothoracic Surgery and Critical Care background.  However, the majority of your time is spent in a complex, long term chess match.  If you have good hands, have an interest in technology, and have a mind for complex physiology then this is the specialty for you.