ABOUT DR DAVID BEGLEY

I graduated from Edinburgh Medical School in 1994 (MB ChB) and completed my residency in South East Scotland where I developed an interest in cardiology. Following this I spent 3 years at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland where I undertook research in the investigation and management of patients with the heart muscle condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This lead to the completion of a master’s degree (MD) through the University of Edinburgh.

During this time, I was introduced to electrophysiology and ablation. I was immediately intrigued by the ability to offer a permanent cure to many patients with heart rhythm problems responsible for frequently alarming and distressing symptoms.

Upon completion of my time in the United States sought to complete specialist training in cardiology and cardiac rhythm management at the highly respected Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, recognised as an early pioneer in the treatment of patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Following completion of specialist training and entry on the specialist register, I was appointed a consultant and specialist in cardiac rhythm management at the internationally renowned Papworth Hospital in 2007 to expand the existing team and further develop complex ablation of atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. I was elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2009 (FRCP).

I was Clinical Lead for the cardiac rhythm management service from 2011 until 2016. During this time, we experienced unprecedented growth, maintaining the department’s position as one of the highest volume centres in the country for electrophysiology studies and complex ablations, and cardiac device implants. Since appointment as consultant have personally carried out thousands of ablations and device implants.

TRAINING FUTURE GENERATIONS

Training future generations of doctors is extremely important and I have been heavily involved in education since appointment.

I have completed postgraduate certificate in medical education (PG Cert Med Ed) from the University of Cambridge in 2013 and I am the current Royal College Tutor at Papworth. Through my involvement with undergraduates from the School of Medicine in Cambridge, I am also a University of Cambridge Senior Clinical Tutor.

In addition, I have regularly been invited to provide educational support through presentations and training at the annual Heart Rhythm Congress, British Cardiovascular Society Annual Conference and for the regional Cardiac Update courses organised by the Arrhythmia Alliance.