Director, Electrophysiology Section, OSU Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
Professor of Internal Medicine
Recent News:
OSU Medical Center Begins Cryptogenic Stroke StudyMagnet, Computer Joystick Key to ‘Driving’ Advanced Heart Care
What do you like best about practicing medicine at OSU Medical Center?
What I love about being a physician at OSU is that everyone is committed to superb patient care, from the technicians in the lab to the nurses on the floor to the pharmacists and physicians. For the entire cardiovascular team, good is never good enough — it has to be outstanding.
What excites you most about the future of medicine?
When I was a med student 20 years ago, we learned about the importance of a thorough history to create a patient-specific plan. I am excited about the day we can truly design a patient-specific plan based on genetic analysis of a drop of blood.
How do you think P4 Medicine (medicine that is predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory) will change your specialty in the coming decade?
One of the most important aspects of P4 Medicine is that it will facilitate clinical research through open sharing of information and outcomes. Some of the best translational research comes from multi-center studies, and P4 Medicine will help us create new knowledge through greater synergies, facilitated by simplified sharing across a common platform.
Name one of your medical career mentors and tell us what you learned from him/her.
William Abraham, MD, has been my leadership mentor. My administrative experience is limited, and he has helped me understand how to navigate a myriad of differing, passionate opinions while honoring and valuing each member of the enterprise. (Read more about Dr. Abraham on page 18.)
What advice do you have for young physicians early in their careers?
This advice sounds trite, but it’s true: you must love your work and, as a clinician, keep your focus on the patient. Medicine, from the science and research to the practice, is complicated and so you must keep at the forefront of your mind that, at the end of the day, your focus is to make each patient’s life better.
Who in history would you most like to meet and why?
I would love to spend time talking with the late Senator Edward Kennedy. I think Ted could reveal the answers to so many questions about the assassinations of his brothers and the secrets of his family.
What are your hobbies or volunteer activities? What has been your greatest accomplishment outside of medicine?
In the past few years, through help from my family and friends, I have further developed my faith. At a time in my life when I was searching, I was invited to join a Christian men’s weekly Bible study group. This invitation came at a time when I was thinking, “Why doesn’t my fantastic life feel complete?” I have a wonderful wife who volunteers her time in a number of causes and three great kids who have opened my eyes in so many ways. My learning more about Christ has enriched all of our lives — individually and as a family.
Rising star: Mahmoud Houmsse, MD, clinical assistant professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, started his career in the Middle East and came to this country only 15 years ago as an internist. He has embraced every opportunity for learning and today is among the most technically proficient electrophysiology practitioners I know. His patients love his thoughtful, relaxed rapport, and he continues to capitalize on every opportunity available at an academic medical center to expand his training and to help support a variety of initiatives.
CV summary
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Internship: Internal Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University
Residency: Internal Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University
Fellowships: Research Fellowship, The Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship, Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan
Fellowship, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of Michigan Medical Center
National Offices or Board Positions:
• National Steering Committee Member for NIH-sponsored VEST Study
• Council on Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Association Science Advisory Subcommittee: Patient Selection for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
• American College of Chest Physicians, National Consensus Statement: Management of Post Open-Heart Surgery Atrial Fibrillation
• NIH Round table, Future Research Directions in Atrial Fibrillation
Clinical Interests: Electrophysiology; atrial fibrillation; ablation.
Research Interests: Electrophysiology; ablation; implantable devices.
