Get to know IBHRE’s President: Charles Love, MD, FACC, FHRS, FAHA, CCDS
Dr. Love
Why did you decide to enter the field of pacing/electrophysiology?
I always was interested in electrical circuits, even etching and building my own circuit boards as a teenager. Combined with my love of doing direct patient care and interest in surgical and interventional procedures, EP seemed like a perfect fit. However, none of this would have been possible without the guidance, mentoring and role models that I was exposed to during my fellowship at Ohio State. Specifically, Dr. Stephen Schaal and Dr. Carl Leier cultivated my interest in EP, and Dr. Charles Meckstroth (a cardiac surgeon) taught me the right way to implant devices. I am a long way from my initial goal of being a family physician in Mayville, NY on Lake Chautauqua driving my boat to work every day.
What do you like most about the field of pacing/electrophysiology?
The ability to have such an immediate impact on a patient’s state of health and quality of life is core to many EP procedures. Restoring a normal heart rate and rhythm, the ability to do a procedure that allows a patient to come off of drug therapy, and the restoration of functional status with CRT therapy are just a few of the benefits patients sustain by what we do as EPs.
What factors influenced your decision to follow the leadership path?
I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, again, with the right mentors. After taking and passing the NASPExAM in 1991, I was asked to join the test writing committee. Led by Dr. Seymour Furman and working with many leaders in the field to create examination questions was enlightening, energizing and inspiring. I always felt that NASPExAM had even more potential to become a certification exam, and this became my primary goal when I was asked to assume leadership of the organization. We have now become the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners, with a professional staff and worldwide recognition. This is the result of hard work and commitment of our director and all of the hard working members of our test writing committees and boards.
What are you looking forward to the most during your tenure?
I would like to see the IBHRE exam become even more accepted worldwide. We are working with great people on our board and leaders from heart rhythm societies around the world with great success.
Do you have any words of wisdom, philosophy, or quote that has impacted your decisions or another aspect of your life?
Dr. Charles Wooley, one of my mentors at Ohio State always said “It is hard to make an asymptomatic patient feel better.” I have found that over the years, this one bit of guidance has helped me practice compassionate, effective, and cost effective medicine.
What was the last book you read?
“Destiny of the Republic” by Candice Millard. This is the story of President James Garfield who was shot by a would be assassin. The interesting part is that it was not the shooter that killed him, it was his physician. Garfield was an amazing man, and if you read the book, you will wonder where leaders like he was are to be found these days. If you read it, drop me an email and let me know what you think!
When and why did you decide to join IBHRE and the Heart Rhythm Society?
HRS was an easy decision. I was hooked after my first NASPE scientific sessions. Here was a group of people with the same interests as me, and a great place to share ideas, get education, and find out the newest techniques, drugs and devices. I also wanted to get the society’s journal! Joining IBHRE? When Dr. Furman asks you to join, you join. I could list the outstanding people that I have worked with on the writing committees over the years, and it would be a “Who’s Who” of our profession, both physicians and associated professionals. It is has been and continues to be an honor to work with these incredible people.
What IBHRE or Society project (task force or committee related) have you most enjoyed working on? Why?
There have been many, but being chair of the pacing exam writing committee for IBHRE is my greatest love. I always learn so much from my colleagues, and we share such great camaraderie during our review sessions. If I had to choose only one thing to do, it would be to continue working on this committee with these great physicians, nurses and technologists.
Are there any Heart Rhythm Annual Scientific Sessions memories you would like to share?
I suppose there is really not a single memory that stands out. For me, to walk down a hallway at the sessions, and not be able to get more than a few steps without seeing and greeting a friend/colleague/mentor/trainee/former trainee is the best part. Sometimes it is difficult due to the lack of time for talking as I rush from one commitment to another, but it is still the best part of the meeting for me.
What is one of your favorite cities and why?
Pittsburgh. I grew up there and still have family there. The city has been through difficult times, but has reinvented itself as a medical and “high tech” center. Of course, there are the Steelers!
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to make pizza from scratch and make teaching videos when I have the time. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel internationally, and love exploring new places, meet new people, and learn about different cultures.
There’s a rumor that Kiss’ “Calling Dr. Love” is the ringtone on your cell phone. Is this true?
Call me and find out.