Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias near Saint Petersburg, FL

Care Philosophy: Bay Area Heart Center strives to provide the highest level and quality of cardiac care available. This requires two commitments. First, to treat the patient as an individual and second, to strive for continuous improvement in the technical delivery of care in this increasingly complex field. Bay Area Heart Center's team goal is the preservation of our patient's good health. We welcome comments and criticisms from our patients regarding how well we fulfill our mission.

Biography: This physician is accepting telehealth visits. In 1994, Robert Sheppard, MD, FACC, FHRS brought to the Heart Institute a new era of expertise by developing the cardiac electrophysiology department and currently serves as director of cardiac electrophysiology & pacing. He developed the first cardiac electrophysiology laboratory in St. Petersburg, FL and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. He performed the first catheter ablation and implanted the first cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator/pacemaker in St. Petersburg, FL. Dr. Sheppard received his undergraduate degree from S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, N.Y. He obtained his medical degree from New York Medical College - Valhalla, N.Y. and completed his fellowship training in both cardiology and electrophysiology & pacing at Hahnemann University - Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Sheppard was an assistant professor of medicine at Hahnemann University before moving to Florida and served as clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of South Florida. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Dr. Sheppard is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society. He has written many publications for a variety of peer reviewed journals, textbook chapters and pursues his interest in research by participating in numerous previous and current clinical research trials. In 2007, 2009 and 2011 Dr. Sheppard was the only cardiovascular disease specialist in Pinellas County named to the list of America?s Best Doctors.

Care Philosophy: We have forged in new frontiers of cardiovascular care and treatment through advances in nuclear medicine, cutting edge technology and research, and the development of preventive and educational services. Coupled with highly trained physicians and medical staff, The Heart & Vascular Institute has established itself as a "Center of Excellence" in the care and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Care Philosophy: I am committed to the well being of my patients and value their trust and confidence. My hope is to ease suffering so that my patients can enjoy life outside of the confines of cardiac arrhythmia.

Care Philosophy: We have forged in new frontiers of cardiovascular care and treatment through advances in nuclear medicine, cutting edge technology and research, and the development of preventive and educational services. Coupled with highly trained physicians and medical staff, The Heart Institute has established itself as a "Center of Excellence" in the care and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Biography: Alexander Johnson, MD,FACC is an imported Floridian, born in Barbados, West Indies. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern College in Collegedale, Tenn. He then attended the Medical University of South Carolina where he obtained his medical degree. Dr. Johnson received his internship and residency training in internal medicine and his cardiovascular disease fellowship training at the Medical University of South Carolina as well. He received post-doctoral research training at the Gazes Cardiac Research Institute in Charleston, investigating left ventricular remodeling in a pressure overloaded state with both human and animal models. Dr. Johnson is also a combat veteran who served in the USAF supporting various missions in the Middle East including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Johnson is a non-invasive cardiologist whose practice includes general adult cardiology. Dr. Johnson has presented abstracts and research at the South Carolina American Heart Association meetings.

Biography: Dr. Vikas Bhatia, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in St Petersburg, FL. He is 40 years old and has been practicing for 17 years. Dr. Vikas Bhatia, MD is affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital.

Biography: Dr. Ravi Korabathina brings a wealth of training and skills to our patients. After completing his training in New York City and Boston, Dr.Korabathina and his family returned to his hometown of St. Pete (he is a graduate of the St. Petersburg High School International Baccalaureate Program). Rounding out the group, Dr. Korabathina is certified as a Diplomate in Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography and is credentialed as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). Following his successful completion of fellowships in General and Interventional Cardiology, he trained in vascular medicine and endovascular procedures. In addition, he is knowledgeable in the use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices and can perform specialized procedures, including alcohol septal ablations, ASD/PFO closures, mitral andaortic valvuloplasty, and endomyocardial biopsies. Furthermore, as a clinician-educator, he has co-authored a number of articles that have been published in peer-reviewed journals and has presented a number of abstracts at national meetings, including the ACC, SCAI, and SVM.

Biography: Dr. Amber Tas, DO is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in St Petersburg, FL. She is 44 years old. Dr. Amber Tas, DO is affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital.