Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias near Wilmington, NC

Biography: When I was a teenager, my father developed atrial fibrillation, more commonly known as Afib. This prompted my initial interest in cardiology and eventually led me to work in the atrial fibrillation clinic at Duke during my training in cardiology, which was what spurred me to become a cardiac electrophysiologist. \n I was born and raised in Wilmington. Since I returned to my hometown after completing my fellowship, I have been passionate about expanding the breadth and quality of cardiology and electrophysiology care available to our community. \n As a leader in my practice and the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute (HVI) clinical physician executive in the Coastal region, I have relentlessly high expectations of myself and my colleagues regarding the quality of care we deliver. I also recognize the importance of maintaining a positive workplace culture. Doing so benefits both our teammates and our patients. As a leader, one of my explicit goals is to maintain our positive culture and to value team members - at all levels - for their vital contributions to patient care. \n I have been honored in the past to give presentations at the North Carolina and South Carolina meetings of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and recently presented at the annual national business meeting for cardiology, the ACC CV Summit. I was also recognized in 2019 as a finalist for the award for excellence in physician leadership from Atrium Health. \n I am a member of the Heart Rhythm Society, the American College of Cardiology and serve on the board of Novant Health Coastal Region Board of Managers. \n As an HVI physician leader, I recognize the importance of being involved in clinical trials and research. I've participated in multiple clinical trials and have been the principal investigator on several. I served as chair of New Hanover Regional Medical Center's cardiac research and education committee for 15 years and was medical director of New Hanover Regional Medical Center's stroke and cardiovascular symposium from 2006 to 2017. \n My wife and I have three college-aged children. I love sailing, boating and water sports. I sail competitively and have been involved in our community high school sailing program. I also enjoy windsurfing and kiteboarding. Each year, I have a goal of getting into the ocean at least once a month, although it's not always in North Carolina. I also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, including dabbling in mountain biking.

Biography: Heart care is a family passion. My father was a cardiothoracic surgeon, and his love of the heart rubbed off on me. I was fortunate to attend Duke University, where I majored in biomedical engineering. It was there that I figured out how to blend my love of cardiology with my engineering background, leading me to the field of cardiac electrophysiology. \n Electrophysiology can be a complicated field, but I want my patients to understand the parts that are important to them so they can make informed decisions about their care. You will often see me take out my dry erase board to outline steps of different procedures. I want to answer all questions because I know being comfortable with and confident in care can help lead to better outcomes. \n In addition to the time I spend with my patients, I also devote time to professional organizations including the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS). These groups allow me to collaborate with providers from across the country, which benefits my patients. My patients also benefit from my involvement in clinical trials across the field of cardiology. \n Along with my wife and three kids, I love living in Wilmington. Together, we enjoy outdoor activities and the beach. We all love swimming, and encourage everyone in our area to learn to swim since water is all around us. Even our labrador retrievers love to swim!

Biography: The job of a doctor has many parts. I get to perform procedures, provide medical treatment and work closely with patients to manage care plans. Some medical specialties are focused more on one of these areas than another. Since I enjoy all three, I'm lucky to have found cardiology. This field gives me a great balance between completing treatments and procedures, and getting to know those in my care. \n Electrophysiology has always been my favorite part of cardiology. I especially enjoy being able to explain arrhythmias to my patients so they can make more informed decisions about their care. I also use my skills to educate other providers. At the University of North Carolina, I was recognized by residents as an outstanding educator. It makes me proud to know their patients will also benefit from what I am able to teach. \n When talking about my patients, I often say, "I work for them." I am not just a caregiver; I want to be a partner. That means big things, like listening to each patient and addressing their concerns, and smaller things, like respecting their time by not keeping them waiting. When we work together, we accomplish better outcomes. \n I am always looking for ways to do the most good. Once, I was able to help organize a mission trip to Bolivia where I worked alongside other providers to implant pacemakers in patients who otherwise would not have had access to that medical care. This greatly improved their quality of life, and I am fortunate to have been part of that mission. \n My wife and I moved from Pensacola, Florida, to Wilmington so we could raise our family here. I have loved this area since spending time training at the University of North Carolina, and feel lucky to be back in the Tar Heel State. When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy tennis, golf, pickleball and basketball.

Biography: When I give advice to patients, it is the advice I would give to my friends or family members. I want each patient to know that I care about them as a person, and I will be there to see them through any acute issues and any ongoing treatment. \n Earlier in my career, I worked with children taking part in research studies in the hematology/oncology division. I was able to follow patients through their entire time in those studies, and very much enjoyed developing those relationships and providing that continuity of care. I chose cardiology/electrophysiology because it, too, allows me to follow patients in clinic and develop a relationship with them. \n I am proud to have developed the atrial fibrillation clinic and to be the first physician to use radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. As the field of electrophysiology is rapidly changing, I will continue to help bring new technology and research to our community in my role as the electrophysiology division chair. \n Outside of work, I enjoy spending my time with my husband, our two children, and our dog and cat. We love being out on the water and camping. When I have time to myself, I like cooking for family and friends.

Biography: Dr. Taylor Bazemore, MD is a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist who practices in Wilmington, NC. He is 37 years old and has been practicing for 11 years. Dr. Taylor Bazemore, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center.

Biography: My father was a family physician in a small North Carolina town for over 50 years, and my admiration for - and loving relationship with - him helped shaped my desire to pursue a career in medicine. \n So did my first personal exposure to medicine. As a 5-year-old-boy, I spent almost two weeks in the hospital receiving treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever. That experience not only helped develop my personal faith in God, but led to a strong belief that my purpose in life is helping others. \n I attended N.C. State University as a scholarship athlete and finished my swimming career as an NCAA All-American and ACC champion. After graduation from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and after further medical training in Charlotte and Chicago, I relocated to Wilmington in 2003 with my wife. \n I had visited the Wilmington area often as a child since both my parents were raised here and graduated from New Hanover High School. Those visits ultimately led to a desire to settle down here. My wife and I now call Wilmington home - as do our three children. \n Since 2003, I have been an attending physician at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in cardiology and electrophysiology. I am board-certified in cardiovascular disease and electrophysiology and an active member and recognized Fellow of the American College of Cardiology as well as a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society. \n My major clinical interest has always been direct patient care in electrophysiology. I consider it an honor to cultivate lasting personal relationships with my patients. \n When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, coaching youth athletics, spending time outdoors - especially at the beach - and cheering on the N.C. State Wolfpack.

Biography: Dr. Christopher Barber, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Wilmington, NC. He is 68 years old and has been practicing for 38 years. Dr. Christopher Barber, MD is affiliated with Novant Wilmington NC.

Biography: As the daughter of a cardiologist, I've wanted to be a heart doctor since age 10, when I figured out how the heart performed as a pump and how vital the organ is for the whole human body. \n Growing up in Washington, D.C., I thought anything was possible. But attending Georgetown University for both college and medical school made me realize how challenging my aspiration was - especially for a woman. \n Seeking to move to a city far from my hometown, I chose the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for my internship and residency. My love for cardiology was kindled further there and led me to a cardiology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, where I researched hypertensive heart disease and coronary artery disease. It was there that I found my greatest passion was in patient care. I also found that I missed North Carolina. \n When the opportunity arose in 1992, my husband and I moved to Wilmington, where I've been practicing cardiology ever since. I started Wilmington's first outpatient nuclear medicine lab and fueled the evolution of the echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography program, which has been a critical resource in treating stroke, endocarditis, valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation. \n In addition, I helped develop: \n - Wilmington's first Chest Pain Center \n - Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute's Heart Failure Clinic \n - Coronary CT angiography program \n - Structural heart program \n As each patient is unique in their response to treatments, I tailor a treatment plan to an individual patient's needs and goals. I strongly believe prevention of heart disease is preferable to treatment for heart disease complications. I work with patients on optimizing their lifestyle and addressing risk factors to avoid disease progression and complications such as heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and need for revascularization. \n I continue to do clinical research and always enjoy teaching residents, medical students, and physician assistant and nurse practitioner students. \n My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiac imaging and heart disease in women. There are important differences in how heart disease presents in women and in how we help them manage their cardiac issues.

Biography: My grandfather was a physician; I remember spending time with him when I was a kid and being in awe of his intelligence, calm demeanor and selflessness. \n My approach to healthcare is rooted in the principle of meeting patients wherever they are on their journey. We often encounter patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments. Because of that, I strive to help them make incremental improvements in their health. \n I am most grateful to be surrounded by an incredible team. I firmly believe that healthcare is not a solo endeavor; it requires a team-based approach. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, along with the active involvement of the patient, is essential in achieving the best outcomes. \n I enjoy being involved in leading-edge research and frequently serve as principal investigator on as many as four clinical trials at one time. \n Outside medicine, I cherish every moment I spend with my wife and children. Our family is also blessed with two wonderful dogs and a cat, and they add immeasurable joy and warmth to our home. In our free time, we love to go to the beach and enjoy the ocean, embracing its beauty and the tranquility it offers. My wife and I are also passionate about showing our daughters the world, exposing them to diverse experiences and cultures to broaden their horizons.

Biography: Dr. Zachary Garrett, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Wilmington, NC. He is 37 years old. Dr. Zachary Garrett, MD is affiliated with Novant Wilmington NC.

Biography: Dr. Arnold Hite Jr, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Wilmington, NC. He is 43 years old and has been practicing for 15 years. Dr. Arnold Hite Jr, MD is affiliated with Novant Wilmington NC.

Biography: My father was a cardiologist, and I grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida rounding at the hospital with him after he'd pick me up after school. I knew from an early age that I didn't just want to go into medicine; I wanted to study and treat heart disease. \n I learned a lot from watching my dad. He built a strong rapport with his patients, and I strive to do the same. I treat every patient as if they're a member of my family. \n I'm honored to serve as director of the Coastal HVI Structural Heart Program for Novant Health. In addition, I'm chairman of the pharmacy and therapeutics committee at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and a board member of the Coastal Heart and Vascular Institute. \n Clinical trials are an important research tool, and I've served as principal investigator on a trial investigating treatments for high-risk pulmonary embolism and was co-principal investigator for an investigation into treatment for acute decompensated heart failure. \n My family - including my wife and three children - and I have lived in the Wilmington area since 2004. I enjoy everything this area has to offer, including fishing, spending time on the water and playing golf. I also enjoy travel and reading historical nonfiction.

Biography: Dr. Sunil Iyer, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Wilmington, NC. He is 43 years old and has been practicing for 16 years. Dr. Sunil Iyer, MD is affiliated with Novant Wilmington NC.

Biography: Dr. Frank Hobart, MD is a Cardiology Specialist who practices in Wilmington, NC. He is 62 years old and has been practicing for 33 years. Dr. Frank Hobart, MD is affiliated with Novant Wilmington NC.

Biography: I always enjoyed science class in middle and high school and was fascinated by the multitudes of complex processes that allow the human body to function. I also enjoy being of service to others - something that led me to help plan and lead a medical service trip to Ensenada, Mexico, when I was in college. That trip cemented my desire to become a physician. \n I think the importance of spending time talking with my patients and educating them on everything from their condition to my rationale for ordering certain tests or treatments cannot be overstated. \n Knowledge is power, and I want to empower my patients. Understanding the "why" is an important part of taking ownership of your own healthcare and creates trust between the patient and provider. \n I was born and raised in Southern California, which is where I met my wife, Sara, who is a North Carolina native. I have steadily made my way eastward and love calling Wilmington home. I enjoy listening to and playing music, taking my dog to the beach and spending time with my family and friends.

Biography: I'm a native of Columbus, Georgia and a Yale University alumnus. I went to Duke University for medical school and remained in Durham for my internal medicine residency, cardiology fellowship and interventional cardiology fellowship. I finished my training in 2005. \n In my spare time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, boating and spending time outdoors with my wife and two children. Living in Wilmington gives us so many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and we take full advantage of our location on the beautiful coast.

Biography: While childhood illness can cause some people to want to limit their contact with medical providers, it had the opposite effect on me; I wanted to become one. I saw firsthand the difference that quality medical care can make, and I knew I wanted to provide it. That desire led me first to medical school, and later to earn board certifications in internal medicine, interventional cardiology and general cardiology. I want my patients to see my extensive education and training as my commitment to providing them the highest level of care possible. \n To those certifications I have added years of experience across multiple fields of cardiology, including imaging, care for valve issues, critical care and coronary artery disease care. Every patient encounter affords me an opportunity to meet a unique individual with unique needs. I want to hear each patient's story and understand their background so it can help shape their care plan. We achieve better outcomes when we work together to find the right treatment plan. \n When I'm not at work, my time belongs to my family. I have three children, and I love being very active in their lives. I also enjoy fishing, caring for my vegetable garden and traveling with my wife.

Biography: Every patient I see, regardless of their medical needs, can expect one important thing: I will work to treat them exactly as I would want one of my own family members to be treated. I want them to think of me as not just their doctor, but as their friend. When you need a doctor to take care of your heart health, you deserve one you can trust to understand not just your health, but your life. By learning about and understanding those two things, I can offer you the best treatment to achieve your goals and get you back to the activities and people you love. \n Throughout my career, I have stayed active in both local and national groups dedicated to cardiology care, including the American Heart Association, the North Carolina Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and the New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society. These groups help me stay up to date on the very latest advances in cardiology care and offer opportunities for collaboration that benefit my patients. \n My wife, Robin, and I have two sons, and we are so proud to now be grandparents. When we are not spending time with our family, we enjoy staying active. For exercise, I like to cycle and golf. I also enjoy watching sports, especially Carolina basketball.

Biography: The complexity of the human body, particularly the heart, has always fascinated me. As a cardiologist, I have the privilege of diagnosing and treating a wide range of heart conditions. This allows me to directly improve a patient's quality of life, or even save a patient's life at a critical moment. Cardiology is a rapidly evolving field that offers continuous opportunities for innovation. That combination of constantly learning and making such profound impacts on the lives of my patients makes cardiology the perfect field for me. \n Providing personalized, compassionate, evidenced-based care is at the center of everything I do. My patient-centered approach involves active listening and clear communication; I hear your concerns and questions, and then present your treatment options along with all the information you need to make decisions about your care. I believe that trust and open dialogue are keys to any doctor-patient relationship, and I believe that when we work together the result is superior care for you. \n One of my passions within the field of cardiology is cardiac imaging. Technologies such as cardiac computer tomography (CT), echocardiography and nuclear cardiology allow me to provide comprehensive and precise diagnoses for patients with heart conditions. I have earned special board certifications in these specific imaging areas, allowing me to provide my patients a higher level of expertise, and ensuring patients receive the most accurate and tailored care possible. \n I was born in Greenville, North Carolina, and knew I wanted to return to the coast of North Carolina after finishing my education. I am so happy to have made the Wilmington area home. I spend most of my free time with my wife or outdoors, exploring nature through hiking, skiing, running and cycling. Sometimes my exploration takes me to the sky; I am passionate about aviation and proud to have a pilot's license, allowing me to appreciate the world from a unique perspective.