Electrophysiology and the Importance of FHRS
The FHRS designation distinguishes members among health care providers for their specialization in electrophysiology, clarifies the referral process and serves as a credential for quality care for patients, media and government.
What do the letters "FHRS" after my health care provider's name mean?
When you see the FHRS after your health care provider's name, it means that he or she is a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society. FHRS status recognizes Society members who have advanced training, certification and demonstrated commitment to the research and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
How does someone become a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society?
Society members who apply for FHRS must be recommended by other FHRS members who can vouch for their training, experience, and delivery of quality care. All applicants are reviewed by the Heart Rhythm Society Membership Committee in order to ensure that they meet the necessary qualifications.
Where can I find a list of current FHRS members?
A list of current FHRS members may be viewed at www.HRSonline.org/FHRS. If you need contact information for a physician, please visit our Find a Specialist search engine.
Why is FHRS important to me?
Fellowship in the Heart Rhythm Society is a mark of distinction. It says that your health care provider has special training and experience in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders. In particular, your provider is:
- Recognized by his or her peers for excellence and skill in medical practice, teaching,or research.
- Committed to improving the care of patients, promoting research and education, striving for the highest ethical and treatment standards, and advocating for optimal health care policies.
In addition, 70 percent of U.S. physicians who have been promoted to FHRS status are electrophysiologists currently certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.
What is electrophysiology?
Cardiac electrophysiology is the science of elucidating, diagnosing, and treating the electrical activities of the heart. A specialist in cardiac electrophysiology is known as a "cardiac electrophysiologist" or "electrophysiologist."
What is the Heart Rhythm Society?
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards.
Founded in 1979, the Heart Rhythm Society has a membership of more than 5,300 physicians, scientists and associated professionals representing more than 70 countries. As the leading professional group representing the allied specialties of cardiac pacing and cardiac electrophysiology, the Society plays an important role not only in education, but also as an intermediary between government regulatory agencies and its members.
Where can I find out more about electrophysiology, the Heart Rhythm Society, and FHRS?
Visit our Patient Information section for general information about electrophysiology, heart rhythm disorders, symptoms, treatments, risk factors, and prevention.
