Dr. Charles Berul recently became a professor of Pediatrics at George Washington University and plans to begin new translational research programs in electrophysiology.

How long have you been a member of the Heart Rhythm Society?

Fifteen years.

My Society is...

A professional link to other electrophysiology specialists, heart rhythm researchers, and advocates for heart rhythm disorder patients, practitioners, and scientists.

Why did you choose the field of electrophysiology?

Pediatric electrophysiology is a unique sub-sub-specialty. Despite training as a pediatrician followed by pediatric cardiology fellowship, the specialty is more akin to adult electrophysiology. It combines the inquisitive nature of trying to solve complex diagnostic dilemmas with the bioengineering and interventional capabilities to cure inherited and acquired disease processes. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out complex arrhythmias combined with employing the technologies that are constantly evolving, making it very satisfying to be able to better understand and treat these disease processes in young patients.

How has membership in the Society been of value to you and your practice?

The Heart Rhythm Society is the premier organization representing the interests and values of electrophysiologists. Participation in Society activities has strengthened my academic, educational, and professional reputation and has greatly facilitated interactions between heart rhythm professionals.

Please list a few of your most recent accomplishments.

• Associate Editor — Circulation 2005-2009 and Senior Associate Editor — Circulation: Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology 2008-present
• Member of several committees and Heart Rhythm Society Task forces, including Scientific Session Program Committee, Pediatric Team Leader 2007-2011
• Became Division Chief, Cardiology, Children’s National Medical Center, and Professor of Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine in 2009 after 15 years as a Pediatric Electrophysiologist in Boston, Director of the Pacemaker and Defibrillator Program and Director of Mouse Electrophysiology Research Laboratory, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School

More About Charles I. Berul, MD, FHRS, CCDS

Charles Berul, MD, is a pediatric electrophysiologist and recently became the Cardiology division chief at Children's National Medical Center. He was born and raised in the Washington, DC area. He earned Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in biology from Bucknell University and MD from University of Maryland. He completed pediatrics residency at Yale, pediatric cardiology fellowship and electrophysiology at Children’s Hospital Philadelphia. Dr. Berul was in Boston for 15 years, where he was director of the Pacemaker Program at Children’s Hospital, and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School until coming to Children’s National in 2009. Dr. Berul is professor of Pediatrics at George Washington University. He plans to grow the division, with new translational research programs in developmental cardiology, genetics and electrophysiology, as well as leading an expansion of the cardiology program. Dr. Berul is a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Cardiology, Society for Pediatric Research, and American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young.

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