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| Dr. Vlay decided that clinical electrophysiology was the most exciting field to practice in 1978, when he implanted his first pacemaker. |
How long have you been a member of the Heart Rhythm Society?
25 years.
My Society is...
The one organization that focuses on all of the needs of the electrophysiologist:
- Research, both clinical and basic
- Clinical Practice, via dissemination of new methods, technology and clinical guidelines
- Advocacy for the physician, the patient and the advancement of science.
- Education:
a) Continuing medical education of the physician, basic scientist, allied health professionals including nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants
b) Education of the general public about risk factors and available therapies, especially about sudden cardiac death and atrial fibrillation.
Why did you choose the field of electrophysiology?
Major advances in the treatment of heart disease occurred throughout my educational years, inspiring me to choose cardiology as a field and culminating in my fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Arrhythmias always fascinated me. Initially, the only therapeutic option was understanding and applying the pharmacology of the antiarrhythmic drugs. Clinical electrophysiology and EP studies evolved during my fellowship. I implanted my first pacemaker in 1978 and came to realize that clinical electrophysiology was the most exciting field to practice. A unique opportunity then presented itself: I was the first fellow involved with the initial clinical implant of the internal cardioverter defibrillator, allowing me to meet and work with Drs. Michel Mirowski and Morton Mower. A number of years later, Dr. Seymour Furman invited me to help edit PACE. We spent many hours discussing cases and clinical practice, which provided me with incredible insights from an innovator who devoted his life to pacing. At this time, I have a special interest in alternate site pacing.
How has membership in the Society been of value to you and your practice?
Membership has been invaluable for many reasons. The annual scientific sessions provide a formal venue for learning about the latest developments, clinical trials, and basic research. They provide a forum for stimulation and exchange of ideas, meeting colleagues and networking. Also, Society generated scientific statements provide general guidelines for clinical practice and publications provide the latest clinical information. Finally, I think it's very important that the Society advocates for the rights of the physician and patient with the health care system. Please list a few of your most recent accomplishments.
Fellowship in the Heart Rhythm Society is one of my proudest accomplishments and I was honored to be in the first class who received this designation. Recently I served on the membership committee of our organization and I continue to be one of the Editors of PACE. I tremendously enjoy the ability to interact with and learn from colleagues throughout the world. At work, I have an extremely busy clinical practice and take pleasure in caring for my patients. In my personal life, I am proud of my family, especially my wife, Linda C. Vlay, RN, DNP, who recently received her nursing doctorate and is also a member of the Heart Rhythm Society. Both of us believe in the goals of our Society and are among the Founders of the Heart Rhythm Foundation. We enjoy being with our daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren. In our community, I am a Trustee for Gallery North, a not-for-profit gallery promoting the finest contemporary Long Island art and craft. More About Stephen C. Vlay, MD, FHRS, CCDS
Dr. Vlay obtained his undergraduate education at New York University, his medical education at Yale University School of Medicine and served his internal medicine residency at Bellevue– NYU Medical Center and his cardiology fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has published more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals, abstracts, invited chapters, commentaries and is the Editor of three books including A Practical Approach to Cardiac Arrhythmias. He is a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society, American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and American College of Physicians. Dr. Vlay is Professor of Medicine at Stony Brook University in New York and has been honored by New York Magazine’s Best Doctors listing. » Return to Member Spotlight home page
