Arrhythmia |
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Our Experts
The electrophysiology service brings together a staff that includes physician scientists, nurses and support staff who have developed - and who are continuing to develop - new ways to treat patients suffering from cardiac arryhthmias. Their past work has set the standard of care in their field.
Doctors
Nurses Charles L. Witherell, clinical nurse specialistNurse Charles Witherell specializes in caring for patients whose heart rhythm disturbances are treated with artificial pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. His particular focus is the individual patient's and family's emotional response to the serious difficulties they face. He completed his nursing degree with highest honors at Northeastern University in 1975 and earned his master's degree in nursing with high honors at Boston College in 1976. A frequent national-level speaker within his specialty, Witherell has written several articles on cardiac rhythm control devices. He recently completed a new book on telemetry, the process of monitoring heart rhythms in hospitalized patients with wireless transmitters. Marilyn Namekawa Wong, electrophysiology arrhythmia nurse coordinatorMarilynn Namekawa Wong will talk to you and your family about arrhythmia concerns. She also assists our electrophysiology team in providing you with personalized and specialized care.
Wong saw one of the first open heart surgeries performed at UCSF Medical Center and has been here during times of rapid and momentous growth. She participated in establishing UCSF's Cardiology Division, which sets the standard for treating heart disease throughout the world through its research, and she witnessed the beginning of the Electrophysiology Service. Wong spent 11 years in the Coronary Care Unit taking care of patients with acute myocardial infarctions, cardiomyopathies and life-threatening arrhythmias.
In 1990, Wong started to work in the Electrophysiology Service as our clinical research nurse. She participated and coordinated the care of patients enrolling in a variety of trials and various drug studies. In 1993, she became the first electrophysiology arrhythmia nurse coordinator. Wong and Dr. Michael D. Lesh wrote the brochure, "The UCSF Arrhythmia Program: A Patient's Guide to Electrophysiology Study and Catheter Ablation."
Wong received her nursing degree from UCSF, working in the medical center's neurology, ophthalmology and pediatric services, as well as at Stanford Hospital's pediatric cancer ward.
Other Experts Nancy Campanile, office managerUpon joining our unit in 1993, Office Manager Nancy Campanile brought with her 20 years experience in the medical field including 15 in cardiology. As well as overseeing the daily functions and operations of our office, she manages our data processing and information systems. She recently received her degree in computer science and is certified as professional coder by the American Academy of Professional Coders. Campanile received the Department of Medicine's Outstanding Performance Award in June 1997 and in June 2001. Valerie Carp, technicianValerie Carp is the electrophysiology technician in the Arrhythmia and Device Clinic. Originally from a regional cardiac center in the United Kingdom, Carp has specialized in device follow-up since 1992. Jonathan Leff, administrative assistantJonathan Leff is the administrative assistant to Dr. Jeffrey Olgin and he is the coordinator of the UCSF Electrophysiology Outreach Program. He has been with UCSF since 1997 and previously worked in the kidney transplant service. Felicitas Molinas, admissions coordinatorFelicitas Molinas began working for the medical center in 1980 in the EKG Department. In 1984, she joined the electrophysiology team as our admissions coordinator. She received awards for outstanding performance in 1986 and in 1996. Ann Seley, administrative assistantSeley is the administrative assistant to Dr. Melvin Scheinman and Dr. Randall Lee. She joined UCSF Electrophysiology in 1997.
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