Piedmont Healthcare’s Thomas Deering, M.D., Chief of the Arrhythmia Center, Chairman of the Clinical Centers for Excellence and Chief Quality Officer for Piedmont Heart Institute in Atlanta, was named president of the prestigious Heart Rhythm Society at the organization’s 39th Annual Scientific Sessions on May 11 in Boston.

Dr. Deering, who joined Piedmont in 1989, has served in a variety of volunteer leadership roles with HRS, including heading the annual scientific sessions, the largest arrhythmia meeting in the world with more than 12,000 attendees.

HRS is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients with members in more than 70 countries. HRS works to improve the care of patients by advancing research, optimal health care policies and standards. As president, Dr. Deering will facilitate the society’s strategic plan, mission and vision, with a focus on education efforts, patient advocacy, advancing quality programs and developing new talent.

“We at Piedmont have known for a long time what an excellent cardiologist Tom is, but now this international honor will help the rest of the world to know as well,” said Charles L. Brown III, M.D., CEO of Piedmont Healthcare’s Physician Enterprise. “His work is emblematic of the high-quality, cutting-edge care that Piedmont Heart Institute provides for its patients. We are proud of him and congratulate him on the appointment.”

Dr. Deering’s leadership roles with HRS and Piedmont benefit both organizations.

“With access to key opinion leaders in the field of cardiac pacing and electrophysiology around the world, we can take those best practices to use at Piedmont,” Dr. Deering said. “HRS has affiliations with all the major cardiology organizations around the globe, and by doing advocacy efforts together, Piedmont becomes front and center, helping us grow our influence and reputation.”

Dr. Deering has participated in a number of arrhythmia research trials and remains active in cardiac arrhythmia research. He serves as a reviewer for several major cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology journals and has authored or co-authored numerous articles on a variety of arrhythmia-related topics. He also has served as a speaker and moderator at many national and international cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology meetings.

Dr. Deering's primary area of interest is centered upon the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias and the treatment and education of patients with cardiac arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Dr. Deering also is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians.