• Can you tell me about yourself and your job role.

I am a Consultant Cardiologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer at King’s College Hospital in South London. I specialise in heart failure and inflammatory heart diseases such as myocarditis, and lead a dedicated myocarditis clinic. My time is split evenly between clinical and academia. My research interests are predominantly in the field of cardio-immunology, including the regulation of inflammation after a heart attack and how this can be manipulated to prevent progression to heart failure.

• Can you tell me why you are speaking at Acute & General Medicine, what you will be speaking about and a sneak preview of your session.

Speaking at Acute & General Medicine is a great opportunity to discuss the latest evidence in cardiology with a general medical audience. I’ll be speaking about myocarditis, with emphasis on some of the controversies, such as its definition(s) and why we have so few available therapies.

• Why is this topic important to be speaking about?

Myocarditis is an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with chest pain, breathlessness or arrhythmia. Research is hampered by challenges with definition, but there are key clinical features to look out for to help guide management.

• What are you looking forward to at Acute & General Medicine 2022?

I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues from a range of specialties, and sharing some of my expertise in an area of cardiology I’m passionate about.