In 1994, Robert Sheppard, MD, FACC, FHRS brought to the Heart Institute a new era of expertise by developing the cardiac electrophysiology department and currently serves as director of cardiac electrophysiology & pacing. He developed the first cardiac electrophysiology laboratory in St. Petersburg, FL and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. He performed the first catheter ablation and implanted the first cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator/pacemaker in St. Petersburg, FL.
Dr. Sheppard received his undergraduate degree from S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, N.Y. He obtained his medical degree from New York Medical College - Valhalla, N.Y. and completed his fellowship training in both cardiology and electrophysiology & pacing at Hahnemann University - Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Sheppard was an assistant professor of medicine at Hahnemann University before moving to Florida and served as clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of South Florida. He is board certified in internal medicine, Cardiologys and clinical cardiac electrophysiology.
Dr. Sheppard is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society. He has written many publications for a variety of peer reviewed journals, textbook chapters and pursues his interest in research by participating in numerous previous and current clinical research trials.
In 2007, 2009 and 2011 Dr. Sheppard was the only Cardiology specialist in Pinellas County named to the list of America?s Best Doctors.