ProfessorMedicine Adjunct ProfessorBioengineering Section Chief, Cardiac ElectrophysiologyDirector, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology FellowshipAttending Physician, University of Washington Medical CenterFaculty Information Biography Dr. Akoum is the director of the UW atrial fibrillation program and an associate professor of medicine. In addition to his vast expertise in catheter ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, he is also an expert in cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. Dr. Akoum conducts research aimed at matching patients with atrial fibrillation to the best treatment option. This personalized approach includes selecting the best candidates for catheter ablation and choosing the ablation approach, novel drugs, and devices to treat the arrythmia and associated stroke risk. Dr. Akoum is a native of Lebanon and earned his undergraduate degree in Mathematics as well as his medical degree from the American University of Beirut. He came to the United States in 2002 and trained in internal medicine at Indiana University, and cardioloy and cardiac electrophysiology at the Universtiy of Utah. He was on faculty at the University of Utah for five years before joining UW. Dr. Akoum is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the Rhythm Society, as well as the European Rhythm Association. Education & Training: MS in Clinical InvestigationUniversity of UtahSalt Lake City, UT2011 Chief Cardiovascular Disease FellowUniversity of UtahSalt Lake City, UT2007-2008 MDAmerican University of BeirutBeirut, Lebanon2001 BS in MathematicsAmerican University of BeirutBeirut, Lebanon1997 Honors: University of Washington Cardiology Teaching Excellence Award2016-2017 Northwestern Cardiovascular Young Investigators Forum Finalist2012 Heart Rhythm Society Young Investigator Competition Finalist, Honorable Mention2012 Research Scholar in Translational Comparative Effectiveness Research2011 Northwestern Cardiovascular Young Investigators Forum, Third Place2011 Fellow of the Year, University of Utah, Division of Cardiology2008 Housestaff Teaching Award Nominee, University of Utah, Internal Medicine Department2007 Graduating Resident of the Year Nominee, Indiana University2005 Resident Research Award, Indiana University, Department of Medicine, First Prize2004 Contact Mailing Address: University of Washington Medical Center 1959 NE Pacific Street Box 356422 Seattle, WA 98195-6422 Non-Clinical Administrative Support Contact: Lori Joubert ljoubert@cardiology.washington.edu For appointments or other clinical matters, please contact the Heart Institute. Research & Clinical Interests Research Interests: Cryptogenic Stroke Embolic Stroke of Unknown Source Catheter Ablation Outcomes Imaging in Electrophysiology Clinical Interests: Atrial fibrillation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiologic Diagnosis and Therapy Cardiovascular Disease Publications PubMed: PubMed Bibliography