20 Years of Heart: Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence in Electrophysiology
Southcoast Health 
Twenty years ago, a small team with a bold idea began a journey that would transform heart care for patients in the South Coast region. The Electrophysiology (EP) Program started with the aid of the late physician, Brian McGovern, MD, who mentored Southcoast Health physician, Peter Cohn, MD, now Chief of Southcoast Health Heart & Vascular, for two years.
Electrophysiology is a type of cardiology that specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation (AFib), where irregular electrical signals cause the heart to beat unevenly. When the heart’s electrical system is not working correctly, it can increase the risk of serious health problems, such as stroke.
A Program Built from a Vision
With just a handful of doctors and a shared belief that patients in their community deserved the same level of care as big city institutions, a hybrid program launched in 2005 in conjunction with Mass General Brigham in Boston. As the program evolved, it became clear that there was a need for an onsite EP program at Southcoast Health. In 2012, an official EP care center was formed, and in 2014 Ramin Davoudi, MD, Medical Director of Electrophysiology at Southcoast Health, began leading the program and guiding it into its next phase.
Ramin Davoudi, MD – Building from the Ground Up
“When I joined in 2012, we were just starting to build the EP team. Our first complex ablation in 2013 was performed with just one operating room, but even then, our team spirit was incredible. Since then, we’ve grown into a program that rivals big-city centers while staying deeply connected to our community. I think that’s because we can quickly adopt new technology, which has been one of our greatest strengths.”
The program’s growth has been marked by a series of important milestones. Over the years, the EP Program has performed the first-in-the-nation, life-changing cardioneuroablation procedure and a first-in-the-region procedure with a novel atrial fibrillation treatment – helping establish standards of care for heart rhythm disorders. It has also played a role in introducing other innovative AFib therapies that have since become best practice.
Arnoldas Giedrimas, MD – Milestones in Technology and Research
“The 20th anniversary is a great time to reflect on how far we’ve come. Since I joined in 2013, the growth in technology and the program has been extraordinary. We’re offering more advanced AFib treatments while providing the same personalized care. What excites me most is how Southcoast Health continues to push the boundaries of research and innovation in electrophysiology. There’s been so much technological change in the last few years and we have been at the forefront of this research and advancements.”
Nitesh Sood, MD – A Program That Grew with Him
“Professionally, the program means so much to me. I joined 12 years ago and have watched it flourish into one of the top programs in the Northeast. Personally, I’ve grown right alongside it – this program has been such a major part of my life. We’ve been part of cases that only leading centers are invited to participate in, and none of it would be possible without the incredible team and coordination that goes into every single case.”
Peter Cohn, MD – From Vision to Reality
“The EP Program was built through a lot of dedication and effort and today it’s a world-class program at Southcoast Health,” said Peter Cohn, MD. “We’ve touched so many lives, and that’s only been possible thanks to the support of Southcoast Health leadership – past and present – who believed in this vision. The clinical growth we’ve achieved is remarkable, and seeing the program become what it is today brings me great satisfaction.”
A Vital Partner: Echocardiography’s Role in EP
Electrophysiology relies heavily on imaging, especially echocardiography, to safely guide and navigate areas of the heart during procedures. The real-time ultrasound imaging ensures precision, safety, and the ability to perform complex cases.
Christopher Abadi, MD, FACC – Imaging that Elevates Every Procedure
“The 20th anniversary of the EP program is a remarkable milestone that began with an external partnership and has grown into its own robust program. Our echocardiography team is proud to play a role in the success and safety of our EP cases, offering important support for many of the procedures. The collaboration across these teams is both essential and incredibly rewarding.”
Looking to the Future
As electrophysiology continues to evolve with new advancements in Artificial Intelligence, robotics and imaging, the future of the program looks stronger than ever with plans already underway for expanded facilities in 2026, continued research collaboration and investment in next-generation technology.
At Southcoast Health Heart & Vascular, the technology will keep changing, but our mission stays the same – to give every patient the best possible care, close to home, by a dedicated and compassionate team.
