What must be a loss for Wales has become a gain for Christchurch with the arrival of Consultant Cardiologist Geoff Clare to the Christchurch Heart Institute team.
“We are delighted to welcome Geoff to our team. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in electrophysiology – disorders of the electrical activity of the heart – which will contribute greatly to the overall picture in many of our heart studies,” said Professor Richard Troughton.
Dr Clare went to medical school in Auckland and undertook his Cardiology specialty training in Christchurch, the last two years of which was as a clinical fellow in devices and electrophysiology. He has spent the last six years based in Cardiff. This initially involved further clinical fellowships at the University Hospital of Wales and then at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. For the last three years he has been working as a Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist based at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Wales.
“Working in the UK has given me great experience in my specialist area. I worked with a lot of different consultants, which enhanced my knowledge and expertise. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring this to Christchurch where we have a very modern and innovative Cardiology Department.”
While overseas, Dr Clare was actively involved in teaching at the Cardiff School of Medicine, something he has always been interested in.
“Once settled in here in Christchurch the plan is that I will be convening the fourth year cardiorespiratory attachment. My role is actually partly CHI, partly University of Otago teaching and also working for the CDHB as a Consultant Cardiologist – so it's varied and interesting.”
He currently works with Professor Troughton on established studies but has his sights set on developing his own studies on atrial fibrillation.
“I'm interested in looking at new technologies for monitoring and diagnosing atrial fibrillation, as well as potentially, biomarkers to evaluate risks of stroke and disease progression in atrial fibrillation.”
Dr Clare's wife, who is Welsh – hence the link to Wales - has also joined the CDHB as a respiratory physician with a specialist interest in interstitial lung disease.
“The move back to NZ from Wales has worked really well for us as a family, including our three young children who are settling well. They were at a Welsh-speaking school where they were taught in Welsh, so schooling is different for them here, but they are enjoying it so far. And we will be exchanging camping holidays in France for camping holidays in stunning New Zealand – what could be better?”