Paulus Kirchhof MD

Professor Paulus Kirchhof is Deputy Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK. His appointment includes a position as consultant cardiologist at SWBH NHS and UHB NHS trusts. He has worked on several guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology including as chair of the 2016 ESC guidelines for atrial fibrillation.

Professor Kirchhof chairs the board of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), is a member of the Board of the European Heart Rhythm Association, and sits on the board of the European Society of Cardiology.

Professor Kirchhof researches mechanisms and management of cardiovascular diseases with a special interest in atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathies. He has published > 250 peer reviewed papers. He leads a translational research group in Birmingham that works across the university and its major NHS partners (UHB and SWBH). He also has a long-standing experience in the planning and conduct of international multi-centre investigator-initiated trials, including work as Chief Investigator, steering committee member, and data monitoring committee member.

His research is funded by British Heart Foundation, Leducq Foundation, European Union, and others. Working closely with international collaborators, his research group uses genetically modified models, controlled clinical trials and trial data bases, imaging data and biosamples from trial participants, and observational cohorts in a translational team approach to science and health care. He uses these resources to improve the management of patients with atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathies, to develop personalized therapies for AF patients, and to improve cardiovascular health in general.

Professor Kirchhof is an enthusiastic teacher, regular supervisor for MD and PhD students (over 20 completed MD and PhD degrees), and a sought-after speaker. He helps to coordinate cardiovascular curricula in Medicine and post-graduate courses in cardiovascular medicine, contributes to major textbooks in the field, and serves as educational supervisor for medicine and cardiology trainees in Birmingham.

Professor Kirchhof runs a large atrial fibrillation service based at SWBH NHS trust and coordinates the interdisciplinary Inherited Cardiac Conditions Clinic at UHB NHS trust.