Over the years that we practice medicine, all doctors build up a mental list of tips or “pearls.” These are pointers, typically not seen in journal articles or books, that color the way we practice. Many of these tips were passed down during our training; some we learn from our colleagues. Still others are original creations. As a private practice (and now hospital employed) electrophysiologist, I infrequently have the opportunity to share my tips with other physicians. When EP Lab Digest^® offered me the opportunity to write, I thought I’d brainstorm a list of these “lessons learned” with a focus on my passion — cardiac device implantation and follow up. 

I hope you find these tips informative and at times provocative. Forgive me if some of this is too obvious. I welcome any input from the readers. Please feel free to comment or contact me on Twitter at @EJSMD. I look forward to hearing your feedback.