Douglas N. Gibson MD, FHRS

Douglas Gibson, MD, specializes in the advanced care of patients suffering from arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia. He is an expert in catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the abnormal heart cells that cause arrhythmias.

Another area of expertise includes performing left atrial appendage occlusion, a minimally invasive procedure that closes off a small portion of the heart where blood clots form in patients with atrial fibrillation. This procedure allows patients to be safely removed from blood-thinning medications while remaining at low risk for stroke. He is also experienced in the implantation of pacemakers, internal defibrillators, and biventricular defibrillators.

Dr. Gibson conducts clinical research involving ablation of cardiac arrhythmias and alternatives to blood thinners for patients with atrial fibrillation. This is an excellent way for his patients to gain access to groundbreaking technology that may not be widely available. Dr. Gibson is one of the investigators that participated in clinical trials involving the Watchman device for left atrial appendage occlusion. He has also been involved with trials of advanced ablation technology for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

In addition to his training in internal medicine and general cardiology, Dr. Gibson spent two additional years receiving advanced training in cardiac electrophysiology and is a fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society. Currently, he serves as the director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory at Scripps Clinic and is the co-director of the Section of Electrophysiology. He is also the director of an annual conference that brings together experts to focus on the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gibson has been the recipient of many honors and awards, including being named a Top Doctor by the San Diego County Medical Society. He was also the recipient of a service excellence award from the Health Network Foundation, an international foundation that refers patients to top specialists in their respective fields.

Dr. Gibson believes in providing patient care in a coordinated, cohesive and caring environment. He feels that it is a privilege to work with a comprehensive group of Scripps physicians, nurses, administrators, and support staff, who together, strive to deliver quality care to his patients.