Get to know Dr. Susan Etheridge

 

What caused you to enter this field?
I was very impressed when I was a medical student by how rapidly the field was moving and how things were changing so quickly.

What are you most excited about in current research?
The bench-to-bedside opportunities for the patients and cardiologists. Patients can really participate in research and that research can turn around and improve patient care.

What’s a patient story that sticks with you?
My first LQTS patient was a little bitty girl who is a 26-year-old woman now, and was 4 or 5 when she came in with episodes of seizures unresponsive to medication. Once we were able to treat her with an ICD and beta blockers, she’s never had an ICD shock or event.

Why are you involved with the SADS Foundation?
The team has brought together true thinkers and clinicians in the field and made them part of the foundation, the international conferences, and the scientific board. I’m more impressed every year by how much visibility this organization has among patients and the medical community.

SADS is my advocacy – it’s that arm of my career. It has given back to me and given a great deal to my patients. I would encourage everyone who’s reading this to get involved with the SADS Foundation.