A Message from Andrea M. Russo, MD, Chair of the ABIM Cardiovascular Board

The ABIM community was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Dr. David E. Haines, Chair of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Approval Committee, on February 10, 2024. Dr. Haines was a nationally recognized leader in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders. In addition to certification in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, he was certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology (CCEP), earning that certification in 1992, the first year it was available. Most recently, he was Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and Director of the Heart Rhythm Center at Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, Michigan. A dedicated educator, Dr. Haines was formerly Director of the CCEP Fellowship Program at Beaumont; earlier in his career, he also directed both the CCEP and Cardiovascular Fellowship programs at the University of Virginia, where he had completed his own cardiology training. He was also an innovator in the field, with his most notable contributions in the arena of catheter ablation, including his more recent work on pulsed field ablation.

He was honored by selection as a fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society and the American College of Cardiology, and served in many leadership roles at both organizations.

Dr. Haines was a valued contributor to ABIM’s work, serving as a member and then Chair of the Cardiovascular Board Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Exam Committee from 2014 through 2021, and then as Chair of the CCEP Approval Committee since 2022. In addition to his vast expertise in the field of clinical cardiac electrophysiology, he brought a clear and consistent voice that provided strong leadership to the vital work of developing the CCEP exam. During periods of change and challenge, Dr. Haines kept us focused on fulfilling our mission effectively. We were proud to feature an interview with him on the ABIM Blog in 2022.

That Dr. Haines was a devoted clinician was abundantly clear to all who worked with him. His patient work always came first, and he reminded all of us that patients must always be our north star.

Dr. Haines’ expertise and commitment to his patients made us all strive to do better. His warmth and kindness made us want to learn from each other, work collaboratively and grow continually toward an ideal that blends the best of knowledge, technical skill and commitment to patients. This is the legacy he leaves us at ABIM. While we mourn the loss of this remarkable colleague, we are grateful for his many contributions. The CCEP Approval Committee, the Cardiovascular Board and the staff at ABIM will all work to honor his legacy.

Andrea M. Russo, MD
Chair, ABIM Cardiovascular Board