A Journey Shaped by Curiosity and Collaboration
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We had the privilege of meeting with Prof. Dr. Jan De Pooter at the Cardiology Department of the University Hospital in Ghent, Belgium.
Our conversation focused on the rapid pace of technological development and its impact on clinical practice. In the evolving field of cardiac electrophysiology (EP), physicians face increasing pressure to balance clinical responsibilities with continuous skill development. To explore this dynamic, Prof. Dr. Jan De Pooter shares his perspective, drawing from a career that spans clinical practice, academic research, and active involvement in simulation-based training.
After completing his cardiology training, Prof. De Pooter’s interest in electrophysiology was clear from the start. “I knew quite early that I wanted to work in EP - and I really wanted to do both EP and devices,” he recalls. His professional path began in Ghent, where he completed his residency and stayed on as a young specialist. Later, driven by a desire to broaden his experience, he moved to Bruges for a two-year fellowship at a major EP center. “Bruges was a fantastic experience,” he explains. “It gave me exposure to different techniques and a chance to learn from very skilled colleagues.” After returning to Ghent, he secured a permanent position and began combining clinical work with research - completing a PhD focused on biventricular pacing (CRT). This combination of devices and ablation shaped his integrated perspective on electrophysiology. “Here, EP physicians take care of both the devices and the ablations,” he notes. “That gives you the full spectrum of pacing and electrophysiology. When conduction system pacing came along, it felt like the perfect combination.”
Prof. De Pooter describes today’s EP landscape as one of unprecedented technological acceleration. “Technology is advancing at a speed we’ve never seen before,” he says. “Conduction system pacing has only been around for about five years, yet it’s already becoming mainstream. The same applies to ablation - everything is evolving so fast, and there are so many new players on the market.”
While these innovations open remarkable possibilities, they also create challenges for physicians trying to stay current. “It’s hard to keep up,” he admits. “That’s why training is not only essential for the next generation but also for those already working in the field. We all need dedicated time to train - and that’s not always easy to find.”
The tension between clinical workload and ongoing education is a recurring theme in Prof. De Pooter’s reflections. “You have to do your clinical work, but you also need time to learn new techniques,” he explains. “In university hospitals, we’re often more open to innovation, but time is still limited.”
For him, structured and focused training programs are key: “Well-organized courses where, in just a few days, you can grasp the essence of new technologies and get hands-on practice - that’s incredibly valuable.”
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Prof. De Pooter is a strong advocate for simulation-based training, particularly for younger physicians. “Simulation provides a safe environment to learn,” he emphasizes. “It allows you to make mistakes, repeat procedures, and get feedback without any risk to patients. Fellows are always eager to get their hands on simulators.”
Having collaborated with Mentice on several simulation projects, including models for His bundle pacing, left bundle branch pacing, and transseptal puncture, he has seen firsthand how realistic simulation can enhance understanding. “When we worked on the pacing simulator software, we wanted to reproduce not just the technical handling but also how the ECG changes as you advance the lead,” he explains. “That level of detail makes the experience both educational and engaging.” He adds that simulation is particularly effective in supporting fellows’ progress: “As a senior physician, you monitor your own performance - fluoroscopy time, procedure duration, outcomes. But for fellows, simulation helps visualize their learning curve. It’s a powerful tool for building confidence and competence.”
Prof. De Pooter believes collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for driving progress. “The real innovations are coming from industry,” he says. “As academics, we validate and evaluate new technologies, but industry leads development. Staying connected with companies ensures access to the latest tools and training - and that’s how I first became involved in His bundle pacing and simulation development.”
This partnership, he stresses, can and should remain objective and ethical. “You can work closely with industry in a responsible way. It’s about advancing patient care and improving outcomes.”
As an active member of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), Prof. De Pooter also highlights the organization’s importance in unifying the EP community and standardizing training. “EHRA plays a major role in connecting people across Europe and offering structured certification and education programs,” he says. “That kind of coordination is essential - but accessibility is equally important. Training and exams should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford high fees.”
For Prof. De Pooter, the future of electrophysiology depends on a shared commitment to learning, openness to innovation, and responsible use of technology. “Simulation and continuous education are not just for beginners,” he concludes. “They’re for all of us - because in this field, we never stop learning.”
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