Electrophysiologist is one of only three in Central East LHIN

Dec. 14, 2010 - Arrhythmia management services at Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) have grown with the addition of a new electrophysiologist (EP), Dr. Bhavanesh Makanjee.

EPs are cardiologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal rhythms of the heart. Dr. Makanjee has started seeing patients at both of RVHS’ two hospital campuses in east Toronto and west Durham.

“We are pleased that Dr. Makanjee has joined our cardiac care program. His special skills support the growth of the program, giving our patients the treatment they need close to home. Dr. Makanjee builds on our commitment to leadership in cardiac care,” says Dr. Joe Ricci, medical director, cardiac care program, RVHS.

RVHS offers a comprehensive pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrilator (ICD) service, which consists of evaluation, implantation and follow-up for ongoing management of patients and their pacemakers or ICD devices. Other arrhythmia management services include: electrophysiology studies and ablations; Holter monitoring (24 and 48 hour); continuous loop recorder and electrocardiograms. RVHS arrhythmia management services can be accessed through the arrhythmia clinic located at the Rouge Valley Centenary campus.

Before the addition of Dr. Makanjee, RVHS could only provide services for a portion of arrhythmia patients in the region. Many patients previously had to travel to other healthcare facilities for this care.

RVHS electrophysiologist Dr. Amir Janmohamed says, “We hope to continue to increase the number of cardiac electrophysiological procedures that we carry out locally, in keeping with our desire to provide care for our patients close to where they live and work.”

Dr. Makanjee says, “I’m committed to my patients, and passionate about the arrhythmia services offered in the cardiac program. Electrophysiology is a team sport, and there are very exciting times ahead in terms of what we’ll be doing.”

Originally from South Africa, Dr. Makanjee is one of only three EPs in the Central East Local Health Integration Network (CE LHIN). It is RVHS’ leadership in arrhythmia management, and the growth of the program that attracted Dr. Makanjee to the community hospital. “I felt that Rouge Valley was on the cusp of developing an exciting arrhythmia service. This role allows me to practice my skills in complex device implantation, and to practice a variety of arrhythmia skills,” says Dr. Makanjee.

Dr. Makanjee completed his undergraduate degree and clinical training at the University of Natal’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, South Africa. Dr. Makanjee was a senior cardiology resident in cardiology at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, home of the world’s first cardiac transplant. He has also worked as an internist at the following United Kingdom hospitals: Weston General Hospital, North Somerset, England; Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Kent, England; Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, England; and Mid Ulster Hospital, Northern Ireland.

He also has post-graduate degrees in internal medicine and cardiology in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Canada and has received various scholarships and academic awards. Most recently, Dr. Makanjee completed his clinical and research cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at University Hospital, part of London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario.

Dr. Makanjee is married and has two children: a seven-year-old daughter; and five-year-old son.

Rouge Valley Cardiac Care

As the designated regional cardiac centre for Scarborough and Durham, Rouge Valley's cardiac care program is home to a comprehensive range of cardiac services. Everyday at its two hospital campuses, a highly-qualified and experienced staff and physician team deliver excellent cardiac care to patients from local and surrounding communities. Learn more about the cardiac care program.

Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) — The best at what we do.

RVHS is an excellent acute care community hospital with many programs, including 24/7/365 emergency, cardiac care and mental health. Rouge Valley consists of several health sites, including two community hospital campuses: Rouge Valley Centenary in east Toronto; and Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering in west Durham. Together, a team of physicians (224 general practitioners and 325 specialists), 1,000 nurses and many other professionals care for a broad spectrum of health conditions. Working in consultation and partnership with community members, other hospitals, health care organizations, the Central East Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Rouge Valley continues to improve its programs and cater to the needs of the growing communities of east Toronto, Ajax, Pickering and Whitby.

Contact

David Brazeau
Director
Public Affairs and Community Relations
Rouge Valley Health System
647-294-8885
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