Dr Sarah Clarke

I have been a Consultant Cardiologist at Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, for 16 years and whilst a general cardiologist my subspecialty interest is coronary intervention ie coronary stenting to relieve angina and treat acute heart attacks. I am also trained in specialised techniques to treat calcified and chronically blocked (occluded) arteries. My results are exemplary when compared to national standards. I see adult patients with all cardiac conditions and those requesting screening/advice and follow guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology, British Cardiovascular Society and NICE.

I specialise in coronary angiography and intervention (angioplasty and stenting) for coronary artery disease. I use imaging techniques to guide the appropriateness of intervention where benefit not clear. With a colleague, I undertake complex coronary intervention including rotablation for hardened (calcified) arteries and, in particular, for chronically occluded arteries. We work together as a team using latest techniques to open these vessels. We have exemplary outcomes.

In the early years of my career I performed a significant volume of procedures annually - up to 750 coronary interventional procedures in a year. Due to acute interventional rotas and the increasing complexity of some of the procedures I now undertake around 250 coronary interventional procedures in a year which is still considered high volume, more than the national average, and with exemplary outcomes.

I am a highly experienced coronary intervention operator and am able to draw on all imaging, assessment and treatment modalities available to treat coronary artery disease, even the most complex of cases. Please note that complex cases are always discussed in a multi-disciplinary team to explore all treatment options.

Clinical Lead for the Cardiology Day Ward at Royal Papworth Hospital, improving patient experience as we move to the New Hospital. Chair of the Media Committee, European Society of Cardiology (ESC) - managing interactions with the press and social media. In this role I am a member of the Board of the ESC. I Chair the International Centres of Excellence programme for the American College of Cardiology (ACC). 

I am Editor in Chief to Education in Heart which is part of the Heart Journal (a BMJ publication). This is an international peer reviewed journal, with impact factor 6.059.

I am the immediate Past President of the British Cardiovascular Society and am now a Trustee of the British Heart Foundation, Councillor at RCP (London), European Representative at Assembly of International Governors of the ACC, Chair of ACC International Centres of Excellence Programme, Chair of Media Committee and member of the Board of the ESC. I am National Cardiology Lead for the 'Get It Right First Time', GIRFT programme and Cardiology lead for the Cambridge and Peterborough System Transformation Programme. Both aim to improve quality of care, reducing variation across centres and operators whilst being cost effective. I am Clinical Director for Strategic Development at Royal Papworth Hospital.

I was delighted to be appointed a Trustee of the British Heart Foundation, commencing October 2018.

In 2018, I was honored to be awarded the International Service Award from the President of the American College of Cardiology, in recognition of outstanding contribution to enhancing cardiovascular care and education globally. I have been awarded a competitive grant from the European Society Cardiology to attend a prestigious 'Women Transforming Leadership' programme at the Said Business School in Oxford, October 2018.