UP Health System – Marquette Welcomes New Providers and Expands Electrophysiology Services in the Upper Peninsula

Providing essential, high-quality heart and vascular care close to home

UP Health System – Marquette, a Duke Lifepoint Hospital and Duke Health Affiliate, is pleased to reintroduce and welcome electrophysiologists Brian Jaffe, MD; Daniel Buerkel, MD; and Matthew Fedor, MD; to the Heart and Vascular team.

Your heart generally has a predictable, steady rhythm. But sometimes the rhythm can become irregular, a condition called an arrhythmia. Your heart might beat too fast or too slow. You could feel like your heart is skipping a beat or adding extra beats. When that happens, your doctor may refer you to a specialist called a cardiac electrophysiologist.

Electrophysiologist Brian Jaffe, MD, is board certified in cardiology and electrophysiology and has been in practice for nearly 30 years in the northern Michigan area. He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, followed by an internal medicine internship and residency stint at the University of North Carolina.

“I practiced in Traverse City, MI, for 27 years where I was proud to start the electrophysiology program. Now I’m thrilled to be practicing at UP Health System and living in Marquette, and helping Upper Peninsula residents identify and treat their heart rhythm issues.”

Electrophysiologist Daniel Buerkel, MD, is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and electrophysiology and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He attended medical school at Wayne State University School of Medicine, followed by a residency and fellowship at the University of Michigan.

“As a Michigan native and outdoor enthusiast, it is my pleasure to bring my experience in cardiac electrophysiology to UP Health System. As a physician, I strive to treat each patient as the unique individual they are, focusing on clear communication to ensure the best expectations and outcomes.”

Electrophysiologist Matthew Fedor, MD, is board certified in cardiology and electrophysiology and has been practicing for more than 20 years. He attended Washington University School of Medicine, followed by a cardiology residency and electrophysiology fellowship at New York University.

“I love Marquette because of its beautiful nature, easy access to mountain biking and skiing, and the very nice small-town vibe, and am grateful to be practicing at UP Health System. My main focus is safe and effective care, which translates into more successful outcomes for my patients.”

“I’m incredibly proud of our organization’s commitment to providing evidence-based, world-class heart and vascular services right here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” said Gar Atchison, CEO of UP Health System – Marquette and Market President for UP Health System. “Because of the rural nature of our region, these services are absolutely critical for our residents and visitors and will—without a doubt—be lifesaving for many.”

The electrophysiology laboratory at UP Health System – Marquette is equipped with the latest technology to diagnose and treat an array of abnormal heart rhythm conditions. Our team specializes in heart arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, electrophysiology studies, cardiac ablation, pacemaker insertion, cardiac resynchronization therapy, complex lead extraction, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, syncope, as well as performing specialized procedures such as LARIAT and WATCHMAN. The state-of-the-art facility is the only one of its kind in the region.

When should I see an electrophysiologist?

If your heartbeat is too slow (less than 60 beats per minute), too fast (more than 100 beats per minute), or irregular, an electrophysiologist can help find the cause and recommend treatment.

You also might be referred to an electrophysiologist if you receive a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Electrophysiologists use their training to diagnose and treat a number of conditions, including:

• Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm
• Bradycardia, when the heart beats too slow
• Tachycardia, when the heart beats too fast
• Sudden cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly stops
• Supraventricular tachycardia, a sudden and very fast heartbeat
• Ventricular tachycardia, a very fast heartbeat
• Ventricular fibrillation, a fluttering of the heart muscle
• Heart failure, when the heart has difficulty pumping an adequate amount of blood to the rest of the body
• Cardiac channel diseases, inherited cardiac diseases caused by mutations in genes

The full UP Health System – Marquette Heart & Vascular team provides cardiovascular services including general cardiology, diagnostic testing, diagnostic and interventional cardiology, clinical research, electrophysiology, rehabilitation, vascular care, structural heart procedures, and open-heart surgery. As a Duke Health Affiliate for Heart & Vascular care, UP Health System – Marquette collaborates with the Duke Heart Network to optimize patient outcomes, promote evidence-based medicine, improve community health, and facilitate access to clinical research.

For more information about heart and vascular services at UP Health System – Marquette or to take our free heart health assessment, visit UPHealthSytstem.com/Heart-Vascular. Need a provider? Call 844.411.UPHS (8747) or visit UPHealthSystem.com and click on the Find a Provider tab.