Dr. Refai Showkathali is a senior interventional cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, with over 24 years of experience and extensive training in the UK. He has performed numerous complex coronary and structural heart procedures, including TAVI, TMVR, and zero-contrast PCI. His pioneering work in laser angioplasty, renal denervation, and left atrial appendage closure positions him among India's leading experts in structural and interventional cardiology. He also contributes academically as an Adjunct Professor at AHERF and an MRCP examiner for the Royal College of Physicians, London.
Educational Qualifications:
- MBBS
- MRCP (UK): Member of the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom
- FRCP (London): Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London
- CCT in Cardiology (UK): Certificate of Completion of Training in Cardiology, United Kingdom
- FACC (USA): Fellow of the American College of Cardiology
- FESC (Europe): Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology
- Fellowship in TAVI (London): Specialized training in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Professional Experience:
- Currently Working as Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals Greams road Chennai
- SEPT 2013 - JUNE 2014: Interventional Cardiologist The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, Essex, UK
- OCT 2012 - SEPT 2013: Post CCT Senior TAVI/Structural Interventional FellowKing’s College Hospital, London.
- AUG 2007 - OCT 2012: Specialist Training (ST) rotation – Cardiology (Intervention) East of England Deanery
Notable Achievements
- Pioneered the concept of Zero (Ultra-low) Contrast PCI in patients with kidney disease in India
- Performed the first Renal Denervation (RDN) procedure with Simplicity catheter in Tamil Nadu
- Adjunct Professor at Apollo Hospitals Educational and Research Foundation (AHERF)
- Examiner for MRCP PACES clinical exam conducted by the Royal College of Physicians, London
Professional Memberships:
- British Cardiovascular society (BCS)
- British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS)
- European Association of Percutaneous cardiovascular intervention (EAPCI)
- American Heart Association (AHA)
Fellowships:
- FRCP (London) – Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London
- FACC (USA) – Fellow of the American College of Cardiology
- FESC (Europe) – Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology
- Fellowship in TAVI (London) – Specialized Fellowship in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, King’s College Hospital, London