Dr. Andrew Epstein
Medical Oncologist
1 Podcast on BackTable
Dr. Andrew Epstein is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York.
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Episode # 439 • 25 Dec 2025
Atrial Fibrillation: Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs in the Management of Atrial Arrhythmias
CardioNerds (Dr. Colin Blumenthal, Dr. Kelly Arps, and Dr. Natalie Marrero) discuss anti-arrhythmic drugs in the management of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter with electrophysiologist Dr. Andrew Epstein. We discuss two major classes of anti-arrhythmic drugs, class IC and class III, as well as digoxin. Dr. Epstein explains their mechanisms of action, indications and specific patient populations in which they would be particularly helpful, efficacy, adverse side effects, contraindications, and key drug-drug interactions. We also elaborate on defining clinical trials and their clinical implications. Given the large burden of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in our patient population and the high prevalence of anti-arrhythmic drug use, this episode is sure to be applicable to many practicing physicians and trainees. Audio editing by CardioNerds academy intern, Grace Qiu.
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About
Dr. Andrew Epstein is a board-certified medical oncologist caring primarily for patients with pancreas, biliary, esophagogastric, colon, and other gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Epstein works closely with a team of surgeons, radiation therapists, and other specialists to provide the best treatment and individualized care for each patient with these diseases.
Dr. Epstein's research focuses on improving the delivery of care to patients and their families by optimally integrating cancer care with palliative medicine, which is a medical specialty aimed at reducing distress and maximizing quality living for people with serious illnesses like cancer.
In an effort to improve his ability to communicate with and help patients with their symptoms and concerns, Dr. Epstein augmented his medical oncology training with an additional fellowship in palliative medicine. For research in patient–physician communication, coping and cancer care planning, Dr. Epstein has been honored to have his work supported by external funding, including a Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in 2010, a 2013 Career Development Award from the National Palliative Care Research Center (NPCRC), and a 2017 Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program award from the Cambia Health Foundation.
In collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Epstein also teaches communication skills to medical oncology fellows at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He also holds a secondary academic appointment with the Supportive Care Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Visit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to learn more about Dr. Andrew Epstein.
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