Varun Malik

Dr. Varun Malik is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide's Adelaide Medical School within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He specializes in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology, with clinical expertise in catheter ablation, autonomic neuromodulation, and device implantation for arrhythmia management.

Education highlights:

• Medical Degree - University of Western Australia
• Fellowship in Adult Cardiology - Royal Australian College of Physicians
• Fellowship in Cardiac Electrophysiology - Royal Adelaide Hospital
• PhD in Cardiology - University of Adelaide

His research explores autonomic nervous system dysregulation in cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation mechanisms and novel neuromodulation therapies. Key focus areas include afferent neural pathways, interoceptive dysfunction, and neurocardiac interactions as therapeutic targets. Research employs multimodal approaches from cellular pathophysiology to clinical interventions.

Publication trends show consistent focus on autonomic influences in arrhythmogenesis (2019-2025), with recent work emphasizing stereotactic radiotherapy for refractory VT, cardioneuroablation techniques, and advanced pacing strategies. Strong methodological evolution from observational studies to randomized trials and translational applications.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Heart Rhythm Society Young Investigator Award
• JACC Clinical Electrophysiology Best Author Award

Grant support includes 'Improving Acute AF Management' (2022) and 'RF Ablation Effects on Autonomic Reflexes' (2011). He completed visiting research at UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Centre (2023-2024) in Prof. Shivkumar's neurocardiology lab. Serves on Heart Rhythm editorial board and conducts cardiac outreach for Australia's First Nations communities.