Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist | Cardiology Specialists of Acadiana | Lafayette, Louisiana
About Dr. Welch
Dr. Patrick Welch is a board-certified cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist serving patients throughout Acadiana from his practice in Lafayette, Louisiana. With more than 35 years of experience in cardiovascular medicine, Dr. Welch is one of the region’s most accomplished heart rhythm specialists — dedicated to helping patients understand their heart conditions and receive expert, personalized care.
Dr. Welch specializes in diagnosing and treating complex heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), including atrial fibrillation (AFib), atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden cardiac arrest. He is highly experienced in the full spectrum of cardiac electrophysiology procedures, from pacemaker and defibrillator implantation to catheter ablation and stroke prevention procedures such as left atrial appendage (LAA) closure.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Welch serves as the Medical Director of the CSA Ambulatory Surgery Center, guiding high standards of outpatient procedural care and surgical excellence.
Education & Training
Dr. Welch completed his medical degree, residency, and all fellowship training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas — one of the nation’s premier academic medical institutions.
- Medical Degree – University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (1990)
- Residency – Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern (1990–1994)
- Fellowship – Cardiovascular Disease, UT Southwestern (1994–1997)
- Fellowship – Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, UT Southwestern (1997–1998)
His subspecialty fellowship in clinical cardiac electrophysiology reflects a dedicated, advanced level of training specifically focused on the electrical system of the heart — the expertise behind diagnosing and treating arrhythmias.
Specialties & Areas of Expertise
Dr. Welch treats a wide range of heart conditions and performs advanced cardiac procedures, including:
Conditions Treated:
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Atrial Flutter
- Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- Cardiomyopathy (Dilated and Hypertrophic)
- Heart Block and Sick Sinus Syndrome
- Syncope (fainting) and Heart Palpitations
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
- Heart Failure
Procedures Performed:
- Catheter Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Pacemaker Implantation and Management
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation
- Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure for Stroke Prevention
- Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)
- Cardioversion
- Tilt Table Testing
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) and Cardiac Ultrasound
Certifications & Professional Memberships
- Fellow, American College of Cardiology (FACC)
- Licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana
- Member, Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)
The FACC designation is awarded by the American College of Cardiology and recognizes physicians who have demonstrated significant achievement, expertise, and commitment to cardiovascular medicine.
Research & Publications
Dr. Welch has contributed to peer-reviewed cardiovascular research, with published work in respected journals including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and The American Journal of Cardiology. His research has focused on cardiac arrhythmia management and the effects of radiofrequency ablation — topics directly relevant to the patients he serves.
Hospital Affiliations
Dr. Welch is affiliated with several leading medical facilities in the region, where he is credentialed to see patients, perform procedures, and coordinate inpatient cardiac care:
- Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center – Lafayette, LA (Outstanding Patient Experience Award recipient)
- Heart Hospital of Lafayette – Lafayette, LA
Recognition
Dr. Welch has been recognized as a Healthgrades Choice provider in Cardiology, a designation reflecting above-average experience, strong hospital quality, positive patient ratings, and no healthcare sanctions. Patients consistently highlight his thoroughness, clear communication, and genuine commitment to resolving complex heart rhythm issues.