Tyler Rasmussen, MD, PhD

Biography

Why did you become a provider? I am a small-town kid who grew into this role. I went to college at the urging of my parents, but after volunteering in the children's cancer ward, I saw how impactful meaningful human connections are for the ill. My Catholic faith also calls me to serve others, and taking care of those in need is one way I can fulfill that call.

Why did you decide to join UnityPoint Health? I grew up in Lisbon, Iowa, and I have always romanticized about how rewarding it would be to serve as the small-town doctor. I decided to pursue my clinical and scientific interests in cardiac electrophysiology, but my desire to serve my community never left me. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding communities feel like home. So many have contributed to my education and up-bringing and now it's my time to give back.

What are your medical specialties/special interests and how do they benefit patients? I have a special interest in zero fluoroscopy procedures, which means patients don't receive radiation on their day of ablation.  Using zero or extremely limited amounts of radiation can benefit patients and health care workers alike. I also am committed to conduction system pacing, which means when I implant pacemakers, I will implant the ventricular (bottom chamber) lead into the heart's native conduction tissue. Placing leads in this fashion has been shown to prevent some of the long-term complications of pacemakers and may even improve heart function for a subset of patients. 

Describe your typical patient. There is no typical patient. I believe each patient is unique and has unique characteristics and needs. In general, I practice the full spectrum of electrophysiology.  Most patients will seek consultation with me for heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation, or when their heart rate is too fast or slow, causing passing-out spells, dizziness or breathlessness.

What would your patients say about you as a provider? I hope my patients feel they were genuinely cared for as individuals. I work to ensure patients feel heard, educated and confident in making decisions regarding their health.

What is the most important thing for people to know about you and your practice? I genuinely care for the well-being of my patients. 

How would you describe the ideal provider/patient relationship? The ideal relationship is one where the physician and patient form a team that has a unified vision for achieving individualized, patient-centered goals.

What else would you like patients or referring providers/staff to know about your medical philosophy? I am part of a team of highly trained and talented individuals who come together every day to take care of patients with heart rhythm disorders. The team aspect of care is what makes my job exciting. It also ensures the best outcomes for patients.

What do you like to do in your free time? My wife, Erin, and I have four children. I happily devote most of my time to doing whatever my kids are interested in at any time. I help coach youth baseball and football and serve at our parish, St. Thomas More. My personal hobbies include running, biking, swimming, hiking tall mountains, following Hawkeye sports and taking long walks with our labrador retriever, Ruthie. 

Do you have any notable ties to the region? I grew up in Lisbon, Iowa, and have lived in the same 25-mile radius my entire life. As far as I have traveled, I have never met any people better than those who call eastern Iowa home.

Describe your family:
My wife, Erin, and I have four young kids and a beloved labrador retriever.

Procedures:

• Radiofrequency Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
• Pulse Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
• Atrial Flutter Ablation
• Atrial Tachycardia Ablation
• Premature Ventricular Contraction Ablation
• Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
• Pacemaker Implantation
• ICD Implantation
• Loop Recorder Implantation
• Watchman Implantation
• Pacemaker Extraction
• ICD Extraction
• Electrophysiology Study
• Supraventricular Tachycardia Ablation
• Cardioneural Ablation

Awards:

• 2022, Dr. Kanu Chatterjee Clinical Excellence Award, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
• 2021, You Make a Difference Award, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
• 2021, Outstanding Fellow of the Year, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Department of Internal Medicine   
• 2021, Chief Cardiology Fellow, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics   
• 2020, American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines Young Investigator Award   
• 2019, Residents’ Award for Excellence (peer-voted, awarded to one graduating resident)
• 2019, François M. Abboud Internal Medicine Resident Award (presented annually to the senior resident who performed the most meritorious research during residency)
• 2019, You Make a Difference Award, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, (nominated by cardiology nursing staff)
• 2018, Ernest O. Theilen Award (presented annually to a resident who, during assignment to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, exemplifies the qualities of devotion to patient needs, concern for human dignity and humility, and who, above all, displays exceptional skills in the care of the sick)  
• 2017, Outstanding Intern of the Year, University of Iowa Internal Medicine Residency Program (peer-voted award)
• 2013, National Research Service Award, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, F30 Pre-Doctoral Award 

• Atrial Fibrillation
• Atrial Flutter
• Atrial Tachycardia
• Premature Ventricular Contraction
• Ventricular Tachycardia
• Ventricular Fibrillation
• Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Prognostication and Prevention
• Pacemaker Implantation
• Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators
• Ambulatory Rhythm Monitoring
• Pacemaker and ICD Extraction
• Watchman Implantation for Stroke Prevention
• Leadless Pacemaker Systems
• Subcutaneous ICD Implantation
• Antiarrhythmic Medication Management