Dr Francesco Papalia

Dr Papalia is a Consultant Cardiologist specialising in Heart Failure and Advanced Cardiac Imaging. He works at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, one of Europe’s top cardiac centres, where he performs cardiac MRI and cardiac PET-CT nuclear scans, the latter being one of only three units offering this imaging modality in the country. At King George Hospital, Ilford he runs a specialist heart failure clinic, leads the local Heart Failure MDT service, and manages an acute and outpatient general cardiology caseload.

Dr Papalia studied Medicine at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he also undertook an intercalated Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree in Molecular Therapeutics, graduating with First Class Honours and multiple academic prizes. During his clinical training years in London he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Physicians, and went on to complete a PhD in Cardiovascular Sciences at King’s College London, funded by a British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Training Fellowship with a doctoral thesis investigating the role of Iron deficiency in cardiac metabolism and heart failure.

Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Papalia has maintained a strong commitment to research and education. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at major international conferences. He is Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University, London where he teaches undergraduate medical students, and mentors the next generation of doctors.

In recognition of his clinical and academic contributions, Dr Papalia was elected Fellow of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, Member of the Royal College of Physicians, and Fellow of the British Cardiovascular Society.

While his academic and professional achievements are extensive, Dr Papalia is equally known for his warm, empathetic and compassionate approach to patient care. He is firmly committed to prevention of heart disease, but is equally committed to supporting heart patients and their families with clear communication, kindness, and personalised treatment plans. Patients value not only his deep expertise but also his ability to listen and to guide them through difficult decisions with reassurance and respect.

With this combination of advanced training, clinical excellence, research expertise, and genuine care for his patients, Dr Papalia delivers world-class cardiology services in an open and approachable manner to those under his care.