Dr Abela is a distinguished cardiologist who earned his qualifications and specialization from the University of Malta, where he is currently pursuing a PhD focused on cardiac screening and inherited cardiac conditions. He holds two Master’s degrees: one in Internal Medicine from the University of Edinburgh (2015) and another in Sports Cardiology from St George’s, University of London, awarded with distinction in 2019. His training includes a clinical fellowship at St George’s University, London, in Sports Cardiology and Inherited Cardiac Conditions. Dr Abela has played a pivotal role in advancing sports cardiology, inherited cardiac conditions, exercise prescription, and cardiac rehabilitation in Malta. He has established several key services, including a sports cardiology clinic, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and cardiac genetics clinics. As a specialist at Mater Dei Hospital, he also serves as the lead cardiologist for various Maltese sports organizations and the Armed Forces of Malta, where he implemented a cardiac screening program. He leads the BEAT-IT cardiac screening program for adolescents in Malta and has contributed extensively to academic literature, serving as an associate editor and reviewer for numerous prestigious medical journals. Dr Abela is actively involved in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), holding several leadership roles, including EAPC young ambassador and national coordinator for inherited arrhythmia syndromes within the European Reference Network. His work is recognized at both the local and European levels through his involvement in conferences and ESC committees.
