Dr Mark Philip Cassar (MD, DPhil, MRCP) is a Consultant Cardiologist at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, providing expert private cardiology services in Basingstoke and Reading. With a doctorate from the University of Oxford and over a decade of specialist training at leading UK hospitals, Dr Cassar brings world-class cardiac expertise to patients across Hampshire and Berkshire.
Dr Cassar is one of very few cardiologists in the UK to hold the highest level of accreditation in all three cardiac imaging techniques: heart ultrasound (echocardiography), cardiac MRI and cardiac CT. This means he can personally choose, perform and interpret the most appropriate scan for your condition — leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses without unnecessary delays or referrals.
He is a member of the Wessex Regional Valve MDT, where the most complex heart valve cases are reviewed by a team of senior specialists. Whether you need a straightforward cardiac check-up or specialist assessment of a complex condition, Dr Cassar provides the same high standard of care in his private clinics as he does in his NHS consultant role.
Dr Cassar holds a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) from the University of Oxford, where he spent three years researching how viruses (including COVID-19) affects the heart and other organs. Working at the Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, he led two major national studies funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the British Heart Foundation.
His landmark research on Long COVID has been cited over 450 times worldwide and directly shaped the NICE guideline on Long COVID – the guidance that NHS doctors across the country now follow when assessing patients with persistent symptoms after infection. This is the kind of research that changes how patients are looked after in practice, not just in theory.
Dr Cassar has authored 58 peer-reviewed publications in leading medical journals, including The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), Radiology, Brain and Nature Communications. He has also written book chapters in the Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Cardiology and Key Clinical Topics in Cardiology – standard reference texts used by cardiology trainees and consultants across the UK.
His full publication record is available via his ORCID profile and ResearchGate.
Dr Cassar completed his specialist training in Cardiology and General Internal Medicine at Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal Berkshire Hospital, gaining broad experience across all areas of heart disease while developing deep expertise in cardiac imaging. He is on the GMC Specialist Register for Cardiology. His qualifications include:
– CCT in Cardiology and General Internal Medicine – Certificate of Completion of Training, the final milestone of UK specialist training
– DPhil (PhD) in Medical Sciences, University of Oxford
– Level 3 Cardiac MRI Accreditation – SCMR, the highest international standard
– Level 3 Cardiac CT Accreditation – BSCI/BSCCT, the highest UK standard
– Transthoracic Echocardiography Accreditation – BSE, advanced practitioner level
– MRCP (UK) – Membership of the Royal College of Physicians
– Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MD), University of Malta
This triple accreditation across echocardiography, cardiac MRI and cardiac CT is held by very few cardiologists in the UK. For patients, it means Dr Cassar has the training and experience to offer the full range of cardiac investigations, so you get the right test first time.
Dr Cassar’s expertise has been recognised through a series of national and international awards:
– WOW Awards – Hampshire Hospitals NHS FT, for exceptional patient care
– First Place – National Cardiovascular Imaging Quiz, BSCI/BSCCT
– First Place – BSE Transoesophageal Echocardiography Exam, top score nationally
– Junior Reviewer of the Year – European Heart Journal: Case Reports
– First Place (National Prize) – Dean of Medicine and Surgery Awards, University of Malta
Dr Cassar also holds national and international leadership roles in cardiology:
– UK Representative to the European Society of Cardiology for echocardiography – representing UK practice at the European level
– Executive Committee Member of the British Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (BSCI)
– BSE Examiner – examining and accrediting echocardiographers across the UK
– Member of the BSE Workforce and Leadership Committee – helping shape the future of heart ultrasound services nationally
These roles mean Dr Cassar is not only practising at the highest level but is actively involved in setting standards and training the next generation of cardiac specialists.
Dr Cassar offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of cardiac conditions:
Dr Cassar delivers state-of-the-art cardiac imaging:
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Cassar remains active in cardiovascular research, contributing to our understanding of:
His research has been funded by prestigious organizations including the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which has directly influenced clinical practice guidelines.
Dr Cassar provides private cardiology consultations in Basingstoke and Winchester, Hampshire. He offers comprehensive cardiac assessments, diagnostic imaging interpretation, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
For appointments or inquiries, please visit our contact page.
Dr Cassar is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and holds a Certificate of Completion of Training in Cardiology and General Internal Medicine. He maintains active involvement in continuing professional development and stays current with the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine.
