The present invention is a physician's interface expert system that allows a physician not well versed in ICD parameters to program at least one parameter into an ICD using the physician's existing knowledge of the patient's medical history. The programmable ICD system is composed of an implantable portion and a programming device external from the patient's body. The implantable portion has pulse generating circuitry, control circuitry including parameter storage, a receiver and at least one electrical lead for placement in the patient's heart. The programming device contains an operator interface device that receives a first set of values from the operator. A translator is provided in the programming device for translating the first set of values into a second set of values formatted in accordance with the programmable parameter settings of the implanted device. Finally, a transmitter is provided in the programming device to transmit the second set of values to the receiver of the implanted device.