Clinical Component

Navigating the Clinical Component

State-of-the-Art Cardiac Facilities

As a cardiothoracic surgeon at BSA Hospital, you'll practice in facilities specifically designed for advanced cardiac care. The hospital features two dedicated cardiac operating rooms equipped with the latest technology, complemented by a hybrid OR that allows for innovative combined procedures. This setup gives you the flexibility to handle both traditional open approaches and cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques in optimal environments.

Your surgical team includes dedicated cardiac surgical technicians who perform endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH), decreasing patient morbidity and improving cosmetic outcomes. When you step into the OR, you'll be supported by a first-assist APP and three board-certified cardiac anesthesiologists who bring specialized expertise to the management of complex cardiac patients. This dedicated team approach means you'll work with professionals who understand the nuances of cardiothoracic cases, making for smoother, more efficient procedures.

  • Two dedicated cardiac operating rooms with specialized equipment
  • Additional hybrid OR for combined procedures
  • Dedicated heart team including specialized cardiac surgical technicians
  • Three board-certified cardiac anesthesiologists
  • First-assist APP support in the operating room

Advanced Cardiac Program Elements

The cardiac program at BSA represents a blend of established services and exciting growth initiatives. The cardiology service performs nearly 1,000 percutaneous coronary interventions annually, demonstrating the robust patient volume in the region. The TAVR program, initiated in 2019 using the Edwards Lifesciences valve and delivery system, represents the program's commitment to offering cutting-edge structural heart interventions.

Your surgical practice will be enhanced by state-of-the-art robotic capabilities, including three Da Vinci Xi systems and a new DB5. This advanced technology allows you to offer patients minimally invasive options with faster recovery times and improved outcomes. The hospital is also developing an advanced ECMO program, providing you with additional tools to manage the most critically ill cardiac patients.

  • Thriving interventional cardiology program with nearly 1,000 PCIs annually
  • Established TAVR program using Edwards Lifesciences valve systems
  • Developing ECMO program
  • Advanced robotic surgery capabilities with three Da Vinci Xi systems and a new DB5
  • Visiting electrophysiology team from Austin providing heart rhythm management

Comprehensive Patient Care Support

Your clinical practice will benefit from the hospital's 16-bed Coronary Care ICU with 24/7 intensivist coverage, ensuring your patients receive continuous expert care throughout their recovery. The open ICU model, with hospitalist service primary on all specialties, allows for collaborative management while freeing you from routine floor responsibilities to focus on surgical cases and consultations.

Beyond the hospital walls, you'll see patients in the dedicated BSA Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic, a standalone 4,000 square foot facility located near the hospital. With five exam rooms and a procedure room, this dedicated space provides an efficient clinical environment. A dedicated APP helps manage clinic flow, ensuring you can provide thorough consultations while maintaining an efficient schedule.

  • 16-bed Coronary Care ICU with 24/7 intensivist coverage
  • Epic electronic medical record system for seamless information access
  • Dedicated 4,000 sq. ft. cardiothoracic surgery clinic with five exam rooms and procedure room
  • Clinic APP support for efficient patient management
  • Hospitalist management of floor patients, allowing you to focus on surgical care

Call Coverage and Workflow

Your call responsibilities reflect BSA's commitment to work-life balance, with a manageable 1:3 rotation (improved from the current 1:2 with your arrival). Call periods run for one week at a time, from Friday morning through the following Thursday, creating predictable blocks for planning personal time. During call, you'll provide consultations for the inpatient service and emergency coverage for the hospital and ED, with hospitalists handling primary inpatient care.

This structured approach to call means you can maintain outside interests and family commitments without the chronic stress that often leads to surgeon burnout. The collaborative clinical environment at BSA means you'll work with colleagues who understand the importance of appropriate triage and respect for the surgeon's time and expertise.

  • Improved 1:3 call rotation with your arrival (currently 1:2)
  • Week-long call blocks for predictable scheduling
  • Focus on surgical consultations while hospitalists manage primary care
  • Dedicated APP support for inpatient service
  • Strong relationships with referring cardiology groups ensuring appropriate case selection

Why This Clinical Setting Excels

This position offers the ideal clinical ecosystem for a cardiothoracic surgeon seeking both technical challenge and professional satisfaction. The combination of dedicated cardiac facilities, advanced technology, robust support staff, and a manageable call schedule creates an environment where you can perform at your highest level without sacrificing personal wellbeing. Unlike academic centers where bureaucracy can impede innovation or high-volume centers where quality may be compromised by production pressure, BSA offers the sweet spot: a growing program with quality cardiac care as its priority, the technology to support excellence, and a commitment to physician sustainability.

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