Your practice will uniquely combine sophisticated imaging interpretation with direct patient care, creating intellectual variety rarely found in purely imaging-focused positions. The imaging component encompasses the full spectrum of advanced cardiac diagnostics: cardiac CTA for coronary assessment and TAVR planning, comprehensive echocardiography including strain and 3D analysis, and eventually cardiac MRI once you guide the hospital through equipment acquisition. The general cardiology component ensures you maintain clinical skills and patient relationships, seeing approximately 20 patients per clinic day while participating in the consultative service. This 50/50 split between imaging and clinical work prevents the isolation common in pure imaging positions while maximizing your specialized training.
The patient population presents fascinating imaging challenges. The high prevalence of diabetes and obesity creates complex coronary anatomy requiring expert CTA interpretation. The structural heart program needs precise measurements and anatomical assessment for TAVR candidacy. The large veteran and Native American populations often present with advanced cardiomyopathy requiring sophisticated strain analysis and tissue characterization. Unlike metropolitan centers where routine studies dominate, you'll interpret cases that genuinely require advanced expertise, maintaining engagement and continuous learning.
The hospital's recent technology investments position you for immediate impact. The new CT scanner, specifically chosen for cardiac capabilities, includes:
The echocardiography lab's five new ultrasound machines support strain imaging and 3D reconstruction, though protocols need refinement and standardization. You'll lead the implementation of vendor-neutral imaging platforms, ensuring seamless integration across modalities. The planned cardiac MRI addition – pending your input on vendor selection – will complete the imaging arsenal, positioning the program among the most comprehensive in Oklahoma outside major academic centers.
Current imaging volumes suggest substantial growth potential:
Conservative projections suggest interpreting 10-15 cardiac CTAs weekly within the first year, 20-30 advanced echo studies weekly, and establishing the region's only cardiac MRI program. The absence of competing advanced imaging specialists ensures all complex studies flow to you, while the growing structural and interventional programs guarantee increasing volume. The military population from Fort Sill, familiar with advanced imaging from military facilities, particularly drives demand for local services.
The position's structure promotes sustainable practice. Imaging interpretation offers flexibility – urgent studies aside, much reading can occur during protected time without constant interruptions. The general cardiology component provides patient interaction and clinical variety without the exhausting STEMI call burden carried by interventionalists. Call participation at 1:9 for general cardiology remains manageable, primarily involving consultations and clinical management rather than emergency procedures.
Most imaging studies are performed during regular hours, with true emergencies rare. The hospital's proximity – most physicians live within 10-15 minutes – enables quick response when needed without requiring artificially close residence. The combination of intellectual stimulation, clinical variety, and predictable schedule creates conditions for long-term career satisfaction without burnout.
This clinical environment offers what many advanced imaging specialists seek but rarely find: the opportunity to fully utilize specialized training while maintaining broader clinical skills, to build something meaningful in an underserved community, and to achieve professional fulfillment without sacrificing personal life. You'll interpret studies that guide critical clinical decisions, maintain meaningful patient relationships, and still predictably make it home for dinner.