You'll establish yourself as the regional expert in advanced cardiac imaging at Comanche County Memorial Hospital, where the demand for sophisticated imaging interpretation far exceeds current capabilities. With the hospital's recent acquisition of TAVR-capable CT imaging and plans for cardiac MRI capabilities, you'll provide the specialized expertise needed to support the expanding structural heart program while building comprehensive imaging services currently unavailable in Southwest Oklahoma. This position combines the intellectual stimulation of advanced imaging with the clinical variety of general cardiology, creating a practice that remains engaging while maintaining exceptional work-life balance.
The timing for this position is strategic. The newly recruited structural heart specialist needs advanced imaging support for TAVR planning and procedural guidance. The interventional team requires CTA interpretation for complex coronary cases. The general cardiologists seek expertise in strain imaging and advanced echo techniques. Currently, these imaging needs are either unmet or require sending studies to Oklahoma City for interpretation, creating delays and fragmenting patient care. Your arrival transforms the cardiovascular program's diagnostic capabilities, enabling local interpretation of studies that currently leave the community.
The hospital's investment in imaging technology demonstrates their commitment to this position's success. The recently installed CT scanner with TAVR planning capabilities awaits someone with the expertise to maximize its potential. Plans for cardiac MRI implementation require a physician champion to guide equipment selection and protocol development. The growing volume of echocardiograms – with five new ultrasound machines recently installed – needs advanced interpretation for complex cases including strain analysis and 3D reconstruction.
Your role extends beyond interpretation to program building. You'll establish protocols for appropriate imaging utilization, train sonographers in advanced techniques, and develop the business case for additional imaging investments. The hospital's CFO has already indicated willingness to purchase cardiac MRI capabilities with the right physician leader. This combination of clinical need, administrative support, and capital availability creates ideal conditions for building a premier imaging program.
Currently, patients requiring cardiac CTA, cardiac MRI, or advanced echo techniques travel to Oklahoma City, creating hardships for a population already challenged by distance and socioeconomic factors. Your presence eliminates these barriers, providing sophisticated diagnostic capabilities to patients who might otherwise forgo recommended imaging. The military population from Fort Sill, accustomed to comprehensive care at military facilities, particularly values having advanced imaging available locally. With no competing advanced imaging specialist within the region, you'll quickly establish yourself as the go-to expert for complex cardiac diagnostics.
This position offers what few opportunities can: the chance to shape an entire region's approach to cardiac imaging while maintaining the clinical variety of general cardiology practice. You'll interpret sophisticated studies, guide major clinical decisions through imaging expertise, and still maintain direct patient relationships through clinic and consultative work. For the cardiologist with advanced imaging training seeking to maximize both their specialized skills and their broader clinical training, this represents an ideal career opportunity.