You'll join a cardiovascular team that has been acutely aware of their imaging limitations and eagerly anticipating someone with your specialized expertise. The current eleven cardiologists and one nurse practitioner have been managing without advanced imaging support, often making clinical decisions with incomplete diagnostic information or experiencing delays while studies are sent to Oklahoma City for interpretation. Your arrival doesn't create competition – it fills a critical gap that every team member recognizes, ensuring immediate acceptance and robust referral patterns from day one.
The recent recruitment of Dr. Jagjit Khosla as the structural heart specialist has intensified the need for advanced imaging support. He specifically recruited a colleague who ultimately declined the position, citing the need for stronger imaging capabilities as a primary concern. Your presence directly addresses this limitation, providing the sophisticated imaging interpretation essential for the structural program's success. The interventional team, now six strong, regularly encounters complex coronary cases where CTA could guide management but currently lacks local interpretation. These physicians have explicitly expressed frustration with sending studies outside for reads, creating delays in patient care.
The imaging department staff represents one of the hospital's strongest assets. The recently expanded team of five ultrasound technologists brings varying experience levels but universal enthusiasm for advancing their skills. The nuclear medicine team, performing 12-14 studies daily, has maintained consistent quality despite lacking physician oversight for advanced protocols. The radiology department, while currently without dedicated cardiac imaging expertise, has expressed strong support for developing these capabilities under physician leadership.
The cath lab team's experience with complex procedures translates well to advanced imaging protocols. Several technologists have previous experience at larger centers with cardiac CT programs, providing a knowledge base for rapid program development. The hospital's commitment to sending staff for specialized training – demonstrated with the EP program preparation – extends to imaging, with budget allocated for technologist education in cardiac CT and MRI protocols.
What makes this position particularly attractive is the complete absence of territorial concerns. Unlike metropolitan centers where imaging cardiologists often clash with radiologists over study ownership, Comanche County Memorial Hospital's radiology department actively wants cardiology to manage cardiac imaging. The radiologists, already stretched with general imaging demands, welcome your expertise and have indicated willingness to collaborate rather than compete. This cooperative approach eliminates the political battles that exhaust imaging specialists at many institutions.
The existing cardiology team's collaborative culture extends naturally to imaging services. The interventionalists understand that better imaging improves their procedural outcomes. The non-invasive cardiologists recognize that advanced echo techniques elevate diagnostic accuracy. The structural heart specialist desperately needs imaging support for program success. This alignment of interests ensures not just referrals but active partnership in building comprehensive imaging protocols that serve the entire cardiovascular service line.
Your expertise will attract referrals from throughout the hospital and region:
The hospital's position as the regional referral center ensures steady imaging volume from multiple specialties, not just cardiology. The "One Call" transfer system brings complex cases from surrounding hospitals, many requiring advanced imaging for appropriate triage and management.
Hospital administration demonstrates unusual understanding of advanced imaging's importance. The CEO and CFO have explicitly discussed purchasing cardiac MRI capabilities, pending recruitment of appropriate physician expertise. The recent $5 million cardiovascular investment signals commitment to building comprehensive services rather than accepting current limitations. Department leadership actively shields physicians from bureaucratic burdens, allowing focus on clinical care and program development.
The planned Meditech EMR implementation in August 2026 will integrate all imaging systems, eliminating current fragmentation between different platforms. Your input on PACS selection and imaging workflow integration will shape how the entire organization approaches cardiac imaging for years to come. This level of influence, rare for newly recruited physicians, reflects the critical importance placed on your role.
This team doesn't just need an advanced imaging specialist – they've been actively preparing for one. Your arrival transforms their collective ability to provide comprehensive cardiac care, making you instantly valuable to every team member. For an imaging cardiologist seeking immediate impact, genuine appreciation, and collaborative rather than competitive relationships, this team offers an ideal professional home.