Your clinical practice will encompass the full spectrum of cardiac electrophysiology in a setting where you'll transform how Southwest Oklahoma manages arrhythmias. The patient population presents with advanced disease – many have lived with untreated AFib for years, accepting long drives to Oklahoma City as their only option for specialized care. You'll encounter complex cases including long-standing persistent AFib, ventricular tachycardia in patients with significant structural heart disease, and device management challenges in a population with limited previous access to EP services. This creates opportunities for dramatic clinical impact while building lasting patient relationships in a community desperate for your expertise.
The new hybrid cath lab, opening February 2026, will serve as your primary EP suite, equipped with advanced mapping systems and imaging capabilities designed specifically for complex ablations. Initially, you'll have three dedicated lab days weekly, with the flexibility to expand as volume grows. The hospital's current device implantation volume of 250-300 annually will transition to your oversight, providing immediate procedural volume while you build the ablation program. Your colleagues estimate performing 5-10 ablations weekly is readily achievable within 18 months, based on the documented patient demand and lack of regional competition.
The hospital recognizes that successful EP programs require more than just equipment – they need specialized support staff and efficient workflows. You'll work with the newly recruited structural heart nurse practitioner who can manage routine device checks and follow-ups, freeing you to focus on procedures and complex cases. The cath lab staff, already experienced with complex interventional procedures, will receive specialized EP training before your arrival. The hospital's commitment to sending staff for advanced training demonstrates their investment in making your program successful from day one.
The referral patterns are already established through the existing cardiology team. The six interventional cardiologists and two non-invasive cardiologists are eager for local EP services, currently sending all ablations to Oklahoma City. They've explicitly stated their willingness to share device implantations and support the growth of your EP practice. This collegial approach – rare in competitive metropolitan markets – ensures steady referrals without the territorial battles that often plague new EP programs.
Your practice will benefit from the latest EP technology in the new hybrid suite, with the hospital committed to purchasing whatever specialized equipment you deem necessary. The current plan includes:
The hospital's willingness to invest in appropriate technology – evidenced by their $5 million cardiovascular renovation – means you won't face the equipment limitations that frustrate EP physicians at many community hospitals.
The call arrangement reflects thoughtful planning for sustainable practice. You'll participate in the general cardiology call pool at 1:9, handling only consultations without STEMI responsibilities. This means managing new-onset arrhythmias, device issues, and EP-related consultations – work directly within your expertise. The interventional cardiologists handle all STEMI calls separately, preventing the exhausting combination of EP procedures during the day and middle-of-the-night STEMI calls that burns out many EP physicians.
Device emergencies remain manageable, with most issues addressed through remote monitoring or next-day clinic visits. The hospital's proximity – most physicians live within 10-15 minutes – means you can respond quickly when truly needed without maintaining an artificially close residence. Your EP-specific call burden will be minimal initially, growing gradually as your practice expands.
This clinical environment offers the perfect balance: complex enough to maintain your skills and interest, busy enough to build a thriving practice, yet structured to preserve your personal life. You'll perform sophisticated EP procedures using cutting-edge technology, develop innovative approaches to managing an underserved population, and still maintain predictable hours that allow for family time, hobbies, and personal renewal. For the EP physician seeking clinical excellence without sacrificing everything else, this position provides an increasingly rare opportunity.