You'll have the rare opportunity to essentially build and lead an electrophysiology program from the ground up at Comanche County Memorial Hospital, where over 6,000 patients were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation last fiscal year alone. Currently, these patients travel 90 minutes to Oklahoma City for ablations and device management, creating both a clinical need and a compelling business case for your expertise. This isn't simply joining an existing EP service – it's establishing yourself as the regional expert while working with a supportive cardiovascular team eager to expand their comprehensive cardiac capabilities.
The hospital's previous EP physician performed only basic ablations, leaving a substantial gap in complex EP procedures that you'll fill. With the new hybrid cath lab opening in February 2026, you'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically with EP capabilities in mind. The timing is strategic: the hospital has already invested $5 million in cardiovascular infrastructure, recruited a structural heart specialist, and added interventional cardiologists, making EP the final piece in creating a truly comprehensive cardiac program that keeps patients close to home.
The demand for EP services is already proven. The hospital captures only a fraction of the regional EP market, with most patients traveling to Oklahoma City for care. Conservative projections suggest you could perform 5-10 ablations weekly within 18 months, with additional device implantation and management responsibilities. The absence of any competing EP service within 90 minutes creates a natural referral pattern from the six interventional cardiologists and two non-invasive cardiologists already on staff.
The hospital administration understands the time required to build an EP program and has structured expectations accordingly. They're targeting a 2026 start date, allowing time for credentialing, equipment installation, and staff training. This measured approach, combined with guaranteed referrals from the existing cardiology team, ensures you'll have the support and patience needed to establish a thriving practice without the pressure of immediate high-volume demands.
This position offers the increasingly rare opportunity to become the go-to EP specialist for an entire region while maintaining reasonable call responsibilities and work-life balance. You'll practice sophisticated electrophysiology with the latest technology, build a program that reflects your vision of excellent EP care, and still make it home for dinner most nights. For the EP physician seeking autonomy, impact, and the satisfaction of bringing essential services to an underserved community, this represents an ideal career move.