Edward Woods, R.T.(R)(CV)(ARRT)

Oklahoma Heart Hospital Cath Lab/EP Lab Director

Describe your career and current position, role and responsibilities.
After graduating from OU School of Radiologic Technology in the summer of 1989 I began working at the Industrial Health Clinic at Presbyterian Hospital.  My desire was always to work in the Heart Cath lab and in December of 1989 I was hired at Baptist Hospital.  There I gained valuable experience and worked with many cardiologists some of whom would eventually open the Oklahoma Heart Hospital.  I really wanted to work my way into management so in the evenings I worked toward my Master’s Degree from OU College of Public Health.  In early 2000 a group of cardiologist known as Oklahoma Cardiovascular Associates would open an outpatient Cath lab.  I began working there as a lead technologist.  After a couple of years I was promoted to the position of manager.  This group of cardiologists would open The Oklahoma Heart Hospital.  In 2009 our outpatient cath lab moved to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital campus.  By moving our cath labs to the Heart Hospital we would add to the existing volume from their inpatient cath lab.  Soon after our move I was made Director of Cath Lab Services for OHH.  My position would grow in the coming years to include our Oklahoma Heart Hospital located in south Oklahoma City.  Between the two facilities we operate 10 Heart Cath Labs, 3 EP Labs and 2 Hybrid labs which we share with the OR. Between our two hospital we employee near 100 individuals in the heart Cath lab.

Describe your personal life, family, hobbies, and interests.
My wife and I met while we were in the Radiologic technology program at OU. Loree earned a degree in Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapy.  We have one son, Luke, who is sophomore in high school.  We enjoy traveling and playing golf.

What are you most proud of professionally and personally?
I am very proud of the fact that my education from the University of Oklahoma has allowed me to work in a field which helps sick people every day. Our clinical rotations prepped me what to expect in the workplace and what the expectations would be for the technologist. My education has also enabled me to move to my current position as Director of Cath Lab Services.

Describe a special memory from when you were a student in the program.
A special memory for me was our first day of clinical rotation. All of us were in our white uniforms (with white shoes) looking as clean and spotless as possible and Barbara Curcio comes into Mr. Nichols class to comment on how good we all looked.

What would you like prospective students to know before they select a career in your profession &/or any healthcare career?
Prospective students should know that there will always be sick people and if you are looking for a career that is meaningful, challenging, and helps people then you should consider health care.  This career path allows you many opportunities to grow personally.