New cardiac surgery program will launch at Reston Hospital Center
Reston, Va. — Reston Hospital Center is launching a new heart surgery program, a transformative milestone for cardiac care in Northern Virginia. At the helm is Dr. William A. Cooper, MD, MBA — a nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon, decorated U.S. Army veteran, and seasoned healthcare entrepreneur — who joins the hospital as the medical director of cardiovascular surgery. Dr. Cooper brings over 30 years of clinical, operational and strategic leadership to this new role.
With the opening planned before the end of the year, it will mark the first new cardiac surgery program to launch in the region in nearly four decades, bringing advanced surgical capabilities and life-saving care closer to home for thousands of patients.
“Reston Hospital Center is entering a new era of heart care,” said Nathan Vooys, chief executive officer, Reston Hospital Center. “With Dr. Cooper’s unmatched expertise and leadership, we are building a program that will set a new standard for excellence, access, and innovation in cardiovascular surgery.”
“Patients readily choose Reston Hospital for surgery with its proven record in quality, patient safety, and surgical care, but also for the community-based, personalized care experience,” Vooys added. “Now those patients going through cardiac surgery will receive Reston Hospital’s highly tailored care and commitment to excellence. This is a triumph for our community.”
This marks the second time in Dr. Cooper’s career that he has been entrusted to build a cardiovascular surgery program from the ground up, having previously founded one of the Southeast’s most successful heart surgery programs at WellStar Health System in Georgia. Under his leadership, that program earned consistent 3-star ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons — the highest recognition for surgical quality and outcomes.
“I’m honored to join the exceptional team at Reston Hospital Center to help shape a cardiovascular program that prioritizes high-quality outcomes, patient access, physician collaboration and community impact,” Dr. Cooper said. “This is more than a clinical program — it’s a service mission.”
Having served with distinction for over 35 years, including four combat deployments, Dr. Cooper is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. His military experience, combined with his clinical leadership, has forged a reputation for discipline, integrity and excellence in cardiovascular surgery.
In recent years, Dr. Cooper has become a trusted interim leader and turnaround specialist, stabilizing cardiac surgery programs facing transition, surgeon shortages or leadership gaps. His steady hand and high standards have enabled hospitals to maintain performance, rebuild culture and protect surgical outcomes during vulnerable periods.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Cooper is the founder of Prime Health Services Group LLC, a physician-led organization providing cardiovascular staffing and specialty care solutions nationwide. He is also the author of Heart Attack: Truth, Tragedy, Triumph, a powerful memoir chronicling his journey through medicine, service, and resilience.
Dr. Cooper’s many honors include:
- Georgia Hospital Association Physician Hero
- Atlanta Tribune Man of the Year
- Atlanta Business League Men of Influence
- Top Doctor in Cardiothoracic Surgery (Atlanta Magazine)
- Top 10% Most Honored Doctors in America (American Registry)
His insights have been featured in Ebony, Black Enterprise and on the Steve Harvey Show.
With Dr. Cooper’s leadership, Reston Hospital Center is prepared to deliver a best-in-class cardiovascular surgery program defined by clinical excellence, innovation and patient-centered care.