For Gustavo Garcia, a busy day at CommonSpirit Health St. Catherine Hospital – Dodge City can span two different areas of cardiac care. The 53-year-old operating room (OR)) surgical technologist divides his time between the cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) and cardiac rehabilitation.
“I work in the cath lab and in cardiac rehab, so between both departments I stay very busy,” Garcia said.
Garcia has lived in Dodge City his entire life, making the opportunity to care for people in the community especially close to home.
Both areas where he works are part of the hospital’s broader cardiac services. The 99-bed hospital serves as a regional referral center for southwest Kansas and offers diagnostic and interventional cardiology, as well as cardiac rehabilitation. Its cardiac rehabilitation program helps people recovering from heart attacks or cardiac procedures regain strength and return to their activities through exercise and healthy habits.
For Garcia, the work is a natural fit. His motivation for entering health care is straightforward.
“I’ve always liked helping others,” Garcia said.
Purpose in Highly Specialized Cardiac Care
That desire to help has carried into a role where specialized technology, teamwork, and continued learning are part of the job. During cardiac catheterization, a provider guides a thin catheter through a blood vessel to the heart to evaluate how the heart is working and determine what treatment may be needed.
“I really enjoy working with such specialized equipment and learning new procedures,” Garcia said.
Just as important to him is the team performing that work. In a specialized environment like the cath lab, Garcia said he appreciates the colleagues beside him.
“I really love working in the cath lab,” Garcia said. “We have a great cardiologist and an incredible crew that cares."
That sense of teamwork is one of the things Garcia enjoys most about St. Catherine.
“Our staff in the cath lab is incredible and works very well together, and I love being a part of the team,” Garcia said.
Pride in Helping the People Who Call Dodge City Home
Garcia’s connection to the hospital is closely tied to his connection to Dodge City. Having lived there all his life, he remains invested in the community and its future.
“I appreciate the people in our community because we all want Dodge City to grow in a positive way,” Garcia said.
Outside the hospital, Garcia enjoys spending his free time with his children. At work, he is proud to be part of the team caring for his hometown.
“St. Catherine hospital is a great place to work,” Garcia said. “I am proud to be part of St Catherine.”
Interested in making a difference and helping build healthier communities? Explore current career opportunities at CommonSpirit Health.
