ERIC THOMAS
Rockford,IL
Summary
Dynamic healthcare leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in surgical services, specializing in cardiovascular surgery. Demonstrated success in leading high-performing surgical teams, driving process improvements, and optimizing supply chain operations to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Passionate about healthcare excellence, quality improvement, and team development. Skilled at aligning clinical and organizational goals while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards and fostering a culture of safety and collaboration. Experienced in team leadership and project management, utilizing strategic planning to achieve organizational objectives. Proven track record of fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts effectively. Results-driven professional with a focus on leadership and achieving organizational goals. Recognized for enhancing team collaboration and consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. Adaptable to evolving demands and proficient in strategic decision-making and conflict management.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Specialty Leader of Cardiovascular Surgery
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
09.2009 - Current
- Leads the cardiovascular surgical division, managing staffing, surgical workflows, compliance, and operational excellence
- Partner with materials management to streamline supply chain processes, achieving significant cost savings while maintaining clinical quality
- Spearhead initiatives to improve staff retention through mentoring, professional development, and a positive work culture
- Design and implement new operational procedures to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance patient outcomes
- Collaborate with senior leadership to drive strategic goals and contribute to hospital-wide initiatives focused on quality and patient safety
- Conduct continuous monitoring and analysis of performance metrics to guide improvements in surgical services
Surgical Technologist – Cardiovascular OR (CVOR)
UW Health
01.2009 - 07.2009
- Supported complex cardiovascular surgeries, ensuring optimal readiness of the surgical suite and adherence to best practices
- Provided leadership in onboarding new team members and maintaining high standards of aseptic technique and surgical care
Surgical Technologist – CVOR
Health Specialists
08.2006 - 12.2008
- Led daily surgical preparation and intraoperative support for cardiovascular procedures
- Trained and mentored new surgical technologists, nurses, and medical students to ensure team competency and readiness
Surgical Technologist – CVOR
Swedish American Health
08.2004 - 08.2006
- Supported surgical teams across multiple specialties with sterile setup, instrumentation, and patient positioning
- Consistently maintained the highest standards of infection control and patient safety protocols
Surgical Technologist
Lee's Summit Hospital
07.2001 - 07.2004
- Performed in a multi-specialty surgical environment, maintaining sterile fields and ensuring procedural readiness
Education
Master of Science - Healthcare Administration
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ08.2023
Healthcare Administration Studies
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH01.2020
Certificate - Surgical Technology
Health Midwest
Kansas City, MO01.2001
Skills
- Surgical Services Operations Management
- Cardiovascular Surgery Leadership
- Staff Recruitment, Training & Retention
- Supply Chain Optimization & Cost Control
- Regulatory Compliance & Safety Standards
- Performance & Quality Improvement (QI)
- Strategic Planning & Workflow Optimization
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
- Patient Safety & Infection Control
- Leadership Development & Mentorship
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Conflict Resolution & Change Management
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Strategic planning
- Motivating teams
Certification
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Affiliations
- Society For Human Resource Management
- The National Society of Leadership and Success
Timeline
Specialty Leader of Cardiovascular Surgery
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
09.2009 - Current
Surgical Technologist – Cardiovascular OR (CVOR)
UW Health
01.2009 - 07.2009
Surgical Technologist – CVOR
Health Specialists
08.2006 - 12.2008
Surgical Technologist – CVOR
Swedish American Health
08.2004 - 08.2006
Surgical Technologist
Lee's Summit Hospital
07.2001 - 07.2004
Bachelor of Science - Management
University of Phoenix
Certificate - Surgical Technology
Health Midwest
Master of Science - Healthcare Administration
University of Phoenix
Healthcare Administration Studies
Southern New Hampshire University
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