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 stepped into key leadership roles during times of transition, helping cardiac surgery programs maintain stability and continuity of care. His focus on high standards and team collaboration have supported hospitals in navigating change while continuing to deliver strong surgical outcomes.
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.