Methodist cardiology staff welcomes Dr. Eric Van De Graaff

Eric Van De Graaff, MD, enjoys the variety of challenges that cardiology brings – whether it’s working in the cardiac catheterization or electrophysiology labs, or finding solutions that improve his patients’ quality of life.

“When I know that it's something that's going to help this person, that's the fun part,” said Dr. Van De Graaff, who is now seeing patients at Methodist Physicians Clinic – Westroads Office Park and Methodist Physicians Clinic - HealthWest. “But really, I couldn’t just do that. That wouldn’t be rewarding enough for me.”

What he values most are the relationships he builds with patients and being a trusted advocate for their care.

“I know a lot of patients with any doctor feel like they’re not being heard, but I do my best to try to hear everything and try to be the person who actually listens to what you have to say,” he said. “What brings a lot of joy to me is the ability to translate for the patient a very scary, complicated, difficult-to-understand situation into language that they understand, and then be able to reassure them that we're doing all we can.”

Dr. Van De Graaff, who is fluent in German, is skilled in the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators, and he’s excited about the advances in cardiac rhythm management options he’s seen over his career.

“It feels great to be able to take a patient who feels awful and say, ‘OK, I'm going to do this procedure.’ And then they come back three months later and feel great. They feel like a new person. They have more energy. They have a better outlook on life. It's wonderful.”

Outside of work, Dr. Van De Graaff can be found spending time with his family, running and cycling. His favorite hobby is playing jazz piano, and he met his wife while performing at a local club.