Dr. Eva Rzucidlo has built an extraordinary career defined by clinical excellence, visionary leadership, groundbreaking research, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients. As a nationally recognized vascular surgeon, physician executive, educator, and researcher, she has dedicated more than twenty-six years to advancing cardiovascular and vascular medicine while fostering innovation, collaboration, and organizational growth. Her professional journey reflects a unique blend of scientific rigor, compassionate patient care, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to developing future generations of healthcare professionals.
Currently serving as Chief and Director of Vascular Surgery for McLeod Health in South Carolina, Dr. Rzucidlo oversees one of the region’s most comprehensive vascular programs. In this role, she is responsible for driving clinical excellence, strategic planning, quality improvement initiatives, physician leadership, and program development. Her ability to balance operational effectiveness with patient-centered care has enabled her to create sustainable systems that improve outcomes while expanding access to advanced vascular services. Her leadership philosophy centers on integrity, accountability, innovation, and teamwork, making her a respected voice among healthcare executives and medical professionals alike.
Dr. Rzucidlo’s journey into medicine began with a passion for science and discovery. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Biological Chemistry from Wellesley College, she pursued her Doctor of Medicine degree at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Her postgraduate training included a demanding General Surgery Residency at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, where she was awarded a highly competitive National Institutes of Health T32 research grant, an achievement reserved for exceptional physician scientists. During two years of basic science research under the mentorship of renowned vascular surgeon and researcher Dr. Frank LoGerfo, she contributed to groundbreaking advancements that led to numerous innovative technologies, scientific presentations, and peer reviewed publications. She later completed advanced vascular research and clinical fellowships at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. These formative experiences cultivated both her surgical expertise and her enduring passion for translational research, leadership, education, and innovation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Rzucidlo has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to build programs and lead transformational change. Since joining McLeod Health, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have strengthened the organization’s vascular service line and elevated its reputation for excellence. Among her accomplishments are the creation of a Complex Aortic Program, implementation of innovative telehealth services, achievement of multiple accreditation milestones, and development of nationally recognized vascular treatment protocols. Under her leadership, McLeod’s vascular programs have earned distinctions including TCAR Center of Excellence recognition for multiple consecutive years, demonstrating her commitment to quality, innovation, and measurable outcomes.
Beyond her clinical leadership responsibilities, Dr. Rzucidlo has become a trusted advisor and strategic contributor within healthcare governance. She currently chairs several key committees, including the Vascular Value Analysis Committee, Wound Care Value Analysis Committee, and Vascular Quality Committee. Additionally, she serves on executive steering committees and CEO advisory councils where she contributes to long-term organizational planning, resource optimization, and quality improvement efforts. Her experience evaluating complex healthcare systems, managing budgets, improving operational efficiencies, and aligning strategic priorities has made her an invaluable leader in healthcare administration.
Prior to her tenure at McLeod Health, Dr. Rzucidlo spent more than a decade at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center as an Associate Professor of Surgery and Associate Program Director. During this period, she helped shape the education and training of future surgeons while contributing significantly to academic medicine. Her work included curriculum development, simulation based surgical education, resident and fellow mentorship, and leadership of advanced vascular surgery training programs. She also completed a year of basic science research during her vascular fellowship at Dartmouth, an experience that enabled her to generate the preliminary data that ultimately helped her secure her own NIH grant to fully fund her laboratory. She became widely respected not only for her clinical expertise but also for her dedication to cultivating excellence in others, helping countless medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers achieve their professional goals.
A distinguished researcher, Dr. Rzucidlo has made substantial contributions to vascular biology, cardiovascular disease treatment, and translational medicine. Her extensive body of scholarly work includes numerous peer-reviewed publications, invited reviews, scientific presentations, and collaborative research projects. Her research has focused on vascular smooth muscle cell biology, peripheral arterial disease, aneurysm repair, vascular remodeling, women’s cardiovascular health, and innovative therapeutic interventions. Supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, private foundations, and industry sponsors, her work has influenced both scientific understanding and clinical practice within vascular medicine.
Dr. Rzucidlo’s influence extends well beyond the operating room and research laboratory. Throughout her career, she has served in leadership roles with many of the nation’s most respected professional organizations. Her contributions to the Society for Vascular Surgery include service as Chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee, Chair of the Video Committee, member of the Program Committee, and participant in numerous national initiatives designed to improve patient care and professional development. She has also worked closely with the American Heart Association to increase awareness of peripheral vascular disease in women, helping to address healthcare disparities and improve cardiovascular outcomes for underserved populations.
As a recognized advocate for women’s health, Dr. Rzucidlo has consistently championed education, prevention, and awareness initiatives related to cardiovascular disease. Her work has highlighted the unique challenges women face regarding vascular health and has helped influence conversations around diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care. Through public speaking engagements, media appearances, community outreach programs, and educational initiatives, she has empowered patients and healthcare providers alike to better understand and address cardiovascular risk factors.
Her achievements have earned widespread recognition throughout the medical community. Among her honors are designation as a Distinguished Fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery, election to Alpha Omega Alpha, membership in the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Career Merit Awards, editorial board appointments, research awards, and recognition as a Top Doctor in Vascular Surgery. These accomplishments reflect not only her technical expertise but also her commitment to professionalism, ethics, mentorship, and service.
Despite her many professional achievements, Dr. Rzucidlo remains grounded by a strong sense of purpose and personal responsibility. She believes that effective leadership requires empathy, humility, continuous learning, and a commitment to serving others. Whether mentoring young physicians, leading healthcare teams, conducting research, or serving on advisory boards, she approaches every opportunity with a desire to create meaningful impact and lasting value. Her dedication to excellence is matched by her commitment to helping organizations and individuals reach their full potential.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Rzucidlo embraces a diverse range of interests that reflect her adventurous spirit and creative mindset. She enjoys rallycross and racecar driving, pursues artistic endeavors, and is an amateur drummer. These pursuits reinforce the resilience, discipline, creativity, and focus that have become hallmarks of her leadership style. Fluent in both English and Polish, she also values cultural awareness and lifelong learning, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and collaboration.
Today, Dr. Eva M. Rzucidlo stands as a highly respected physician executive, healthcare strategist, researcher, educator, and advocate whose career embodies the principles of leadership, innovation, and service. Her unique combination of clinical expertise, governance experience, scientific knowledge, and operational leadership positions her as an exceptional contributor to corporate, healthcare, nonprofit, academic, and advisory boards seeking transformative leadership and strategic insight.
Character:
Dr. Rzucidlo leads with integrity and a strong sense of personal accountability in every aspect of her professional life. She consistently demonstrates compassion, humility, and respect while building trust among patients, colleagues, and organizational stakeholders. Her commitment to ethical leadership and service has earned the admiration of peers throughout the healthcare community.
Knowledge:
She possesses deep expertise in vascular surgery, cardiovascular medicine, clinical research, healthcare operations, and academic leadership. Her extensive publication record and decades of clinical experience reflect a commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation. She continually seeks opportunities to learn, grow, and apply evidence-based practices that improve outcomes and organizational performance.
Strategic:
Dr. Rzucidlo excels at identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and operational improvement within complex healthcare environments. She has successfully developed new programs, expanded services, improved quality metrics, and guided long-term organizational planning. Her ability to align vision, resources, and execution enables sustainable success and measurable results.
Communication:
An accomplished communicator who effectively engages audiences ranging from patients and physicians to executives, researchers, and community leaders. She has delivered numerous presentations, educational programs, and public awareness initiatives throughout her career. Her ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and inspire collaboration makes her an influential and respected leader.
