Dismiss Modal
William A. Cooper, M.D.

William A. Cooper, M.D.

Cardiothoracic Surgery

accepting new patients

Meritas Health

Locations

Meritas Health Cardiothoracic Surgery

2790 Clay Edwards Drive
Suite 520B
North Kansas City, MO 64116

View hours
Monday
7:30am - 4:00pm
Tuesday
7:30am - 4:00pm
Wednesday
7:30am - 4:00pm
Thursday
7:30am - 4:00pm
Friday
7:30am - 4:00pm
Meritas Health Cardiothoracic Surgery

About Me

Biography

Dr. Cooper published "Heart Attack: Truth, Tragedy, Triumph" in 2016, has given 27 scientific presentations, and authored or coauthored 34 journal articles.

Area of Interest

My interests include aortic surgery, minimally invasive mitral and aortic valve surgery, structural heart disease, and surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Teaching and Professional Positions

  • 2019-2020
    • Cooper and Company Consulting, Independent Contract Physician
    • Prime Health Services Group, Independent Contract Physician
    • Medical Staff Physician
      • Bon Secours Health, Portsmouth, Virginia
      • Coliseum Medical Center, Macon, Georgia
      • Memorial Health University Health System, Savannah, Georgia
      • Redmond Regional Medical Center, Rome, Georgia
  • 2013-2019
    • WellStar Health System, Marietta, Georgia, Cardiovascular Surgery Medical Director
  • 2001-2013
    • Emory University, Atlanta, Associate Professor of Surgery

Professional Memberships

  • American College of Cardiology: Fellow
  • American College of Surgeons: Fellow
  • Association of Black Cardiothoracic Surgeons: Secretary
  • Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Honors, Awards etc.

  • Recognized with an 800 Award for 2025 by Reputation.com
  • 2019: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Alumni Achievement Award
  • 2015: Georgia Hospital Association Hospital Hero Award Physician of the Year
  • 2009: Society of Thoracic Surgeons/National Quality Forum 3 Star Rating for Quality and Outcomes
  • 2008 and 2009: Top 10 Percentile for 19/21 Society of Thoracic Surgeons/National Quality Forum Outcomes Measures
  • 2008 Georgia Hospital Association Award for Quality Improvement: Crawford Long Hospital Sternal Wound Infection Project
  • 2008: Wellstar Health Systems Patient Safety Champion
  • 2007: American Heart Association Recognition Award for Public Service
  • 2006-2009: Emory Healthcare Patient Satisfaction Award: Top Press Ganey Kennestone Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • 2006: Wellstar Cardiac Services 5 Star Rating
  • 2000-2001: Emory University Chief Resident of Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • 1992: University of Missouri Chancellor's Scholar
  • 1991: Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
  • 1990: Mortar Board National Honor Society
  • Military
    • Dr. Cooper has served the military since 1985, and he is a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
    • Honors:
      • Army Service Ribbon
      • National Defense Service Medal
      • Global War on Terrorism Medal
      • Iraq and Afghan Campaign Medals
      • Army Commendation Medal

Education

Residency:
Emory University Hospital (2001)

Medical School:
University Of Missouri-Kansas City School Of Medicine (1992)

Graduate School:
Emory University Hospital/ Goizueta School Of Business (2013)

Fellowship:
Emory University Hospital (1997)

Board Certifications

American Board of of Thoracic Surgery - Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery

Provider Ratings

4.9 out of 5

(18 ratings)

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

18 Reviews

08/20/2024

Dr Cooper was extremely informative, was friendly, caring and had points he needed me to understand, which I appreciated. If I could choose the doctor to do my surgery based on my first impression he would be the one I would choose hands down...amazing person who knows who he is and what he can do.

07/31/2024

Dr. Cooper is a fantastic surgeon. He performed a quad bypass on me a year ago and I have never felt better. Great bedside manner, very professional and a great communicator.

04/18/2024

Dr. Cooper instills confidence and calm with an “I’ve got this” stalwart attitude. The results of a successful surgery speak to his skillful and experienced hands, head and heart. I owe my life to those guided hands.

03/16/2024

I am proud to say Dr. Cooper is my friend, he is the best. We miss him here in Atlanta. Dr. Copper not only is a fantastic technical surgeon, which he is, he has empathy, and he truly cares about his patients and their families. If you live anywhere within 100 miles of Dr. Cooper and you need thoracic or cardiovascular surgery, this man has gifted hands, and will take care of you, spiritually and physically.

03/01/2024

Dr. Cooper is fantastic. Has a great bed side manor, thoroughly explained everything he had to do, and took great care in operating on my husband. The "McGregor Clan" are very grateful to him!!

08/15/2023

I came away with the feeling that I was in good hands and he cared for me and was going to take care of me..

08/15/2023

Dr. Cooper was very straight forward and honest about my medical procedure. His explanation, covering the pros and cons of this surgery was very helpful and made me feel like he would be perfect to do my surgery.

08/03/2023

Very good

06/23/2023

Highly recommended, confident and kind surgeon.

05/16/2023

It was a good experience

02/12/2023

Very thorough, and appreciate the extra time in explanations, willingness to answer all questions, and the extended kindness!!

01/20/2023

Great experience .

12/29/2022

Was not in a hurry to get in and out. Very caring, great group.

12/21/2022

Dr Cooper and his staff have been very helpful during surgery and recovery!

11/17/2021

We cannot say enough about Dr. Cooper! The most extraordinary doctor we have ever met! He was always there to answer questions, was serious, but made us laugh and comfortable during an extremely stressful time! We highly recommend him! If there were 10 stars he would receive that!

08/02/2019

Not Happy with him.

07/18/2019

Save my life... what more can one say

03/22/2019

11 years ago I disected my aorta and was bleeding out, Dr Cooper fixed my aorta in put in a replacement valve saving my life, I couldnt reccomend him higher!
Show more