Bradford E. Warden, M.D.

Photo by Danin Cather

By Megan Bevins

Throughout his career as the executive director and chief of cardiology at Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center and chief administrative officer of Mon Health Medical Group, Bradford Warden, M.D., has shown his commitment to the Mountain State. From his start in pharmaceutical development to becoming the head of cardiology, he has shown his exceptional dedication to transforming health care for rural communities.

Warden’s academic journey began at Washington & Jefferson College, where he earned a degree in chemistry and attended graduate school at the school of pharmacy. Afterward, he worked at Mylan Pharmaceuticals. He then made the decision to attend medical school and completed his Doctor of Medicine at the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Medicine.

He decided to practice cardiology once he realized he wanted to provide more to his patients than just one small part of their medical journey. Instead, he wanted to be able to use his hand skills and be an integral part of his patients’ long-term care.

“I wanted to work with a multidisciplinary team to collaborate and enhance patient outcomes, improve their satisfaction and contribute to the long-term management of their cardiovascular conditions,” Warden says.

He began working in cardiology at Mon Health Medical Center, formerly Mon General Hospital, in the early 2000s and then moved to the WVU Medicine team until 2017 when he decided to return to Mon Health.

Born and raised in West Virginia, Warden has a deep love for the state and has raised a family of his own here. He says being able to help the people in the state overcome health care challenges has been an incredibly fulfilling experience.

“The people in this great state, the close-knit communities and the resilience of West Virginians inspire me daily,” he says.

Still, addressing the issues concerning limited health care resources in West Virginia has been one of the biggest challenges Warden has faced in his career. Despite this, he works hard to overcome those challenges and provide quality care to his patients. He considers providing health care to underserved areas in the state something he has been working on but not yet fully accomplished.

“This is another cause worth fighting for, and I’m proud of the steps our team has taken to try to improve access to people across the state,” he says.

Warden’s biggest influences are his parents who both had careers of their own in the medical field. His father, a heart surgeon, was part of the team that performed the first-ever successful open-heart surgery.

As a nurse, Warden’s mother taught him how to use his intellect as well as his heart and the importance of empathy when working with patients.

“My parents shaped who I am today, and I am eternally grateful for their guidance and support,” he says.

Above all else, Warden values his patients and puts their needs first. He says patient care is the best part of his job, and he does all he can to form connections with his patients and lead with empathy.

“Fostering meaningful connections with my patients and developing trust goes a long way in allowing me to provide high-quality care,” he says. “Being able to communicate with my patients and understand what they are feeling and what their fears are in receiving treatment gives me an opportunity to better meet their needs and provide better patient outcomes.”

During his time as a doctor, Warden has learned how important adaptability is in the health care field, as every patient is different and requires an individualized care plan. He has learned key communication skills with patients and how to address a wide array of their needs. Even when things become overwhelming or stressful, he remembers that doing what’s best for the patient is the most important goal.

It would not be possible for him to be successful without the support of his family. My wife, Mary, and my three children Matthew, Brian and Katelyn, are my major support system. They are all wonderful, smart and caring.

Warden has also learned the team around you can be a major influence on your success. He is surrounded by physicians, nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants and technologists whom he calls brilliant, dedicated, talented and hardworking.

“It is truly an honor to accept this award. My patients are my north star, the focus of what I do and why,” he says.