Meet Dr. Elliott Goodwin: Advanced Heart Rhythm Care

When heart rhythm problems disrupt daily life, patients want answers they can trust and care they can count on. At Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, cardiac electrophysiologist Elliott Goodwin, DO, is helping patients regain energy and confidence through advanced, precise and compassionate heart rhythm care. 

Dr. Goodwin grew up in Lenoir City. His journey with Covenant Health began long before he became a physician. “When I was going through undergrad at UT, I worked as a cardiovascular technician at Fort Sanders,” he said. “The physicians I worked alongside became my mentors and propelled me toward electrophysiology.” 

Ultimately, after completing his medical and electrophysiology training, Dr. Goodwin always planned to return home. “I was born and raised here. Coming back to serve this community was never a question,” he shared.  

Leading the Way in Heart Rhythm Innovation 

Today, Electrophysiology is one of the fastest advancing fields in cardiology, and Dr. Goodwin is bringing its most innovative tools to Covenant Health. 

“We diagnose and treat heart rhythm abnormalities like atrial fibrillation using advanced mapping systems, catheter-based procedures and implantable devices,” he explained. “My training exposed me to cutting-edge technologies for even the most complex arrhythmias.” 

For example, one technology he recently helped introduce at Fort Sanders Regional is pulse field ablation, a next generation treatment for atrial fibrillation. 

“Pulse field ablation lets us treat AFib safely and efficiently with very targeted energy,” he said. “It improves safety, improves efficiency and helps us treat more patients. We now have all the bells and whistles here at Fort Sanders.” 

Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Field 

Additionally, to keep Covenant Health at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation, Dr. Goodwin spends a significant amount of time evaluating new research and technologies. 

“Electrophysiology evolves quickly. I stay current by attending national meetings, reviewing research and collaborating with colleagues across the country who are working on new techniques,” he said. “A lot of my time outside of patient care is spent figuring out how to bring those innovations safely back to our facilities.” 

Thanks to that commitment, Covenant Health patients receive the same advanced treatments found in major academic centers right here in Knoxville. 

A Patients-First Focus 

Beyond technology, exceptional care requires teamwork, and Dr. Goodwin believes Covenant Health delivers exactly that. 

“Cardiovascular care is a true team effort. In our electrophysiology lab, every physician, nurse, technician and device specialist is focused on doing what’s best for the patient,” he said. “That collaboration is what sets Fort Sanders apart.” 

In turn, patients feel that difference the moment they meet him. Dr. Goodwin is known for his simple, clear approach to explaining complex conditions. 

“I draw the heart on a whiteboard for every patient,” he shared with a smile. “I’m not much of an artist, but it helps people understand what’s going on, and that makes them feel more comfortable and confident.” 

Dr. Goodwin works with each patient to develop a plan that fits their needs, helping them feel informed and confident every step of the way. 

That commitment also includes helping patients understand when to seek care. 

“Don’t overlook things like palpitations, shortness of breath or fatigue, even if they come and go,” he said. “Early detection helps us offer more effective therapies and better long-term outcomes.” 

Care Rooted in Community 

For Dr. Goodwin, returning to Covenant Health wasn’t just a career move; it was coming home. 

“I’ve been part of the Covenant family since 2008,” he said. “Being local means I get to take care of my family members and childhood friends. There’s something meaningful about bringing advanced cardiovascular care back home.” 

That connection shapes the way he practices. 

“It’s an honor and a privilege to come back and treat my neighbors,” he said. “I started my cardiovascular career at Fort Sanders, and coming home to care for this community means everything.” 

Helping Patients Get Their Lives Back 

Most importantly, for Dr. Goodwin, the best part of electrophysiology is seeing patients feel better quickly. 

“Patients with AFib are often limited by fatigue or shortness of breath,” he shared. “With a short outpatient procedure, many go home the same day and feel an immediate improvement in quality of life. Seeing that transformation means a lot to me.” 

Find Expert Care Close to Home 

Covenant Health is committed to bringing worldclass cardiovascular care to East Tennessee so patients don’t have to travel far for advanced treatment. 

Take the next step toward better heart rhythm health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Elliott Goodwin or find a Covenant Health heart specialist near you today.