Long before stepping into an operating room, Katie Steinhaus felt a deep calling to care for others. Inspired in part by her grandfather and aunt, her passion in medicine grew not only from a curiosity about science, but also from a deep sense of service and desire to support those in need. “I always knew I wanted to work in medicine,” Katie shared. “While I wasn’t exactly sure what that would look like, I knew I wanted to be someone others could count on during their most vulnerable moments.”
Katie earned her degree in biology and began exploring the medical field as a technician at a children’s hospital. The experience broadened her perspective on healthcare and deepened her commitment to a career in medicine. While shadowing her aunt in the operating room, Katie was intrigued by the environment- the focus, precision, and collaboration- and quickly recognized it as a special place. It was there she discovered what she truly wanted to pursue- a moment that sparked the next step in her journey.
She returned to school and earned her master’s degree in surgical assisting from Eastern Virginia Medical School. During her clinical rotations, she built a solid foundation across a variety of specialties, but it was her time in cardiac surgery that left the most lasting impression. “I remember getting an email asking if I was interested in a cardiac surgery rotation, and I thought, ‘Why not?’” she recalls. “Little did I know how much that experience—and the people I met—would shape my future.” That rotation ultimately led to her first job after surgical assisting school. The seasoned cardiac team embraced her warmly, providing mentorship and support as if she were part of their own family. It didn’t take long for me to realize that cardiac surgery was exactly where I wanted to be.
Returning to School, Again
After nearly two years as a Surgical Assistant, Katie made the deliberate decision to return to school and pursue her Physician Assistant (PA) degree. Stepping away from the operating room she loved was challenging, but she remained focused on her long-term goals.
“I wanted to keep learning because I knew gaining more knowledge would help me provide better care,” she says. “I also wanted a career without limits. Surgical assistants, especially in cardiac surgery, face certain restrictions depending on the state. I wanted the opportunity to grow, challenge myself, and practice to my full potential, no matter where I was.”
Finding a Fit That Feels Right
When Katie joined AP Health in May 2024, she wasn’t just looking for a job—she was looking for the right environment to grow. “At AP Health, the opportunities to grow are endless. There are so many ways to challenge myself and continue advancing as a practitioner,” Katie says. “What excites me the most is the hands-on nature of the work. In the operating room, time seems to disappear and the only thing on my mind is the task at hand. I am always reminded of the privilege it is to be trusted by patients at a time when they are most vulnerable.”
That sense of trust and support extends to her team as well. “I love that I feel seen and valued here,” Katie continues. “I have worked in a hospital system before, and what stands out at AP Health is how people know me and see me as a person. If I have a question, I know exactly who I can reach out to. Those personal relationships mean so much to me.”
“Plus, the role fits well with my lifestyle, allowing me to maintain balance while pursuing a fulfilling and demanding career.” Outside of work, Katie finds joy in being outdoors, staying active, and chasing after her lively nieces. She has a deep love for cooking and cherished moments spent around a table with family and friends. It’s those simple, meaningful connections, both in and out of the OR, that matter most.
Promoted to Leadership Role
At the beginning of 2025, Katie was promoted to Cardiac Team Lead at Centennial Medical Center. In this role, she not only spends five days a week in the operating room but also manages AP Health’s largest cardiac program and its growing team of employees. At Centennial, AP Health supports five cardiac surgeons, performing a wide range of complex cases including bypasses, valve replacements, dissections, and LVADs.
“One of my favorite parts of the job is the team and the culture,” Katie says. “Whatever needs to be done, we’re all in it for the patients. It’s not just about the work—it’s how we show up for one another, and that creates a healthy team environment.”
Stepping into leadership has also given Katie a broader perspective. “Being in a leadership position is a big responsibility,” she reflects. “I need to advocate not only for my fellow employees, but for the patients, surgeons, and hospital we serve. For me it all comes down to quality-focusing on doing the right thing and being the best I can be every day.”
Katie’s journey reflects her passion for medicine, her drive to keep learning, and her commitment to leading with integrity. At AP Health, she continues to embody The AP Way — fostering teamwork, supporting colleagues, and delivering patient-centered care every day.