Meet the Team: Getting to Know Tommy
Question: What is your name? Do you have a nickname?
Answer: William Tommy Pope...but some call me TW.
Question: Where is your hometown?
Answer: Atlanta, Georgia
Question: What is your role here at Legacy Heart Care?
Answer: I am an EECP technician.
Question: What do you like most about working here?
Answer: The people, definitely! Interacting with all our wonderful patients, being a part of such a great organization with such a positive environment, coming to work everyday knowing that I am going to a place I love...it's an awesome feeling. One of the best things about taking care of the patients here is watching them transform. For example, you have someone who comes in who may not be feeling so good. Maybe it's their first time doing EECP and they are a little nervous...or don't know what to expect. But after a few days, you start seeing them open up...and at the same time they also start to feel better physically because of the EECP treatments. Within a few weeks, they have become a brand new person. To be able to witness that change and to be able to be a part of it is truly a rewarding feeling.
Question: Three words that best describe you are...
Answer: ...Hardworking, Integrity, Compassion.
Question: What are you most proud of in your life?
Answer: The fact that after three decades in the printing business, at the age of 55, I went back to school to learn about a field completely different than what I was used to, excelled at it with a 4.0 GPA, and am now caring for patients.
Question: Complete this sentence: “I am happiest when…
Answer: ...my wife and I get the chance--amidst the hustle bustle of life--to just stop, spend some quality time with each other, and simply enjoy each other's company.
Question: Do you have a personal philosophy?
Answer: Take life seriously, but keep your sense of humor!
Question: What is your hidden talent?
Answer: I can play the guitar...have been playing for 11 years. Actually, when no one is looking, I become George Strait...literally.
Question: Tell us about your favorite hobby.
Answer: I have a Harley. A 1200 Sportster to be exact. I take it on the road whenever I have the chance. I love it.
Question: What is on your bucket list? Answer: I want...no...I will attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota...one day. But it's difficult because it's a month-long event. One month of bike-filled fun...sounds like heaven!
Question: Complete this sentence: “People would be surprised if they knew that I…”
Answer: If I told you...I'd have to kill you...
Question: Tell us about a challenge you have had to overcome in your life. What advice would you give to someone who may be going through the same situation right now?
Answer: I was in the marines for three years. That boot camp....it's no joke. It tries you physically, mentally, emotionally...especially when you are barely out of adolescence and have never been in that kind of environment before. That's one thing that comes into mind when I think of overcoming challenges. As for advice, you know...many teenagers will come to me telling me that they want to enlist as a means to get an affordable education. I tell them...you know, when you enlist, you are making a vow to your country. A vow to defend it, fight for it, and die for it if necessary. So it's not just about what benefit you can get from it. But it's a big deal and a major decision.
Question: If someone were to write your life story, what would they say?
Answer: "On the day of October 18, 1958, a baby was born into this world...but not in a hospital like any ordinary baby...no...but in a small outpatient doctor's office in College Park of Atlanta, Georgia. This baby was named William Tommy Pope.
Although childhood was fun, Tommy didn't remain a baby for long. Soon he was a young man...a proud marine to be exact.
After that, Tommy spent over 3 decades as a bindery and shipping manager at a printing company. Then, at the age of 55, Tommy decided to turn over a new leaf. He enrolled at Remington College, got his degree, and now is an awesome EECP technician at Legacy Heart Care where he will live happily ever after!
