Family at the Center - Getting To Know Director of BMC2 PCI, Eric Cantey

Family is at the center of Dr. Eric Cantey’s world. The new Director of BMC2 PCI and his wife have two young children: a three-and-a-half-year-old son, Declan, and a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Jessie. “After a hectic day, their excitement to see me is how I quickly unwind and separate myself from work,” says Dr. Cantey. A recent highlight for the Cantey family was a July 4th trip to Door County, Wisconsin, where Dr. Cantey and his wife watched their children build sandcastles together on the beach—a peaceful half hour of shared play and rare sibling harmony.

Long weekends at the Cantey house revolve around family outings—swimming, exploring local festivals, visiting parks, or eating out at new restaurants. His favorite local spot is the Dixboro Project restaurant in Ann Arbor. 

Dr. Cantey is passionate about college and professional football, rooting for his alma mater, Boston College. Golf has become a cherished pastime in Dr. Cantey’s life, especially as he begins to share the sport with his son. “I look forward to building memories and bonding with him, much like I did, and still do, with my father,” he says. Family, especially his parents, has always been important to Dr. Cantey, and he says a picture of his children always brightens his workday.

Professional Excellence in Cardiology

“Dr. Cantey brings extensive expertise in improving cardiovascular patient outcomes,” said outgoing Director of BMC2 PCI Dr. Hitinder Gurm. “He is especially passionate about working in the high-risk coronary disease and shock populations.”

Dr. Cantey graduated as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society from Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, where he served as chief resident. He then continued at Northwestern, completing fellowships in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and advanced structural and complex coronary disease. He also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation. He is currently an interventional cardiologist and an assistant clinical professor in Michigan Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Cantey aims to build on the successes that have shaped BMC2’s mission and impacted cardiovascular care across Michigan during Dr. Gurm’s tenure as director. He is enthusiastic about furthering the consortium’s efforts in the collaborative care of cardiogenic shock.

“The collaboration and engagement of cath labs across Michigan allow BMC2 to have a powerful impact on quality of care throughout the state,” Dr. Cantey said.

From BMC2’s sponsors at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, its member institutions, physicians, and other care providers, Dr. Cantey emphasizes the central focus: “The patients are our purpose—the heart and the North Star of everything we do.”

Dr. Cantey’s approach to leadership weaves clinical excellence, innovation, and meaningful experiences that keep him grounded and inspired, both in the workplace and at home.