Get to Know Ethan
I’m a senior perfusion student from Rush University with an expected graduation date of May 2026. I am passionate about education, perfusion, team collaboration and patient outcomes. Among the seriousness that perfusion demands I enjoy finding ways to keep things fun and lighthearted when possible and bring a laugh to everything that I do. I’ve had the pleasure of serving as the AmSECT Student Council VP for the past year and have loved being able to engage with students across the country with various backgrounds and at different stages of their career.
FUN FACT: I can juggle. My first car was a yellow VW buggy.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
My time as a critical care nurse in the CTICU allowed me to gain first hand exposure to the cardiac surgery patient population. Seeing great outcomes for sick patients inspired me to further my career into cardiac surgery as a perfusionist to continue to contribute to this impact. I grew an intense interest in Mechanical Circulatory Support so the transition seemed like a natural choice!
What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
Preparedness! Anything can happen at anytime. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Maintain thought patterns of how you would react in different scenarios. Know what supplies you have available and where they are. When you are caring for a patient it is important to remember the gravity of that interaction. It extends deeper than the singular patient you are caring for on bypass. There is always more than one person in your care and to be prepared to the maximum is the best way to serve your patient and their family with a positive outcome!
In reference to the question above, what question do you have about that topic that you’d like others' to input on?
When you walk into a room what are the first three things you personally check for?
Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
My favorite thing about being a student member at AmSECT is the collaboration with so many different people from different walks of life. First year students, second year students, new graduate CCP’s and experienced CCP’s all bring a unique mindset and experience to the table. Being an active member in the student council allows you to experience all of these point of views and internalize them during an incredibly important time within your professional growth. Not to mention how fun it is to meet new people, build new friendships and see how they grow overtime!
What does your dream perfusion job look like?
My dream perfusion job is one where you are surrounded by experienced and positive mentorship. Every day is a learning experience and to be able to work within a collaborative team that fundamentally invests in your professional growth and skillset is incredibly important to me. As long as you have great coworkers and interact as a vital member of a great team, everything else should come easy.
|