Get to Know Brent
I'm originally from Sacramento, CA and went to college in Washington where I studied Human Physiology. After college I explored many different aspects of healthcare including urology, physical therapy, the emergency department, and the OR. I also spent a year working in Spain, where I met my fiancée, who is a nurse. In my free time I enjoy camping, riding my mountain bike, photography, and working out!
FUN FACT: I make leather belts.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
The combination of hands-on skills, high acuity care, and extremely specialized/niche nature of the profession all initially drew me into the field. Furthermore, as we are able to control nearly every aspect of a patient's physiology while they are on pump, we have an incredibly big part to play in patient care outcomes, which I find incredibly rewarding.
What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
Maintaining clear and concise communication during the high-stress moments we encounter is indispensable in perfusion. During an oxygenator change on an infant on ECMO, when flows were restarted, a bubble bypassed the bubble detector. Fortunately, it was seen and the line was clamped before it could reach the patient. The clear communication between perfusion, physician, and nursing staff allowed us to quickly understand what had happened and safely vent the bubble despite the drastically elevated stress level in the room. During critical situations, which we find ourselves in a lot, staying calm and communicating clearly can be just as important as knowing the technical steps to take.
In reference to the question above, what is a question you have about that topic you’d like others input on?
I'm always interested in knowing what people do to help manage their stress levels after a hard day in the hospital.
Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
I am generally an outgoing person and I really enjoy just getting to know people and how they found their way into this very niche area of medicine. The Student Council also has a great energy about it, with everyone being passionate about the field and advancing it, it makes me want to step up more and improve in every area I can in perfusion.
What does your dream perfusion job look like?
At the moment I see myself in a large academic institution primarily working in pediatrics, as I find the increased level of complexity and attention to detail required during congenital surgeries to be incredibly interesting, challenging, and rewarding.
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