Get to Know Sharon
My name is Sharon Rajadhas and I'm originally from Kerala, India. I am currently a senior perfusion student at MUSC that will be graduating this May! Outside of the OR, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and taking on creative projects. I also had the opportunity to be part of the AmSECT fundraising committee, where I worked closely with a team to bring creative ideas to life. What started as simple concepts turned into successful fundraisers that generated meaningful support for students. It was a really rewarding experience to collaborate, adapt, and see our efforts come full circle in a way that directly benefited the student community.
FUN FACT: A fun fact about me is that I’m an artist at heart. I love experimenting with different forms of art and tend to explore anything creative I can get my hands on. On a bit of a side quest, I’m also really interested in martial arts and have been thinking about taking more classes once I get more settled into my career. I like the idea of building discipline and focus in a completely different way outside of perfusion.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
I like to say I didn’t really find perfusion but rather it found me. I first came across the field during my freshman year of college while completing an internship with MedEx Academy. I remember randomly seeing “perfusionist” mentioned in a study guide, and out of pure curiosity, I started seeking out shadowing opportunities to learn more. That curiosity quickly turned into something much deeper as I was drawn to its unique blend of science, technology, and direct patient care. It felt like the perfect intersection of critical thinking and hands on clinical impact, and that initial spark eventually grew into a clear career path for me.
What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
I think one of the most indispensable parts of being a perfusionist is actually lifelong learning. Whether you’re just starting out or have 1, 10, or 30 years of experience, there is always something new to learn. Whether it’s a better understanding of physiology, updates in technology, new evidence-based practices, or even learning from unexpected clinical situations. Perfusion is such a dynamic field that staying static really isn’t an option. Continuous learning is what keeps you open minded in the OR, helps you adapt when situations change quickly, and ensures that the decisions you make are always evolving with best practice. I think that commitment to always improving is what truly gives patients the best chance at optimal outcomes.
Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
One of my favorite experiences as a Student Member of AmSECT has been being part of the fundraising committee. I really enjoyed the creative side of it, like designing visuals and coming up with ideas for the merchandise, but even more than that, I loved working closely with a team to bring those ideas to life. It was really rewarding to see something that started as a concept turn into a successful project that ultimately gave back to students in a meaningful way. There was a real full circle feeling in seeing our efforts directly benefit the same community we’re part of. Beyond the fundraising itself, it was also a great opportunity to connect and network with others in the field. It felt like a mix of collaboration, creativity, and giving back to where we all started, which made the experience especially meaningful in my journey in perfusion.
What does your dream perfusion job look like?
I’d love to work in a setting where I get to see a little bit of everything. At the same time, it’s really important to me to be close to family and friends. I’d want to be in a supportive hospital environment in a location where I can stay connected to my personal life as well. |