Get to Know Clay
Hello, I’m Clay Strawn and originally from Maryville, Tennessee (Go Vols!). I have a background as a Registered Nurse and ECMO Specialist at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. I spent over four years working as a nurse, with experience in the Emergency Department and Neuro Critical Care. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, being outdoors, and traveling with my wife and two dogs.
FUN FACT: I was born in California but definitely consider Tennessee my home
Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
I fell in love with Cardiac Surgery, hemodynamics, and circulatory support once introduced to ECMO. I then began shadowing the perfusionists at my hospital and decided that Perfusion was such a unique and awesome career path.
What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
Communication, Communication, Communication. Having clear, concise, and adequate communication is key in the OR and in our profession. I take this attitude with me in my professional life as well as my everyday life.
In reference to the question above, what question do you have about that topic that you’d like others' to input on?
What is the biggest barrier you face that gets in the way of proper communication and how do you overcome this?
Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
I love the networking opportunity that comes along with the council. Not only getting to collaborate with other students and their experiences but with experienced CCPs as well. It is also not just all business. You get to know people that you normally would.
What does your dream perfusion job look like?
My dream job is being in a well rounded and cohesive team. Early on in my career I want to get as much experience as possible (wherever that may be), then see where my career leads. Perfusion is such interesting but awesome career that it is hard to say where it might take me.
|