Get to Know Chris
I grew up in Lebanon, TN, about forty-five minutes outside of Nashville. I attended Lipscomb University, where I completed a Bachelor's of Science in Molecular Biology. After that, I worked as a Clinical Trials Associate in the Division of Nephrology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for about four-and-a-half years. I am now a student at the Medical University of South Carolina and am in the midst of clinical rotations, exploring new cities with my wife, Jordyn.
FUN FACT: I am a huge ice hockey fan. I started playing in third grade and played up to the college level. My favorite team is the Nashville Predators, and I have seen games played at twenty-nine NHL arenas, as well as a few AHL, ECHL, and USHL arenas.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
I chose perfusion, specifically pediatric perfusion, for a variety of reasons. The first day of shadowing that I did prior to school, which was in an adult OR, sparked my interest in the skills, technology, and knowledge set that perfusionists must have expertise in. After that, I did a day of shadowing in the pediatric OR that truly cemented my decision to pursue perfusion. I can still recall the feeling that I had when a five-month-old was brought into the OR for a Glenn Procedure. It was almost as if a switch flipped in my mind which made me realize that I had found a career path that was the perfect balance of applying skills, knowledge, and technology in a way that affords a more earnest chance at life to children that might not otherwise have one. In addition to this, I very much enjoy that perfusion is still a relatively young and developing field. For that reason, I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to its growth, development, and furtherment.
What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
As someone with a particular interest in pediatric perfusion, I feel that a topic that is indispensable to my career is that of blood transfusion and conservation. I feel that it is imperative that I understand the rationale for transfusing blood in certain situations, the risks that are inherent to doing so, the safety checks and mechanisms that should be in place when considering transfusion, and the possible strategies that can be utilized to prevent unnecessary or excessive transfusion, among others. These principles and ideas are especially important in pediatrics, where blood priming and higher target hematocrit values are common. With all of these in mind, I have tried to focus on learning and understanding the various strategies and methodologies that have the potential to play a role in reducing the need for transfusion, such as MiECCs, various forms of ultrafiltration/hemoconcentration, and ANH, to name a few.
In reference to the question above, what is a question you have about that topic you’d like others input on?
I would love to hear input from others on what strategies they currently use, prefer, or see the greatest advantages in. Furthermore, I would be interested to hear what others feel is the future of perfusion practice with regards to the topic!
Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
So far, my favorite things about being a Student Member of AmSECT have been the feelings of welcome and support that I have received from so many people that are already established in the field. While attending the 2026 AmSECT International Conference in Austin, TX, I was blown away by how the perfusion community welcomed students with open arms. It was very comforting and reassuring to know that my future colleagues were excited to bring me into the fold. To add to the point, I have volunteered to join AmSECT's Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Committee as a Student Liaison. Similar to my experience in Austin, the PCPC has welcomed me very openly. Their willingness to get me involved in the committee's activities, as well as the support and advice they have shared, have been such a boost to my confidence and excitement for the future that I have in the profession.
What does your dream perfusion job look like?
My dream job in perfusion is, by far, a role in pediatrics. In addition to pump cases, I would love to work at a center where I can be involved in opportunities such as transplants, organ procurement/transport, and cardiac assist device management. Other facets of my "dream job" that would be very important to me are avenues by which I can contribute to the education of future perfusionists. My journey has been shaped by so many amazing perfusionists with a passion for training future professionals through didactics, clinical experience, or both. I want to be able to give back to the field in the same way that it has given to me. In particular, I would love to have the opportunity to ignite a passion for pediatrics in students that are unsure of or unfamiliar with the specialty. Much like the way pediatrics made me fall in love with the profession, I know there will be others after me that have a similar experience, and I would be thrilled to have even a small part in helping others find, explore, develop, and hone that passion.
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