PERFUSION
My Journey To Perfusion
In this article, I share my personal journey as a pre-perfusion student, the challenges I faced, and how I overcame them. I hope my story inspires you to pursue your passion for the field of medicine or an allied health care profession.
As an undergraduate majoring in Biochemistry, I found myself with various options beyond the typical pre-med track, which involved taking the MCAT and pursuing medical school. I yearned for something distinct and unique. My interest in hearts was sparked by my grandfather and younger brother, both of whom had heart defects. This fascination led me to explore cardio-thoracic surgery, and my intrigue for the intricacies of the heart deepened.
During my freshman year of college, I discovered a website that offered the opportunity to observe open-heart surgeries. This exposure made me envision myself as a part of the operating room theater. However, my involvement in football and numerous extracurricular activities hindered my ability to shadow surgeons or PAs in the OR. In 2020, I found myself with more time, but the pandemic's restrictions limited access to surgical settings.
Fueled by my enthusiasm, I sought insight from professionals in the healthcare field. I reached out to Juliana, the daughter of my neighbor and a healthcare administrator, who introduced me to the concept of perfusion. Initially unfamiliar with it, I delved into online resources to learn about the function of heart-lung machines and the critical role allied healthcare professionals play in the operating room.
This newfound path of perfusion resonated deeply with me as a rewarding and uniquely challenging career option. Upon my graduation in December 2021, I had secured a position as an Autotransfusionist in Indiana. Despite initially planning to move for this role, I ended up working at my family's restaurant, Cedar Palace, for a year to assist my mother. This unexpected turn proved to be transformative, allowing me to mature in my interactions with people and gain diverse experiences.
During my time at the restaurant, I continued to shadow healthcare professionals, bolstering my understanding of cardiovascular perfusion. Additionally, I secured an Autotransfusion job with Midwest Blood in Chicago, conveniently located near my home. As a full cycle has elapsed, I am excited to embark on the 2024 application cycle, confident that my accrued knowledge and experiences will position me well as an applicant. My aspiration is to gain acceptance into my dream school.
While I await this next phase, I have created a blog to not only enhance my own education but also to share insights into the captivating field of perfusion. I plan to discuss the application cycle, schooling, and various aspects of perfusion once I am enrolled. Stay tuned for updates!