Get to Know Ahmael
My name is Ahmael McGee, and I’m a California native with ten years of experience as a respiratory therapist. For the last four of those years, I worked as a travel RT, taking on assignments across the U.S. and gaining experience in nearly every critical care setting. While I enjoyed the challenges of each unit, the cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) always stood out to me. That passion ultimately led me to pursue a career in perfusion.
AmSECT: Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
Ahmael: As a respiratory therapist, I was drawn to life support technologies, but the cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) inspired me the most. Watching ECMO in the ICU sparked my passion for perfusion. Ultimately I wanted to be the OR improving patient outcomes. With my critical care background, perfusion was the perfect next step.
AmSECT: What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
Ahmael: A key concept in perfusion is oxygen delivery (DO₂) and ensuring adequate perfusion, as proper tissue oxygenation is essential during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Balancing DO₂, oxygen consumption (VO₂), and flow indices are crucial in preventing complications like acute kidney injury (AKI) and neurological deficits after surgery.
AmSECT: In reference to the question above, what question do you have about that topic that you’d like others' to input on?
Ahmael: In cases where oxygen delivery (DO₂) is borderline despite optimal pump flow and hemoglobin levels, what additional strategies do you use to prevent tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction on bypass?
AmSECT: Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
Ahmael: Being a Student Member of AmSECT has been a huge part of my journey in perfusion. It’s given me the chance to connect with experienced perfusionists and students who are further along than myself. I am able to learn from their insights and stay up to date on new advancements in the field. The resources and networking opportunities have helped me feel more prepared as I transition from the classroom to clinical practice. More than anything, being part of this community has reinforced my passion for perfusion and my drive to keep learning and growing in the profession.
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