Get to Know Elder
I was born in Los Angeles, California, but raised in Georgia. I'm half Guatemalan and Salvadoran. I’m a vast Bulldogs, Braves, and FC Barcelona fan. In my free time, I enjoy working out and traveling all around the world (this has been on pause since I was in school).
AmSECT: Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
Elder: I was introduced to the profession when working as an RT ECMO specialist at Emory. I shadowed a couple of perfusionists and knew this was the career for me. I’ve always been passionate about helping others and working in a high-stress environment. As a certifi ed perfusionist (speaking it into existence), it’s so rewarding to see our patients having positive outcomes and fully recovering post-surgery, knowing we played a critical part in that process.
AmSECT: What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
Elder: Ensuring adequate fl ow by monitoring our DO2 while our patient is on CPB. Lack of proper fl ow can lead to acute injury and other adverse effects affecting our patients. Our primary goal in our career should always be prioritizing our patients and optimizing our care plan to ensure a positive outcome for all our patients. Throughout a procedure, I will frequently look at my DO2 and make adjustments to ensure I’m above 270. This will be patient-dependent, and some situations won’t allow it to be feasible. In those situations, I try to get as close to 270 as I can.
AmSECT: In reference to the question above, what question do you have about that topic that you’d like others' to input on?
Elder: Besides DO2, what other parameters has perfusion noticed play a vital role in patient outcomes?
AmSECT: Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
Elder: Being part of AmSECT has been something very special—I’ve met so many amazing and gifted individuals. I made so many connections in San Diego and made memories I’ll forever cherish in my heart. The resources AmSECT offers have made transitioning from student to future CCP much more manageable and less stressful.
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