Get to Know Aubrey
I am a second-year student at Emory University and serve as a teacher's assistant for Pathophysiology I & II. On the AmSECT Student Council, I currently serve as the Events Chair and student liaison for the ICPC. Born and raised in Minnesota (& proud sports fan—SKOL!), I quickly have come to enjoy the southern winters. I earned my BSN from East Carolina University and worked as a nurse in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at Duke University Hospital. In my free time, I enjoy helping grant wishes for local children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, walking my puppy, George, and exploring local Italian restaurants.
AmSECT: Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
Aubrey: Working as a CTICU nurse gave me a valuable understanding of comprehensive patient care and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. I was privileged to care for high-acuity patients and gained experience with advanced devices, specically ECMO and VADs, which sparked my interest in managing devices and operating the heart-lung machine in the OR. Perfusion brings together everything I am passionate about: caring for high-acuity cardiothoracic patients, working in the OR, managing complex devices, the autonomy of the heart-lung machine, and the value of teamwork.
AmSECT: What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
Aubrey: Perfusion has the opportunity to expand as a valuable asset for organ procurement, normothermic regional perfusion, ECMO, and robotic surgeries. Robotic procedures are growing in popularity, and I was privileged to witness this rsthand at Emory St. Joseph's Hospital, where I learned how to pump these cases. As perfusionists, we have an essential role in these expanding elds and must advocate for our importance to ensure continued growth and recognition of our great profession.
AmSECT: In reference to the question above, what question do you have about that topic that you’d like others' to input on?
Aubrey: How can we, as a profession, advocate for our role in NRP and organ procurement to expand our scope of practice and remain integral to these procedures?
AmSECT: Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
Aubrey: Being part of the AmSECT Student Council has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate and connect with perfusionists and students nationwide. My role as Events Chair has challenged and developed my leadership and communication skills. Additionally, serving as the student liaison for the ICPC has allowed me to understand the extensive effort required to plan every aspect of the conference. I am grateful for the opportunities and connections the AmSECT Student Council has provided and look forward to giving back to the perfusion profession.
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