SpecialtyCare’s Martin Glenn Receives Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium’s Top Award: The 2022 Swain Scholarship
SpecialtyCare is thrilled to share that Martin Glenn, a perfusionist on our Western Washington Perfusion Team, has been awarded the 2022 Swain Scholarship! Martin was selected from a pool of highly qualified applicants to receive this award and his research will be presented as a poster at CREF’s upcoming conference, October 19-22, 2022 in San Diego, California.
The Swain Scholarship is named in honor of CREF Course Director Julie A. Swain, MD, and is awarded to an outstanding perfusion student or recent graduate. Martin is a second-year student on rotations at the University of Utah cardiovascular perfusion program. His research is a retrospective study researching cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury in CABG patients and temperature management during cardiopulmonary bypass.
We had the chance to speak with Martin about his experience so far:
What is your role with SpecialtyCare and how long have you been with us?
I am a cardiovascular perfusionist with the Everett WA perfusion team. This is my first job out of graduate school and I have been with the company for 3 months.
Why did you choose this profession specifically?
I choose perfusion because it is mentally engaging, as well as technically demanding. I enjoy thinking through scenarios and trying to stay a couple steps ahead. I also enjoy that in perfusion you can always improve something about your technical routine. There is nothing better than coming to work and doing all the little things right that ultimately lead to positive patient outcomes.
What was your path like on your way to your current role?
I feel fortunate to have found perfusion. I did an undergraduate degree in biology, as well as ecology research. When I decided I was going to apply for perfusion, I got a job as an orderly. I rubbed shoulders with some awesome perfusionists (from SpecialtyCare) who were kind enough to share how they got into perfusion, and what it is like to be a perfusionist.
What’s important to you when it comes to a good team dynamic?
Something that I think my team does well is communicate clearly. When you communicate efficiently, it makes everything else go smoother.
What are your goals for the future and your career trajectory?
I would like to get involved with research as a perfusionist in the coming years. The research SpecialtyCare does within perfusion is one of the reasons I choose to work for our company.
What’s a defining moment you’ve had in your professional journey so far?
Recently, by chance, I saw a patient outside of the hospital after their surgery. It was a reminder that what we do inside the hospital helps people in our communities continue to enjoy their lives.
If you could encourage anyone to become a perfusionist, what would you say?
I think perfusion is a hidden gem in the medical profession. It is an absolutely amazing profession. You get to be part of a team of people that makes a difference in people’s lives.
About SpecialtyCare
SpecialtyCare is dedicated to supporting and developing the next leaders in perfusion and those wishing to enter the perfusion field. To learn more about our career and professional development opportunities, visit our website.