Epic Cardiovascular Services Celebrates Cardiovascular Professionals Week
Cardiovascular Professionals Week is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the dedication, skill, and compassion of those who work tirelessly to support patients with complex heart and lung conditions. At Epic Cardiovascular Services, we are privileged to work with an extraordinary team of professionals who ensure that every heartbeat counts.
Meet Some of Our Exceptional Team Members
We sat down with five of our exceptional team members—Julie (ATS), Kris (ECMO), Kelley (ECMO), Stephanie (Perfusion), and Rodel (Perfusion)—to hear about their experiences, challenges, and the profound impact they have on patient care.
Discovering a Passion for Cardiovascular Care
From Lab Science to Autotransfusion
Many of our team members didn’t set out to work in cardiovascular healthcare, but once they found their calling, there was no looking back. Julie, a specialist in autotransfusion, initially trained in medical laboratory science before discovering ATS. She has always been captivated by the intricacies of surgery and the dynamic teamwork within the OR. She finds inspiration in the collaboration within the care team and the sense of purpose that comes from playing a vital role in patient care.
Respiratory Therapy to ECMO
Kris and Kelley both started as respiratory therapists before transitioning to ECMO. Kris had always been fascinated by ECMO, and when she had the chance to join a hospital’s dedicated ECMO team, she took the leap, saying, “I love that I get to care for a small number of critically ill patients and really make a difference in their recovery.“
A Love for Science & Technology
For perfusionists Stephanie and Rodel, their journey was fueled by a love of science and technology. Rodel, encouraged by a relative in healthcare, found perfusion to be the perfect blend of anatomy, physiology, and hands-on problem-solving.
A Clear Path from the Start
Stephanie was only 16 when she attended an Ohio State University open house and learned about perfusion. She stated, “From that moment on, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I followed that path straight through and never looked back.”
A Day in the Life of a Cardiovascular Professional
No two days are alike in cardiovascular healthcare. Julie thrives on the ever-changing nature of her work, moving between hospitals and collaborating with different surgical teams. She finds it incredibly rewarding to play an integral role in ensuring successful surgeries and supporting patient care in a fast-paced, high-stakes setting.
ECMO: Beyond the Machines
For ECMO specialists like Kris and Kelley, their work involves more than just managing ECMO circuits—it’s also about patient care.
“What people don’t see is how much we become invested in our patient’s outcome,” Kelley shares. “We work hard to keep them stable, but we don’t always get to see the end result of our care since getting a person off of ECMO is just the first step in a typically long recovery process.”
Early Mornings & High-Stakes Surgeries
Stephanie and Rodel’s mornings begin early, often well before sunrise, as they set up intricate perfusion equipment for open-heart surgeries. “Some surgeries are quick and go smoothly, while others become long and complex. You never know what to expect,” Stephanie says. “Flexibility and adaptability are important. But in the end, it averages out to a really fulfilling life.”
The Moments That Matter
Ask any of these professionals why they do what they do, and they’ll share stories that define the true meaning of their work.
Life-Saving Blood Management in a Critical Moment
Julie recalls a case where a mother needed a high-risk C-section, but because of antibodies in her blood, she couldn’t receive donor blood. “Without autotransfusion, she would have had to deliver at another hospital, separated from her newborn, who required immediate cardiac surgery. Instead, she was able to stay with her baby. So, it really was an impactful situation for that case”
A Lifelong Bond
Kris vividly remembers one of her first ECMO patients, a newborn with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. “I cared for him from the day he was born until he was discharged. I even left notes for his parents, keeping them updated on their baby’s care. Because they knew I was keeping an eye out for their little one, they were able to get some much-needed rest during those stressful months. Years later, I still get updates. I’m ‘Auntie Kris’ to him now.”
Operating on a Former Colleague
Stephanie and Rodel recall an emotionally intense case where they performed surgery on a former colleague. “It was one of the longest and most difficult surgeries we’ve ever been part of,” says Rodel. “Seeing him survive and celebrate his ‘surgery anniversary’ each year reminds us why we do this,” Stephanie adds.
Why Epic Cardiovascular Services?
Beyond the technical and emotional challenges, our team members highlight the importance of a supportive and collaborative work environment. Having access to resources, mentorship, and a strong professional network allows them to navigate the complexities of cardiovascular care with confidence. The sense of camaraderie within the field helps them grow in their roles while ensuring they can provide the best possible care to their patients.
“If I had known how fantastic my bosses would be, I would have applied sooner,” Kris says.
Recognizing Individual Career Paths
Although the company hired them as a package deal, Stephanie and Rodel appreciate that Epic Cardiovascular Services recognizes them as individuals, not just as a married couple. “We both have different career aspirations, and Epic Cardiovascular Services supports each of us in our unique paths,” says Stephanie. Because she travels, Stephanie has had the opportunity to work with many Epic perfusionists, ECMO specialists, and coordinators, and she values the way the company fosters a culture of respect, kindness, and teamwork. “Everyone really pushes each other to be supportive and go the extra mile to do what needs to be done.”
The Value of a Strong Professional Network
Rodel reflects on how he wishes he had known earlier just how vast Epic Staffing Group’s network and resources were. “If I had realized how big Epic was and how many resources were available to me, I probably would have taken the job a lot faster.”
Opportunities for Career Growth
Julie emphasizes the opportunities for professional growth. “Epic Staffing Group is nationwide, and it provides a lot of room for growth and opportunity.”
Advice for Future Cardiovascular Professionals
For those considering a career in cardiovascular healthcare, our team members have words of wisdom:
- Julie (ATS): “Don’t underestimate the potential of blood management. It can be a lifelong, fulfilling career—not just a stepping stone.
- Kris (ECMO): “Talk to professionals in the field, ask them about their experiences, and understand the challenges so you can make an informed decision.”
- Kelley (ECMO): “The stakes are often high, so it’s important to keep in mind that every survival is a win.”
- Stephanie (Perfusion): “Talk to surgeons and nurses to really get an idea of what the day in the life of a perfusionist looks like. Reach out to as many perfusion schools as you can and see what each one offers”
- Rodel (Perfusion): “Find a perfusionist mentor and really shadow them. And log on to Perfusion.com. It really gives you a nice little introduction to perfusion.”
Inside Epic Cardiovascular Services: Honoring the Experts Behind Patient Care
Epic Cardiovascular Services is proud to support the talented individuals who dedicate their lives to cardiovascular care. Their compassion, skill, and commitment make a difference in countless lives. This Cardiovascular Professionals Week, we celebrate and thank each of them for their unwavering dedication.
If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real impact, Epic Cardiovascular Services is the place to be. Reach out today to learn more about joining our incredible team!