Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids Michigan

Spectrum is really a great clinical observation site if you want to stay busy and work with some great teachers. There are 8 male perfusionists at Spectrum and all have been working here for no less than 10 years. They have 6 surgeons and are very busy. There has not been a day during the week since I have been here that I haven't had a case (or two) to pump. There are some specialties that the perfusionists do, like ECMO, VADs, Minimally invasive robotic cases, pediatrics, etc. In two weeks there will be a new surgeon adding to the mix that will be here solely for Heart and Lung Transplants (world renowned surgeon, I hear). Soon they also will be opening up the children's hospital where they will (most likely) be adding new pediatric surgeons. The hospital itself if beautiful, and the cardiac team has been extremely welcoming. The learning experience is great, you sit in front of the pump early (week 1), and they give you a lot of responsibility early on, let you decide which cases you want to do, and work with you on your schedule if there are any conflicts. You do take call, depending on how many students are here with you, I for instance switch with another student who's here, so every other week and weekend. The perfusion department here is extremely respected here by the surgeons and the cardiac team, if you have questions about the site, please email me! malia.goozen@azwebamil.midwestern.edu