Degree: B.S. in Cardiovascular Perfusion
How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship gave me a platform on which to lead, serve, collaborate, and learn. It is so much more than financial support. It allowed me to discover my passion in medicine, travel the world, put food on my table, network with intellectual peers, and build lifelong friendships. It’s fostered my entire educational experience not only for myself, but also for my brother and my family is forever grateful.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Studying is very important, but take a break from burying your nose in books and get out into the community. Shadow professionals, interview professors, network with members of your local community. You may discover a new passion.
Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
My older brother, William Rogers, a Stamps Alumnus and University of Michigan graduate. He introduced me to medical research, which led me to discover Cardiovascular Perfusion. I fell in love with the profession after shadowing my first cardiac surgery at the VA Hospital in Miami.
What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
Each year, the Penny and Roe had dinner with the Barry University scholars. It was my freshman year and my first dinner with them. I remember being nervous, only knowing three other people of whom I had just met that morning at orientation. Penny broke the ice by telling us a story about how many cats she had and how one of them saved her life. After that, I began to relax and engage in conversation with the Stamps and the other scholars. The scholar next to me ended up becoming my best friend. He graduated two years ago, but we still talk daily.
What comes next?
I will be accepting a position as a Cardiovascular Perfusionist in Southern California. During my time as a Stamps Scholar, I have acted as a student perfusionist operating the heart-lung machine, performing cardiopulmonary bypass for over 200 adult and pediatric cardiac surgeries. At my new position, I will be performing the same responsibilities independently. I will take my American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion exams and (hopefully) become a Board-Certified Clinical Perfusionist by fall 2018.
Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“Walls turned sideways are bridges.” -Dr. Angela Davis