My Journey
High School
Hello, I’m Rafael, a Brazilian entrepreneur and master’s student, always seeking new knowledge and personal growth.
My journey began in high school with a technical course in Electromechanics. Since my teenage years, I have repaired computers and laptops, driven by a strong interest in understanding and fixing things.
University
When I entered university to study Biomedicine, I developed a passion for healthcare. I gained experience in laboratory work and patient care, but truly found my calling in the surgical field. I worked in pediatrics at Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, the largest in Latin America, where I refined my skills in empathy and patient care.
During my studies, I participated in university projects in which my team won awards, held internships from the first semester, and eventually completed my degree.
Job
In my first job at Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, I encountered perfusion teams, which sparked my interest in the field. I decided to pursue a specialization in extracorporeal perfusion, leading me to work as a perfusionist, a role I continue to this day, initially with children and now with adult patients. Later, I learned pacemaker programming, a technical service I also offer today.
Company
Over time, I developed new interests and founded Data Fusion, a health and technology company focused on bringing innovative solutions to the sector. One of my initial projects involved 3D printing of cardiac pathologies encountered in surgeries, utilizing my access to these clinical cases.
Soon after, I incorporated virtual 3D representations of these cases, using virtual and augmented reality to support procedures in an innovative way.
With so many possibilities, I realized the importance of expanding my knowledge in administration. Already involved in healthcare and with my own company, I felt that learning about management would be essential for the success of the business. Consequently, I began a master’s in administration in Canada, with the added goal of improving my English.
During my studies, I participated in university projects in which my team won awards, held internships from the first semester, and eventually completed my degree.
But after all, what is extracorporeal perfusion?
Imagine the heart as a super important pump.
It can’t stop working because it’s the one distributing fuel (blood) full of oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. Now, what happens if this pump needs fixing or adjusting? You can’t just turn it off, right?
That’s where extracorporeal perfusion comes inlike a “backup for the heart and lungs”!
During heart surgery, an amazing machine called the “heart-lung machine” takes over the job of the heart and lungs. It pumps blood through the body and fills it with oxygen, keeping everything running smoothly while the doctors make their repairs.
Think of it as a “power bank” for the body.
Just like you plug in your phone to charge when the battery’s low, surgeons “plug” the body into the machine to ensure it keeps functioning perfectly while the heart is being cared for.
And the perfusionist? They’re like the DJ of this high-tech party.
They control the machine, monitor the blood, and make sure everything stays in perfect rhythm to keep the body happy and healthy.
Hobbies
In my free time, I enjoy exploring new subjects and learning about various fields. I’m passionate about technology, video games, and especially fishing. Fishing allows me to disconnect from the world, immerse myself in nature, and process my thoughts.
