Michael Sirimaturos, PharmD, BCNSP, BCCCP, FCCM, is a clinical pharmacist at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He has been actively involved with the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and was appointed vice-chair of the Membership Committee in 2021. His clinical interests include endocrinology, pharmacology, and professional development. He offers some advice for those starting their careers in critical care, discusses his most significant professional achievement, and shares the value of his SCCM membership.
Why do you love being in critical care?
I love being in critical care because of its fast pace, its unpredictable days, the ability to work with every discipline, and the opportunity to help those who should have never made it home alive have their second chance.
How did you get into critical care?
My interest in critical care started as a pharmacy student during my emergency department (ED) rotation. A drowning victim arrived by helicopter, and I was allowed to participate in offloading the patient from the helipad. I performed chest compressions for the first time. That same week, two patients with gunshot wounds self-admitted to the ED. The involvement of the whole team in the care of the patients, regardless of profession, really got me interested in a career in critical care.
What advice do you have for those starting their critical care careers?
My advice to young or new practitioners is to be active and stay active in professional organizations such as SCCM early in your career. You are more likely to stay involved and be engaged now when you are young, enthusiastic, and have more time on your hands, compared to later in your life when other career or personal duties and obligations start filling your free time.
What is your most significant professional achievement?
My proudest professional achievement was becoming a fellow in the American College of Critical Care Medicine. I’ve loved all of my involvement in the SCCM Texas Chapter and in SCCM, including various leadership and educational opportunities, guideline and committee involvement, and interaction and collaboration with critical care professionals from around the world.
What do you love about SCCM membership?
I love SCCM membership because the organization allows everyone in critical care to have a seat at the table. It also allows for frequent and active engagement at the local level with chapters spread across the United States.
SCCM provides high-level education from thought leaders, researchers, and bedside clinicians from around the world through various conferences and the Critical Care Congress. These activities provide unique opportunities to network with the most talented clinicians in the field, all with the goal of being better clinicians and building a stronger critical care community.
What do you believe to be the top benefits of SCCM membership?
I think the top benefits are access to multiprofessional involvement, networking opportunities, and critical care education.
Connect with @Michael Sirimaturos on SCCM Connect.