By: Josh Carter
If you’re a perfusionist thinking about the next chapter of your career, there’s one place that should be on your radar: Memphis, Tennessee. More than just the home of blues, BBQ, and Beale Street, Memphis is emerging as a top destination for healthcare professionals who want to grow their careers, improve their quality of life, and find real community.
Memphis and the greater Midsouth region have become a magnet for perfusionists, and Connect Perfusion — a clinician-first, independent perfusion company — is helping make the move easier, more rewarding, and well worth it.
A Hidden Gem for Healthcare Professionals
Memphis is known for its rich musical history and soul food, but it’s also home to a robust healthcare ecosystem. The city hosts world-class hospitals like Baptist Memorial Health Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, all of which create strong demand for specialized roles like perfusion.
As the U.S. population ages and cardiac surgery procedures increase, perfusionists are more essential than ever — and Memphis is meeting that need with opportunity, support, and a low barrier to entry for a higher quality of life.
Why Perfusionists Thrive in Memphis
Working as a perfusionist in Memphis offers a unique mix of professional growth and personal well-being. At the heart of that support system is Connect Perfusion, an independent perfusion company based in the region. Unlike traditional staffing firms or hospital systems, Connect prioritizes:
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- Work/life balance
- Mentorship and growth
- Team-first collaboration
Connect Perfusion helps clinicians avoid burnout and rediscover their passion for patient care by offering industry-leading schedules, personalized support, and diverse clinical opportunities.
Southern Hospitality, Real Support
Memphians are known for being friendly, and that extends to the professional environment. Hospitals and medical teams in the region foster a collegial atmosphere where collaboration and community matter.
At Connect Perfusion, that spirit of hospitality is woven into their DNA. They intentionally build a team where every clinician is heard, respected, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a recent grad, you’re welcomed like family — not just another name on a schedule.
The Cost of Living Advantage
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Memphis? Affordability. Compared to cities like New York, San Francisco, or even Nashville, Memphis has:
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- 56.1% lower housing costs than the national average, and 25.9% cheaper rent than the national average
- No state income tax, like the rest of Tennessee
- Lower prices on essentials like gas, groceries, and utilities. The total cost of living in Memphis is estimated to be 35.7% lower than the national average!
This means perfusionists in Memphis can stretch their salaries much further. Many own homes with spacious yards, have short commutes, and live comfortably without sacrificing the perks of city life.
Work/Life Balance That Actually Works
High-stakes roles like perfusion can come with intense schedules and emotional fatigue. That’s why true balance is a must — not a luxury.
Memphis offers an environment where slowing down and enjoying life is part of the culture. The city has less traffic, more green space, and a slower pace that encourages relaxation and recovery. Connect Perfusion builds on that by offering:
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- Team-First scheduling that prioritizes work/life balance and professional development
- Diverse caseloads that will keep you from getting burned out
- A support network that truly values mental health and downtime
Whether it’s kayaking the Mississippi, cycling through Shelby Farms, or just enjoying a laid-back Sunday with friends and BBQ, life here is about more than just work.
BBQ, Blues, and So Much More
We can’t talk about Memphis without celebrating the food. The city is a national treasure when it comes to iconic BBQ — think ribs at Central BBQ, smoked sausage at Cozy Corner, and pulled pork at Payne’s. But foodies will also love the city’s soul food spots, vegan eateries, international flavors, and affordable fine dining.
And beyond the plate, there’s a full menu of entertainment:
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- Beale Street music clubs
- Free outdoor concerts at Levitt Shell
- Cultural gems like the Stax Museum and Brooks Museum of Art
- Festivals and block parties throughout the year, such as the Cooper Young Festival each Fall
You’ll never be short on things to experience.
A Culture of Creativity and Connection
Memphis pulses with creativity, history, and culture. You can walk the same streets as Elvis, Aretha, and B.B. King. Explore neighborhoods full of public art and vibrant murals. Walk from the riverfront to Crosstown Concourse.
There’s energy and soul around every corner. More than that, Memphis is a place where community still matters. Neighbors know each other. Local businesses thrive. And there’s a shared pride in our city’s resilience and charm.
What Sets Connect Perfusion Apart
Connect Perfusion was built to be different from the mega-corporations:
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- Independent model: No big corporate red tape. Decisions are made locally and with care.
- Clinician-first culture: You’re respected, supported, and given a real say in your work.
- Mentorship & professional development: Continued education and training are built into the culture.
- Regional diversity: Work across a range of hospitals throughout the Midsouth, from large urban centers to small-town surgical programs.
With Connect, you’re not just clocking hours — you’re building a meaningful, sustainable career.
Exploring the Greater Midsouth
While Memphis is the anchor, the Midsouth includes a broad region filled with hidden gems. From the Ozarks to the Mississippi Delta, and from Oxford, MS to Little Rock, AR, there are incredible weekend getaways and professional opportunities.
Because Connect Perfusion serves multiple hospitals across the Midsouth, you’ll get the chance to work in different settings, gain new experiences, and find the lifestyle that fits you best.
Is Memphis Right for You?
If you’re a perfusionist looking for:
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- A supportive community and strong team dynamic
- A lower cost of living and better financial outlook
- A city full of soul, music, and culture
- A job that fits into your life, not the other way around
… then Memphis is more than worth a look.
With Connect Perfusion as your partner, the transition is smooth, the support is real, and the opportunities are endless. For perfusionists ready to take that next step, Memphis offers something rare: a chance to grow your career without burning out, to live well without overpaying, and to join a company that genuinely puts clinicians first.
Want to Learn More?
Visit our website to explore job openings, connect with current clinicians, and discover how your future could look a whole lot brighter in Memphis.