By: Frankline Odari
From humble beginnings in Nakuru, Kenya, Frankline Odari’s path to becoming an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) specialist has been shaped by curiosity, determination, and a deep commitment to serving others. Today, as a clinician at Inova Fairfax Medical Center and a student in MUSC’s online Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science (ECS) program, Frankline is expanding his expertise in ECMO and extracorporeal technologies while sharing that knowledge far beyond his own workplace. His journey reflects the global impact of MUSC’s ECS program—one designed to equip working professionals with the advanced, real-world understanding needed to support lifesaving cardiopulmonary care across diverse communities.
My graduate studies in extracorporeal science at MUSC through the online international learning program have catapulted my efforts to serve my institution as an ECMO educator.
I was born in 1982 in Nakuru, Kenya, a charming agricultural town nestled by Lake Nakuru, near the striking Menengai hills and the stunning East African rift valley. I grew up in a caring home filled with love, effortless admiration, and family support. Each day, I witnessed firsthand my grandmother’s visionary leadership as the matriarch of our extended family, and I admired it all.
At the core of my humble beginnings, growing up in the hustle and bustle of the urban setting, I was always curious about the world out there. I cherished memories of playing games with friends, walking a mile to school, and dressing up for church. Soccer became a passion of mine, especially after being captivated by the thrilling matches of the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
This love for sports and competition was the backdrop of my desire to excel, particularly in academics. I performed well in primary and secondary school, especially in Mathematics and Science, and pursued a bachelor’s degree in nursing science at Moi University in Kenya. After graduation, I started working as an intensive care nurse at a private hospital in Nairobi City and was shortly thereafter interviewed for a full scholarship to train as a cardiac perfusionist at the same institution.
My first overseas travel to Pakistan was nothing short of spectacular. I spent two years of cardiac perfusion training abroad, learning new cultures, skills, languages, and many other exciting events. Upon return, this rich tapestry and blend of cultures enabled me to serve my country better as a chief perfusionist and later as cardiac services manager from 2010 to 2016.
I had always dreamed of coming to the United States and working in the First World. Fortunately, I was presented with an opportunity to work as a critical care nurse through Avant Healthcare Professionals, and I embraced it with open arms. My professional aspirations to grow in advanced heart failure management as a device specialist came to life as I worked in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) with post-operative cardiac surgical patients, heart and lung organ transplant recipients, and those on mechanical circulatory support devices such as ECMO, ventricular assist devices (VADs), Impella, and intra-aortic balloon pumps. This unique experience enriched my competencies in cardiac perfusion and synergistically increased my acute care knowledge. In 2021, I moved into a full-time ECMO specialist role following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, I am a family man with my amazing wife, Maureen, and am blessed with two beautiful daughters and three handsome sons. My core values revolve around providing the best for them and being the best role model to emulate. Further, I am passionate about advancing cardiac perfusion services in Africa and making a difference by sharing my knowledge and skills with peers working in cardiac institutions on that continent.
Most importantly, my graduate studies in extracorporeal science at MUSC through the online international learning program have catapulted my efforts to serve my institution as an ECMO educator and reach out to colleagues in perfusion circles worldwide.
For Frankline, the Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science (ECS) program at MUSC has been more than an academic milestone, but a catalyst for mentorship, education, and hope. Through his studies at MUSC, he is helping spark interest in ECMO and perfusion education among clinicians in underserved regions, opening doors to knowledge that can strengthen cardiac care worldwide.
If your journey is rooted in growth, service, and impact, explore MUSC’s ECS program and discover how flexible, online learning can help you deepen your expertise and extend your reach—wherever your path leads.
