Joshua L. Walker, LP, CCP

Mr. Joshua Walker began his professional life in healthcare when he was 17 years old by joining the US Army in 1995 to become a respiratory therapist.  His combat medic and respiratory therapy technician training ended in 1996 at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio.  Josh entered the active reserve component and practiced as a Respiratory Therapist in the civilian sector until 2005.

After an honorable discharge in 2005, he attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Science with honors in Cardiovascular Perfusion and took a staff position at UT Health San Antonio in 2007.  Over the past 13 years he has worked tirelessly with UT Health SA to provide the best care for patients in San Antonio while continuously learning and improving his clinical skill set.

He is currently the chief of cardiovascular perfusion and leads a perfusion team of six perfusionists. He provides cardiopulmonary bypass for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgeries and life support (ECMO) for ICU patients. He cares for patients ranging from neonates to the elderly.

Additionally, he provides surgical first assisting and specializes in saphenous vein harvest as well as handling day to day operations, ensuring that the equipment is functional, patient care disposables are available, and interfacing with many departments to ensure that they have all the tools required to provide the highest quality patient care.  Mr. Walker is currently a published researcher and carries a faculty position. He is actively engaged in research advancing renal protective strategies for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.  He also functions as a clinical preceptor for cardiovascular perfusion students.

He enjoys traveling to other parts of the world and helping them improve their local practices for the betterment of their patients.  Mission trips have included Lima, Peru and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

He is blessed with a beautiful family which includes five beautiful children, three rescue dogs, and most importantly, a supportive and beautiful wife of 21 years who has tolerated countless call-ins, missed birthday parties, and frequent dinner absences.