Charles R. McLendon Jr, CCP

Charles McLendon serves as the Chief of Perfusion at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, a role he has held since 1998. He began his career at UK as a Perfusionist in 1993 after earning a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Perfusion Technology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Prior to that, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Cardiopulmonary Science from Louisiana State University School of Allied Health Science in Shreveport. Before transitioning into perfusion, Charles served as Clinical Faculty in Respiratory Therapy at LSU School of Allied Health Science from 1986 to 1992.

Throughout his career, Charles has been actively engaged in research, particularly in the field of cardioenergetics and ventricular assist devices at UK Chandler Medical Center. His contributions include participation in the Amicar Study in anesthesia at UK, an Intracranial Pressure Study on High-Frequency Jet Ventilation at LSU Medical Center, and the Exosurf Surfactant Replacement Trial in the NICU at LSU Medical Center. With his extensive expertise and dedication to perfusion science, Charles continues to play a pivotal role in advancing patient care and perfusion technology.