May 2-6 is National Perfusionist Appreciation Week

May 2, 2016 | By STSA Headquarters More

STSA wishes all of its perfusionist Associate Members a happy National Perfusionist Appreciation Week!

According to the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology, National Perfusionist Appreciation Week draws awareness to the crucial role perfusionists play on the cardiovascular surgical team.

STSA President, A.J. Carpenter, MD, shared her perspective on how perfusionists drive advancements in the field of cardiothoracic surgery:

“The advent of cardiopulmonary bypass is clearly one of the most critical developments in the advancement of cardiac surgery. As the technology evolved and spread, the perfusionist became a critical member of the heart team. These dedicated professionals are not only valued members of daily life in cardiac surgery, but they also have been, and continue to be, a driving force in the evolution of our profession. Improvement in CPB circuits and elements has been driven by perfusionists who draw on their experience and perform high quality research. Operations that were once impossible are today quite routine. Cardiopulmonary support has saved literally millions from previously lethal diseases and injuries. We owe much of this progress to the creativity of our perfusionists, and we owe them all of our gratitude.”

– Andrea J. Carpenter, MD
University of Texas, Health Science Center at San Antonio, Division of Thoracic Surgery

Perfusionists practicing at an institution in the Southern region are eligible for STSA Associate Membership. Membership applications are currently being accepted, and the deadline to apply is September 15.

Perfusionists and all interdisciplinary care providers working in the field of CT surgery are encouraged to participate in the STSA 63rd Annual Meeting, November 9-12, 2016 in Naples, FL. New in 2016, the November 10 Postgraduate Program will feature a session designed specifically for the interdisciplinary care team.

Contact STSA with questions at stsa@stsa.org or 312.202.5892.