Recently a colleague of mine told me about a cable TV show she'd seen (Discovery Channel?)  that featured a perfusionist monitoring an ECMO.  Over time, the patient's condition declined and it was baffling to all the doctors.  The medical team was beginning to feel there was no hope.  This patient was fairly young with a strong physique and something gnawed at the perfusionist such that he couldn't give up the faith that the patient could be saved. 

The perfusionist  was determined to continue when others among the medical team gave up.  As he worked tirelessly, he inspected the equipment and couldn't see anything particularly wrong.  But in a last ditch effort, he decided to change out the ECMO lines.  Apparently there had been a problem with the original lines that prevented the maximum volume to flow.  As soon as the ECMO lines were changed, the patient began to respond favorably and thereafter (and to the medical team's amazement) a full recovery took place.

That perfusionist should be Employee of the Year!

This story exemplifies experience, the power of faith and the strength of an individual to assume leadership when he was in variance with opinion.  It might have been easier for the perfusionist to agree with team's assertion that everything that had been done to no avail.  It was a bold assertive move by the perfusionist  to challenge the thought and refuse to give up.

In the spirit of leadership... Whether you are a perfusionist and/or other medical professional you may at times be faced with momentous challenge.  It is recognized that a good clinician serves the team.  In a rare situation, however, sometimes something bigger may be at stake than normal protocol.  There are tough choices to make and risks involved.  Are you able to put yourself in the position of the perfusionist and could you be strong and confidant enough to challenge a situation?

The caliber of Trident's perfusionists, by and large, is characterized by  their strong sense of team, a respect for the surgeons with whom they work closely, and following clinical procedures with precision and in alignment with their advanced medical training.  Trident does, however, encourage and welcome the professional opinion of its employees to openly and honestly contribute with their own voice.  We pride our company on having perfusionists willing to extend themselves for the work they were trained to do.

Hospitals that are considering outsourcing their perfusion programs for the long-term or who may need emergent perfusion services may want to consider Trident Health Resources, Inc. We provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Our perfusionists are dedicated employees who work with us and with you for the long-term. 

To each of you... as you decide your own personal goals for 2011, may you reach them to become the best you can possibly be.  Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year celebration and good things to come.

If during this holiday season or any time of the year you are seeking perfusion services, consider Trident.  We are a very well respected and established company with an exceptional reputation.  Please give Trident Health Resources, Inc. a call at (800) 888-8408.