We, as perfusionists, are fortunate to have the opportunity to share our skills in a variety of ways. The reasons for entering this profession are diverse and represent the individual goals and aspirations unique to each of us. Early on, many individuals became perfusionists out of default when the need for operators of the heart-lung machine overwhelmed the ranks of surgical residents and research technicians who manned the early devices. In the early 70’s standardization of the educational process became a reality with the establishment of formal entry criteria that created an application process that remains in existence today. The growth of cardiac surgery in the 80’s led to an unprecedented demand for perfusionists, and the shortage of practioners was answered by increasing applications and an explosion in the number of perfusion education programs. Economic theory took hold and the demand for perfusionists, with a diminished supply, led to increased opportunities and associated rewards.
Over the past decade I was both fortunate and privileged to have been an educator in several perfusion education programs. As a gatekeeper to the profession, educators have as their primary responsibility the selection of applicants who will uphold the established standards of perfusion. Selection of qualified individuals is based on many criteria, but arguably, and at least in my opinion, the most desirable and sought after trait was attitude. We use this term today to denote negativity, but the positive aspects of such a profound characteristic are not lost on those who observe the former. Sociological studies have demonstrated that the use of interviews to establish eligibility is flawed from the lack of objective means of qualifying responses. Yet, most admission programs in the medical sciences require the personal interview as an important part of the selection process. However, the level of importance placed on this, and a similar application component, the personal essay, is usually minimal. So what does this mean, and more importantly, how does this affect the future of a profession which is so dependent upon the type of individual who obtains the credential to practice.
In this issue of the Journal, Matt Davis eloquently describes an aspect of perfusion that many have embraced, and most have at least considered. Perhaps it is fitting in this last issue of the year, timed with a holiday season that emphasizes reflection and giving, that the subject of charity work comes up. In Matt’s testimony he describes an altruistic behavior, which reminds many of us of our personal interview to whichever educational program that led to our profession. Namely, the desire to aid our patients in a compassionate and unselfish manner. This attitude should never be lost despite the years removed from our foundational beginnings. Fortunately it is demonstrated time and time again in various ways, such as through the perfusionists who become involved in missions, often at their own expense, to less fortunate areas of the world with limited resources for the delivery of healthcare. The perfusion companies that contribute personnel and supplies to these causes, and of course, the generosity of manufacturers of supplies and equipment who are often called upon to underwrite a significant portion of these trips.
At the conclusion of this editorial I have included two pieces that I believe accentuate Matt’s comments. The first is the Perfusion Oath of Practice. This was composed by input from numerous individuals from AmSECT and modified by a midwestern educational program in perfusion where the graduates recite it at the commencement ceremonies. The second was written by Charles Swindoll, PhD, obtained some years ago from, embarrassingly, an unknown source. During this special time of the year, the editorial staff wishes everyone a joyous holiday and a warm New Year.
Alfred H. Stammers, MSA, CCP
Editor
Perfusionist Oath of Practice
As a clinical perfusionist I will uphold the dignity and honor of the profession, accept its disciplines, and expose without hesitation illegal, unethical and incompetent conduct. I will always respect the patients' rights and dignity and uphold the doctrine of confidentiality regarding privileged patient information.
I will provide only those services for which I feel qualified and not misrepresent in any manner, either directly or indirectly, my skills, training, professional credentials, identity or services.
I will continuously strive to improve my medical knowledge and skills on a continuing basis.
I will maintain and promote high standards for perfusion practice, which may include education, research and scientific presentations and/or publications.
I will always hold the well being of the patient to be paramount and shall not act in such a way as to bring my interests into conflict with the patient's interests.
I will deliver health care services without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, religion, sexual preference or physical and/or mental condition.
So help me.
Attitude
“ The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, gift, or skill. It will make or break ... a company... a church.... a home.
The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it. ...We are in charge of our attitudes.”
Charles Swindoll, PhD