During my perfusion training in the mid-1980’s I attended a lecture by a visiting perfusionist at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. Although I do not recall the topic of his presentation, one comment he stated made an indelible point that remains with me to this day. He stated that we belong, or were entering, a profession where the majority of individuals who began perfusion in the 1950’s and 60’s, were still alive, with many still practicing. Of course the same could be said for cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists, but these professions had their origins several millennia earlier. I often wonder if we fully realize the remarkable nature of having such a brief and memorable history.
This past July the profession lost one its true pioneers when Ben Mitchell passed away. The impact of loosing such a person cannot be appreciated simply reviewing his curriculum vitae, nor via a search of the published literature bearing his name. No the impact of the pioneers of perfusion, as we more recent entrants into the profession have termed them, is measured through the unselfish mentoring they gave so freely to those in need. Today we find it hard to appreciate what it was like more than 30 years ago to be involved in perfusion. Electronic access to the myriad sources of information on any subject takes nothing more than a click of a mouse on one of the many search engines so ubiquitously available. Communication networks, such as PerfList, provide access to numerous ‘experts’ only too willing to provide their ‘two-cents’ worth of advice. Prior to the availability of such portals of information there were individuals, such as Ben, who set the standard for altruism.
The profession also lost a dedicated individual with the recent passing of Sheryl Purpora. I had the good fortune of serving on AmSECT’s Continuing Education Committee and the Perfusion Program Director’s Council with Sheryl, and admired her for her commitment and energy to promote the knowledge of perfusion. She too, was a wonderful mentor who gave freely to her students and colleagues alike.
In this issue we publish a testimonial by Jeff Edwards, which serves to remind us of the frailty of life, and implores us to embrace its fleeting nature. Perhaps one can appreciate the message that Jeff’s testimonial brings when we read the memorials written for Ben by Paul Cappola and Maria Helena Souza. It is through reflection and contemplation that we make the clarity of hindsight the beacon that leads us to decision.