National Perfusion Week (May 1-5)

Cardiovascular Perfusionists work with Cardiac Surgeons and Anesthesiologists as part of the interprofessional operating room team. Their primary role is to conduct cardiopulmonary bypass using a heart-lung machine and other ancillary equipment in the cardiac operating room.

For National Perfusion Week (May 1-5), we would like to recognize two people who will be working as Cardiovascular Perfusionists at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) when our Cardiovascular Surgery Program is up and running. This program is a joint partnership between TBRHSC and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC)/University Health Network (UHN) to deliver comprehensive cardiovascular care to the residents of Northwestern Ontario.

Scott Longridge graduated in March 2018 from the Michener Institute of Education at UHN’s Cardiovascular Perfusionist Program. Scott is a long time employee of TBRHSC and currently working at UHN/PMCC as a perfusionist while awaiting to return for the launch of our Cardiovascular Surgery Program.

Amanda Sanche, Clinical Nurse Specialist of Cardiology, has been accepted to the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN and will relocate to start the two year program in August 2023. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is currently pursuing a Masters of Nursing with a Teaching Focus with anticipated completion in 2025. Please join us in congratulating Amanda on her achievements and upcoming endeavors.

On successful completion Amanda will return to Thunder Bay (along with Scott Longridge) to join our cardiovascular team, share their robust thirst for knowledge, along with delivering safe and comprehensive perfusion therapy to those in need.

As the Comprehensive Cardiovascular Surgical Program moves forward, TBRHSC will be seeking to recruit additional Cardiovascular Perfusionists.

Join us this week in recognizing the essential work that perfusionists do in the operating room.