National Perfusion Week (May 3-9)
by Marcello Bernardo
As Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) advances toward the launch of cardiac surgery in 2028, building a highly specialized cardiovascular workforce is a critical priority. This work is being advanced in partnership with the University Health Network’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), supporting a coordinated, “one program, two sites” model of care.
As cardiac surgery is not yet available in Thunder Bay, a proactive “grow-your-own” approach has been implemented in partnership with the PMCC. Through this model, team members complete their specialized education and transition into clinical practice at PMCC, where they gain hands-on clinical experience at PMCC, a high-volume cardiac centre, before returning home to support the program’s launch.
Cardiovascular perfusionists are highly specialized professionals and essential members of the interprofessional operating room team. Working in close collaboration with cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists, they operate advanced life-support technologies, including the heart-lung machine, which temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. Their expertise is critical to ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in complex procedures.
In recognition of National Perfusion Week (May 3–9), we are proud to celebrate the expertise, dedication, and critical contributions of cardiovascular perfusionists. This year, we are especially pleased to highlight four exceptional individuals who are preparing to join the team at TBRHSC. These professionals will play an integral role in the anticipated launch of our Cardiovascular Surgery Program in spring 2028.
With no perfusion training program currently based in Thunder Bay, each of these individuals has made the significant commitment to relocate to Toronto to complete specialized education at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN, while gaining valuable clinical experience at PMCC. This investment supports individuals with strong ties to Northwestern Ontario in developing advanced expertise and returning to serve their communities.
As we approach the 2028 launch, these future team members will bring the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to deliver high-quality, patient-centred cardiac surgical care, closer to home.
Meet the Team
Scott completed the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN in 2018. With longstanding ties to TBRHSC, he now practices at the PMCC, where he continues to advance his expertise in a collaborative, patient-centered environment focused on innovation and excellence in cardiac care.
Amanda began her studies in cardiovascular perfusion at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN in September 2023 and completed the program in 2025. She has since joined the team at the PMCC, where she is further developing her clinical skills while contributing to high-quality patient care in a leading cardiac centre.
Grace began her training in 2024 and has demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience throughout her studies, recently completing her Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion. During her training, she has gained valuable hands-on clinical experience in cardiac surgery, strengthening her technical skills and clinical judgment. She will graduate this June and begin her career at PMCC, where she will support patients undergoing life-saving cardiac procedures. Congratulations, Grace, on this important milestone.
Eve is the final team member participating in the “grow-your-own” initiative supporting the launch of cardiovascular surgical services. She began her studies at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN in 2025 and is currently completing her first year of the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. Upon her expected graduation in 2027, she will help strengthen local capacity and support patients requiring cardiovascular surgery closer to home.
The dedication and commitment demonstrated by these individuals will be invaluable to TBRHSC and the patients we serve. We look forward to welcoming them as key contributors to our future cardiovascular program.
During National Perfusion Week, we invite our community to recognize the vital role perfusionists play in the operating room. Their skill, precision, and vigilance make a meaningful difference in patient care every day.
To learn more about cardiovascular perfusion, please visit these online resources:
