Cast Your Vote
President-Elect Candidates
Jeffrey Chores, MPS, CCP
I am currently and have been the Regional Director of Operations for SpecialtyCare for the past 4 years and have been the Director of Perfusion for St. John Providence Health System in Detroit Michigan for the previous 24. After graduating with a degree in Biochemistry I attended Harper-Grace School of Perfusion Technology and attained my graduate certificate in Perfusion. Later I completed my Master’s in Perfusion from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I am a clinical coordinator and adjunct professor for both the Rush University Perfusion program and for the MidWestern Perfusion Program and very much enjoy being a part of the education process. In addition I am a founding member, current board member and previous president of the Michigan Perfusion Society. During my tenure as president I assisted in the launching and the implementation of the PERForm registry for which we have been meeting quarterly as a state, discussing and applying the data metrics to clinical quality improvement projects to improve the delivery of care and creating a culture of collaboration to continue to drive the venue as a state and hopefully beyond. I have been an AmSECT member for the greater part of my career.
I believe that it is an exciting time in our field and that AmSECT serves a vital role in representing our profession. I am a founding member of the Michigan Perfusion Society and have served on the board of directors since its inception. In fact I have served as its president for many of the early years. In addition, I was responsible for creating the MPS summer agenda and all other aspects of implementing the summer conference for those early years. I ask for your support and vote because I believe that at this point in my career this opportunity will allow me to contribute at a national level and also learn from and work with AmSECT’s current leadership for which I have great respect. I would be honored to be considered for this position.
Chet Czaplicka, BSN, RN, CCP
My name is Chet Czaplicka and I have been a AmSECT member for over 38 years. I am a clinically active perfusionist and have been practicing for 40 years this December. I currently serve as the CEO/President of Comprehensive Care Services which is the largest perfusion service corporation in the world. We as a corporation have been very supportive of our profession by automatically enrolling all 650 + of our perfusionists in AmSECT, we have sponsored special events, many of our team have and continue to serve in volunteer roles and most importantly we are very active in improving quality through our sim labs and the use of electronically based data.My educational background began with a BSN from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. I was actively employed as a ICU cardiac nurse before being accepted to the Harper Hospital School of Perfusion Technology in 1982. After graduation I continued my education at Notre Dame in their Masters of Management program. In 1994 I was accepted into Harvard in the Executive Program for Negotiation and Mediation. This executive program helped me to truly grow my original perfusion business. Over the many years I have taken multiple other training courses that have continued to help me grow personally and professionally. This past year we have taken a giant step in the education of Perfusionists by partnering with Lawrence Technological University to open a perfusion school in my home state of Michigan. I look forward to serving my fellow perfusionists. Its time to give back some of the wisdom I have been blessed to attain in my nearly 40 years in perfusion.
Gregory A. Mork, BA, LP, CCP, FFP
I am a graduate of the Mt Sinai School of Clinical Perfusion and I hold a degree from National Louis University in Allied Health, Management, and Education. I have been ABCP certified for over 45 years and I am a Fellow of Pediatric Perfusion. I have been the president of AmSECT Region VI and served as Region VI representative on the AmSECT national board of directors for 8 years in the '80s. I served 12 years on the ABCP, 2 years as vice president and my last 2 years as president. I am a founding member of the Illinois State Perfusion Society, Illinois State Licensure, as well as the Chicagoland Perfusion Foundation, I have been the Director of Clinical Perfusion at UIC Medical Center and currently Rush University Medical Center. I have been a clinically active administrative perfusionist most of my career. I have also served 2 years as Zone 2 Director and currently serve as secretary and mentor in the AmSECT Leadership program. Additionally I have been a faculty member of the Rush School of Perfusion since 1992.
I am running for president elect because, as a current perfusion educator and volunteer, I feel I am uniquely positioned to understand and help facilitate what the perfusionists of today and tomorrow will need from AmSECT to continue their professional growth. Whether it's through collaboration or meticulous oversight of operations the challenges of the future are here, they are real, they can be scary, but ... experienced leadership can and will lift the society and profession so the challenges can be met with confidence. To sum things up, I love being a perfusionist and I'm lucky to be part of such an amazing profession. I love giving back to the profession which is clear from my current and past volunteer work. It would be an honor if you support me in my quest to lead AmSECT into a prosperous future. A future that has been made possible by the volunteers and leaders who served before me.
Keith J. Pelletier, PhD, MBA, MHS, CCP, LP
It is my strong desire to be able to use my vast educational knowledge, complimented by hands-on clinical and program management expertise to serve the community in a way where I can offer patients a higher level of quality treatment. I have authored some chapters in medical textbooks and articles for medical journals. I have been involved in many projects with my organizations that were involved in efforts to standardize, digitize, and automate key operational and administrative practices to save time, enhance patient communication, and improve regulatory compliance. I wish to continue serving with AmSECT, the cardiovascular community, and patients by taking on this new responsibility of the President-Elect for AmSECT. Thank you for your commitment to the Perfusion field and for your support to AmSECT as we continue to support cardiovascular services.
It is my strong desire to be able to use my vast educational knowledge, complimented by hands-on clinical and program management expertise to serve the community in a way where I can offer patients a higher level of quality treatment. I have authored some chapters in medical textbooks and articles for medical journals. I have been involved in many projects with my organizations that were involved in efforts to standardize, digitize, and automate key operational and administrative practices to save time, enhance patient communication, and improve regulatory compliance. I wish to continue serving with AmSECT, the cardiovascular community, and patients by taking on this new responsibility of the President-Elect for AmSECT.
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Secretary Candidates
Dorothy Holt, BS, CCP, FPP
I completed my undergrad from Carlow University and my Perfusion degree from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in what feels like many years ago. I have worked here at Nationwide Children's Hospital since 2015 and I have been a pediatric perfusionist since 2011. I have served on a handful of mission trips with ICHF and Gift of Life prior to starting my family. It is an experience I encourage everyone to try one day. I act as co- student liaison here at NCH. We enjoy hosting our students from SUNY, Midwestern and MUSC. Education has always been a passion of mine and I enjoy the time I get to spend with my students as their clinical instructor. In the past I have sat on the Nominating Committee and was the chair in 2020. I took a small break when I had my daughter but would love to get more involved again.
I love what I do, and I enjoy being a part of changes in our profession. I like meeting and working with life minded perfusionist's who also want to be involved.
Karim Jabr, CCP
I have proudly served as a Clinical Perfusionist for the past 38 years. Currently, I hold the position of Director of Perfusion Services at Tanner Health System in Carrollton, GA. My perfusion journey started in 1980, when I was accepted as an international perfusion student at Glasgow university Cardiac Surgery in Glasgow, Scotland. In 1985, I obtained Perfusion diploma from the Michener Institute of Medical Science, Toronto, Canada. Throughout my extensive career, I have actively collaborated with various perfusion schools, including Michener Institute, Barry University, NEU, MUSC, and MWU. Additionally, I had the privilege of serving two consecutive terms as a board member of Directors for the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM).
For the last 20 years, I have been a member of the Georgia State Perfusion Licensing Advisory Committee, and I have been a member of AmSECT since 1986, I consistently been involved volunteer. I've been a vital member of the planning committee program for numerous AmSECT International and Regional conferences, such as New Advances in Blood Management and Quality and Outcomes annual conferences, I was elected to the AmSECT Board of Directors representing Zone 3 in 2017, where I am about completing two terms of service. In 2021, I was honored to receive the prestigious AmSECT Award of Excellence one of the highest honors in perfusion. My contributions extend to academia and research, with 27 peer-reviewed publications, 68 presentations at national and international conferences, and 3 book chapters, all centered on advancing perfusion technology.
Having served as AmSECT's Zone 3 Director for the past six years, I am enthusiastic about applying for the Board Secretary position. My substantial experience and comprehensive understanding of AmSECT's organizational structure and operations uniquely qualify me for this role. Receiving the AmSECT Award of Excellence in 2021 reaffirmed my dedication to our profession and our society. I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to AmSECT members for this prestigious acknowledgment, motivating me to continue striving for excellence and further contribute to our perfusion community. I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to expand my leadership skills and deepen my involvement with our esteemed society. My background as a clinical perfusionist, coupled with my active engagement with the State Licensure Board, Perfusion schools, and the AmSECT Board of Directors, equips me to better serve both you and our perfusion community. My core values center around education, quality of care, patient safety, mentorship, leadership, and volunteerism, forming the strong foundation upon which we can advance our profession. In my view, leadership involves taking responsibility and inspiring others to achieve exceptional results. Our AmSECT members are our most valuable assets, deserving of outstanding leadership that fosters engagement and pride in our remarkable profession. Together, we can elevate our professional society to unprecedented heights. I extend my sincere gratitude for your time and consideration and eagerly await the opportunity to serve as your incoming Board Secretary.
Kirti Patel, MPS, MPH, CCP, LP, FAACP
I have been a Perfusionist for nearly 25 years and in health care industry for 30. I am a proud graduate of the Texas Heart Institute. I also have a Master’s in Public Health from University of Texas and a Master’s in Perfusion Sciences from the University of Nebraska. I currently serve as the Vice President of Perfusion Services for SpecialtyCare, where I serve as a clinical dyad leader managing clinical operations and representing the over 100 perfusionists in the Western region. In my current position, I continue to be clinically active. My past experiences include being a Director for UTHealth McGovern Medical School CV Perfusion Program, where I served as Chair for the Perfusion Program Director’s Council, Instructor at Texas Heart Institute, clinical perfusionist at The Methodist Hospital as well as Memorial Hermann Hospital, Faculty at MUSC Perfusion Program and staff Perfusionist at Baptist Hospital of SE Texas. I currently serve as the Chair for the Texas Medical Board Perfusion Licensure Committee and as an invited editor for the Journal of Extracorporeal Technology and Perfusion Journal. I have had the honor of being selected by our peers for Perfusionist of the Year in 2013 and have previously been presented with the President’s Award five times. Additionally, I have been nominated several times for the Clinical Excellence Award. I have had the great pleasure of being an AmSECT member through my entire perfusion career, during which I have provided extensive service to the organization in many different capacities: 2022-current AmSECT Zone 2 Director; 2001-current AmSECT Today, Active column contributor; 2008-2015 AmSECT Today, Editor-in-Chief; 2009-2010 International Conference Planning Committee Member; 2007-2008 President’s Strategic Planning Committee; 2007-2008 AmSECT Today, Associate Editor; 2006-2008 International Conference Planning Committee Member; 2005-2006 Achievement Recognition Committee Chair; 2003-2007 Achievement Recognition Committee Member; 2006-2007 Membership Committee Member.
I am running for Secretary because I believe my continued leadership experience on the Board coupled with my over 20 years of service as a volunteer demonstrates that I am prepared to continue representing you in AmSECT’s Leadership. I want to continue to serve this organization because there are many things in motion that I am part of on the BOD and would like the opportunity to complete them and serve the membership. I make a pledge to you that I will continue working hard so that the membership is represented and the issues that are important to you are addressed. Our profession is facing unprecedented, challenging times and this requires a voice that is not afraid to challenge the status quo. I am enthusiastic, determined and prepared to continue to serve as your voice. Thank you for considering my candidacy for Secretary. I would be grateful for your vote so that I may help lead AmSECT forward in an ever-evolving healthcare environment.
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Treasurer Candidate
Renee Axdorff-Dickey, BSCCP, MBA, FPP
I graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1988 and began my career as a perfusionist at Yale New Haven Hospital. After a year there, I headed to Seattle, where I worked for a year at Sisters of Providence Hospital. In 1990, I was recruited for Seattle Children’s small pediatric perfusion team. I was promoted to chief perfusionist from 2004 to 2011. That was a great opportunity to modernize the department and introduce the latest technologies and procedures. In 2011, I began a master’s program at Seattle University, receiving a health care leadership executive MBA in 2013. Our perfusion team worked continuously to improve our techniques and results, using improvements in perfusion equipment and information technology, and publishing results of our research with the Seattle Children’s heart team. In 2020, I joined the AmSECT COVID-19 Task Force, helping uniting perfusionists from around the world. Through the task force I met many more highly focused and hardworking professionals working to quickly disseminate facts about care for COVID-19 patients. From 2017-2021, I was the AmSECT Zone 1 director, working to help continue the mission of AmSECT. I have also had the opportunity to be the committee chair of the AmSECT Foundation. In the past three years, the Foundation has reached some major milestones with new scholarships available for practicing and student perfusionists. In 2022, I relocated to sunny Southern California and switched from pediatric patients to adult patients working at Eisenhower Medical Center.
After I finished my MBA program, I wanted to get more involved with AmSECT so I decided to volunteer for the Ethics Committee (I loved ethics class). After serving on that committee, I thought I would throw myself into the mix and run for treasurer. Looking back, I’m so glad I didn’t win that election. In 2017 I ran successfully for a Zone 1 director position, and I have been humbled to learn how much work gets done every year by zone directors. I had the opportunity to help make really hard decisions about the AmSECT budget to ensure that we can continue to support our mission in the years ahead. In 2021 after four years as a zone director, chair of the AmSECT Foundation, committee member of the ICPC and vice president of the Washington State Perfusion Society, I felt like I was ready to run for treasurer and this year I am excited to run again. The treasurer position is challenging, and I hope I am making a difference. I enjoy being part of the AmSECT team and I am thankful I have had the former treasurer (Scott Schneider) to help me navigate the finances of AmSECT. We have a lot on our plates for the coming year and I hope I can continue as AmSECT treasurer. I am counting on your support.
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Zone 1 Director Candidates
Ed Harman, MS, CCP, FPP, MBA
I received a BS in Behavioral Science from the University of Utah in 2003. While completing my bachelor's degree, I worked at the Utah Artificial Heart Institute where we implanted and tested total artificial hearts and VADs and my interest in mechanical support began. I attended Midwestern University for perfusion training and a master’s degree. I did most of my clinical training at Stanford Hospital and took a job there where I remained for five years. Stanford was a great place to hone my skills and participate in high-acuity procedures that have benefited the rest of my career. While at Stanford I was the perfusion student coordinator and actively involved in the Tahoe Cardiovascular Symposium. I moved to Utah in 2011 to further my pediatric training and have worked at Primary Children’s Hospital ever since. After completing an MBA, I transitioned to Area Clinical Manager for Perfusion in Utah for SpecialtyCare and remain clinically active doing cases. I’m involved at Primary Children’s as a member of the Mechanical Support Executive Committee, Director of the Autotransfusion Quality Committee, and am involved in several research projects. This summer our program was taken in-house by the University of Utah and I was appointed Chief of Pediatric Perfusion. Last year I was appointed as Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah Medical School – School of Perfusion. I teach Congenital/Pediatric Perfusion Practice Techniques for first year students and sit on the Perfusion School admissions board. I have spoken at many regional and national meetings on subjects ranging from mini-circuits, MUF and ECMO transport. I am a Fellow of Pediatric Perfusion through AmSECT and remain an active AmSECT member. For the past 6 months I’ve served as AmSECT Zone 1 director.
I’ve learned a tremendous amount about the work it takes to run a successful organization like AmSECT. I had no idea of the challenges our organization faces and am excited to be a part of the board looking for and implementing solutions. I believe AmSECT's greatest gift to perfusion is through educational opportunities. I currently serve as Board liaison to the AmSECT Student Committee. Through my time there, I've seen our greatest opportunity in helping students and new grads find educational material/experiences that will prepare them for their careers ahead. I'm running for this position because I believe in the mission of AmSECT and the obligation I have to share what I've learned over 20 years in perfusion.
Chelsea Starrett, BS, MS, CCP, LP
Chelsea graduated MSOE in 2011 with a MS Perfusion. Her first employment was in Detroit for a small perfusion company that was bought out a year later by Specialtycare. After five years, Chelsea took an opportunity to become a perfusionist with a focus on creating an ECMO program in the country of Mexico in Monterrey Mexico. Here she met her husband and married in 2016. After a year of adventure, she followed her husband for work opportunities in Washington. She has resided in Washington for 6 years acting as the secretary of the Washington Perfusion Society, but worked for three large health systems and private travel groups. Currently, she works at the University of Washington and holds a license to practice perfusion in IL, TN, TX, and WI. She has been a member of AmSECT on and off in the past decade, which has been very much dependent on the perfusion shortage and the ever-changing climate of healthcare. She hopes her can be more involved in the society and the future of perfusion.
I am running for zone 1 director. I have been a perfusionist for over a decade and I have seen a number of changes; not only in technology, but in the climate of healthcare. My involvement in the Washington Perfusion society has helped open my eyes to the perils we face in legislation and the need for our profession to unify to accomplish our goals. I’ve also been involved in a number of varied perfusion positions - full time, part-time, per diem, large and small hospital systems, and small and large perfusion groups. I understand what the profession is facing with the shortage and the impact of COVID. I have a diversified background that helps me to understand perfusionists holding unique positions within their health system. I have also had the opportunity to train a number of students and I know the importance of the decisions we make today. Perfusion is a small profession and now, more than ever, it’s important to understand the various viewpoints to unify and our group to improve the future of perfusion science and technology.
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Zone 2 Director Candidates
Michelle Jaskula-Dybka, CCP, LP, MS
I completed my Master of Science degree at Rush University for cardiovascular perfusion. After graduation, I began working for SpecialtyCare in Tampa, Florida. I relocated to Fort Worth, Texas where I now cover 7 hospitals and work with 9 surgeons. With 2.5 years of experience in the field, I plan to move into a leadership role in the near future. I currently write self-quizzes for AmSECToday and would love to be more involved in the organization.
I am running for a position as Zone 2 director because I have a passion for perfusion and want to be more involved with AmSECT to make positive changes for perfusionists in the future. I enjoy learning more about the perfusion field each day as well as the management aspect of medicine. I look forward to making a positive social impact on not only all perfusionists, but patients alike.
Kirti Patel, MPS, MPH, CCP, LP, FAACP
I have been a Perfusionist for nearly 25 years and in health care industry for 30. I am a proud graduate of the Texas Heart Institute. I also have a Master’s in Public Health from University of Texas and a Master’s in Perfusion Sciences from the University of Nebraska. I currently serve as the Vice President of Perfusion Services for SpecialtyCare, where I serve as a clinical dyad leader managing clinical operations and representing the over 100 perfusionists in the Western region. In my current position, I continue to be clinically active. My past experiences include being a Director for UTHealth McGovern Medical School CV Perfusion Program, where I served as Chair for the Perfusion Program Director’s Council, Instructor at Texas Heart Institute, clinical perfusionist at The Methodist Hospital as well as Memorial Hermann Hospital, Faculty at MUSC Perfusion Program and staff Perfusionist at Baptist Hospital of SE Texas. I currently serve as the Chair for the Texas Medical Board Perfusion Licensure Committee and as an invited editor for the Journal of Extracorporeal Technology and Perfusion Journal. I have had the honor of being selected by our peers for Perfusionist of the Year in 2013 and have previously been presented with the President’s Award five times. Additionally, I have been nominated several times for the Clinical Excellence Award. I have had the great pleasure of being an AmSECT member through my entire perfusion career, during which I have provided extensive service to the organization in many different capacities: 2022-current AmSECT Zone 2 Director; 2001-current AmSECT Today, Active column contributor; 2008-2015 AmSECT Today, Editor-in-Chief; 2009-2010 International Conference Planning Committee Member; 2007-2008 President’s Strategic Planning Committee; 2007-2008 AmSECT Today, Associate Editor; 2006-2008 International Conference Planning Committee Member; 2005-2006 Achievement Recognition Committee Chair; 2003-2007 Achievement Recognition Committee Member; 2006-2007 Membership Committee Member.
I am re-running for Board of Director for Zone 2 because I believe my continued leadership experience on the Board coupled with my over 20 years of service as a volunteer demonstrates that I am prepared to continue representing you in AmSECT’s Leadership. I want to continue to serve this organization because there are many things in motion that I am part of on the BOD and would like the opportunity to complete them and serve the membership. I make a pledge to you that I will continue working hard so that the membership is represented and the issues that are important to you are addressed. Our profession is facing unprecedented, challenging times and this requires a voice that is not afraid to challenge the status quo. I am enthusiastic, determined and prepared to continue to serve as your voice. Thank you for reconsidering my candidacy. I would be grateful for your vote so that I may help lead AmSECT forward in an ever-evolving healthcare environment.
Douglas Zavadil, MPS, CCP, FPP
I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1994, a Post Baccalaureate Certification in Clinical Perfusion from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in 1997, and Master in Perfusion Science from UNMC in 2005. I've practiced perfusion in the Kansas City area for over 26 years. I was part-owner of a Kansas City based perfusion company (Penn View Perfusion) from 1999-2013, have been on staff at Children's Mercy Kansas City since 2013, served as SpecialtyCare, Inc's Area Clinical Manager from 2017-2020 and am currently the Chief Perfusionist at Children's Mercy Kansas City. I served on the Missouri Perfusion Society's Board of Directors from 1999-2005, was part of AmSECT's ECMO FMEA Safety Project Reviewer Group from 2018-2019, AmSECT's Leadership Symposium in 2019 and 2020, and have been on AmSECT's Achievement Recognition Committee since 2021, serving as Chair from 2023-2024. I have presented at Regional (1996) and National (1997, 2023) AmSECT Meetings, and have contributed articles to both JECT (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2007) and AmSECT Today (2022, 2023). I have also been an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Clinical Perfusion Education Program since 2014 and have been a Clinical Instructor for the Thomas Jefferson University's Cardiovascular Perfusion program since 2021.
I’ve tried to give back to our profession on both the local and national level. I served on the Missouri Perfusion Society’s Board of Directors while we were navigating the beginning stages of our state licensure bill. I’ve published articles in JECT, AmSECT Today and presented at AmSECT Regional and National Conferences. In addition, I feel that I have been able to contribute to the pediatric perfusion field by taking part in research, teaching and medical missions through Children’s Mercy Kansas City and through AmSECT committees and working groups. I’ve spent my entire career in AmSECT’s Zone 2. I completed my perfusion training in the state of Nebraska. I’ve practiced perfusion in Missouri and Kansas for over 26 years. I’ve done both adult and pediatric perfusion, been part-owner of a regional perfusion company, an area manager of a national perfusion company and served in both staff and chief perfusionist roles in hospital-based perfusion departments in the area. A number of perfusionists in this region have invested in me over the years, and I’ve received much more from them and our patients than I could ever give back. I’m interested in the Zone 2 Director position because it gives me the opportunity to represent them, our patients and our part of the country. Because of my long-standing connection to the region and my diverse clinical background I would bring a valuable perspective to the role and would be honored to serve as Zone 2 Director.
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Zone 3 Director Candidates
Dorothy Holt, BS, CCP, FPP
I completed my undergrad from Carlow University and my Perfusion degree from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in what feels like many years ago. I have worked here at Nationwide Children's Hospital since 2015 and I have been a pediatric perfusionist since 2011. I have served on a handful of mission trips with ICHF and Gift of Life prior to starting my family. It is an experience I encourage everyone to try one day. I act as co- student liaison here at NCH. We enjoy hosting our students from SUNY, Midwestern and MUSC. Education has always been a passion of mine and I enjoy the time I get to spend with my students as their clinical instructor. In the past I have sat on the Nominating Committee and was the chair in 2020. I took a small break when I had my daughter but would love to get more involved again.
I love what I do, and I enjoy being a part of changes in our profession. I like meeting and working with life minded perfusionist's who also want to be involved.
Brian White, MS, RN, CCP, LP
I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BS in Biology, received my nursing degree from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, my Perfusion education from Texas Heart Institute, and my Master’s degree from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I am currently enrolled in a doctorate program for Health Professions Education from A.T. Still University. I am employed as the Assistant Director for Emory University’s new school of Perfusion. I currently serve as a new member of the AmSECT Quality Committee.
I want to become more involved with the leadership and direction of Perfusion within my zone and community.
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Committee Nominees
Chet Czaplicka
Ethics Committee
My name is Chet Czaplicka and I have been a AmSECT member for over 38 years. I am a clinically active perfusionist and have been practicing for 40 years this December. I currently serve as the CEO/President of Comprehensive Care Services which is the largest perfusion service corporation in the world. We as a corporation have been very supportive of our profession by automatically enrolling all 650 + of our perfusionists in AmSECT, we have sponsored special events, many of our team have and continue to serve in volunteer roles and most importantly we are very active in improving quality through our sim labs and the use of electronically based data.My educational background began with a BSN from Wayne State University in Detroit Mi. I was actively employed as a ICU cardiac nurse before being accepted to the Harper Hospital School of Perfusion Technology in 1982. After graduation I continued my education at Notre Dame in their Masters of Management program. In 1994 I was accepted into Harvard in the Executive Program for Negotiation and Mediation. This executive program helped me to truly grow my original perfusion business. Over the many years I have taken multiple other training courses that have continued to help me grow personally and professionally. This past year we have taken a giant step in the education of Perfusionists by partnering with Lawrence Technological University to open a perfusion school in my home state of Michigan. I look forward to serving my fellow perfusionists. Its time to give back some of the wisdom I have been blessed to attain in my nearly 40 years in perfusion.
William Joseph Dauch, MS, CCP, LP
Ethics Committee
Currently an instructor and Clinical Coordinator for the CVP Program at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Health Professions. I received my bachelor's degree in exercise science from the College of Charleston and graduated from the MUSC CVP program in 2018 as part of the inaugural master’s class. I began my career in Durham, NC at Duke University Hospital. While at Duke University Hospital, I became an Associate Chief of Perfusion Services from 2020-2023, where I split my time between adult and pediatric perfusion practice. I remain an active member of AmSECT and an active clinician as a member of the MUSC perfusion team. My professional involvement includes serving as the secretary for the North Carolina Society of Perfusionists for the past four years and participation in professional conferences (2023 International AmSECT conference, 2021 AmSECT Leadership Symposium).
I have always been interested in medical ethics and I have recently transitioned into a faculty instructor role at the MUSC CVP program. Now I am, in part, responsible for the education of the next generation of perfusionists. I believe a firm understanding of our professional ethics and active involvement in ethical concerns (as they arise) will assist me in the ethical education of future perfusionists, as well as, serve our community. Additionally, I am applying for this position because I would like to be more involved in our professional organization in general.
Laura Sill Hebert
Ethics Committee & Nominating Committee
I am Laura Hebert, MS, CCP, LP, and I have been a practicing clinical perfusionist for a little over 4 years. I earned a Bachelor of Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Psychology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, in 2013. My perfusion career started as a perfusion assistant in 2015 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA, where I was a member of the #1 liver transplant center in the country. Then, I graduated with Master of Cardiovascular Science from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, in 2019. Upon graduation in May 2019, I worked as an adult perfusionist in Central Texas. However, I had a strong desire to work in pediatrics, and I had even applied for the Perfusion Without Borders Scholarship and joined a mission trip to Cebu, Philippines, with the International Children’s Heart Foundation for two weeks during my clinical year in 2018. I, then, accepted the opportunity to join the pediatric team at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, MD, in 2021, where I have since planted roots to stay. In 2022, I presented a case study at the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion National Meeting regarding the integration of CRRT with PediMag VAD support for a single ventricle complex physiology infant. I have been a member of AmSECT since I became a student in 2017, attending the national AmSECT meeting in 2018, and I am actively pursuing the Fellow of Pediatric Perfusion designation.
Perfusion has been an excellent and fulfilling profession for me that I only wish I would have found earlier in my life. Now that I have 4 years of experience as a perfusionist, I am proficient and confident in my ability to give exceptional patient care. I take on challenging clinical scenarios and share that learning experience at meetings, furthering AmSECT's mission. I also regularly take on perfusion students, as well as visiting students with various backgrounds from high school to medical school, to teach and guide them about perfusion, even if they only have five minutes to spend with me. Additionally, I have been an active participant in advancing our clinical practice to exceed Goal-Directed Perfusion guidelines. I am committed to sharing my expertise by being actively engaged within our professional society, and I would like to give back to my fellow colleagues by being given an opportunity to serve as a member of the Ethics and/or Nominating Committees. Thank you for your consideration.
Daniel Keller, M.S, CCP, FPP
Achievement Recognition Committee & Nominating Committee
My name is Dan Keller and I currently work as a staff perfusionist Children's Hosptial Colorado. I earned my master's degree in Cardiovascular Science at Midwestern University and my Bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which laid the foundation for my professional journey. Initially, I spent two fruitful years at the University of Minnesota, gaining valuable experience in both adult and pediatrics, before embarking on a new chapter at Children's Hospital Colorado. Currently, I am honored to serve as a peer reviewer for JECT, as well as a Fellow of Pediatric Perfusion (FPP) contributing my expertise to further advancements in the field. I am committed to making a positive impact and seeking opportunities for growth and learning.
I am looking for ways to get more involved and hope this will be a way to achieve this goal.
Jesse Mendillo, CCP
Achievement Recognition Committee; Nominating Committee
Upon graduating as a member of the inaugural class at Thomas Jefferson University in 2018, I worked as a staff perfusionist at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center for four years, providing care for both adult and pediatric patients. I’m currently employed full-time at New York Presbyterian - Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of Columbia in New York City and have worked here for the past year. I have provided support for a variety of pediatric patients and cases ranging from simple ASDs to complex congenital cases, transplants, VADs and ECMO to name a few. While I’ve enjoyed the role of working with students as a clinical preceptor and getting involved with ELSO entering ECMO data for my previous institution, I’ve been inspired by my current colleagues to get more involved within the perfusion community through AMSECT. As a relatively new member, I’m excited to continue to grow and develop, while giving back through volunteering. As a member of AMSECT it means constantly learning and evolving our practice to provide the best patient care. These are ideals that I am constantly working towards and plan to contribute to in the future by getting involved with research and working towards my FPP.
I have always enjoyed the human aspect of the position, whether it’s the teamwork in the OR across disciplines during cases to provide the best patient care, in the ICU comforting patients and families, or simply connecting with coworkers. After seeing what colleagues have taken away from their involvement in AMSECT, I believe getting involved on either the Nominating Committee or Achievement Recognition Committee will allow me to foster these strengths while growing as a professional and giving back to the perfusion community.
Natalie Neisen, CCP
Achievement Recognition Committee
I received a master's degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology prior to pursuing my career in perfusion through Milwaukee School of Engineering. After completing an extended pediatric rotation while in school, I accepted a position at Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. I have been on the team there since May 2021. I love my team and working in pediatric perfusion. I really enjoy getting involved in the perfusion community. I have been working with current students in the simulation lab, assisting in research at the Froedtert medical complex, and serving on the board of the Wisconsin Perfusion Society.
I am hoping to serve on the Achievement Recognition Committee. There are so many dedicated professionals in the ever changing and developing field of extracorporeal circulation. My goal is to get more involved in AmSECT by helping to recognize those individuals who stand out the most. In doing so I hope to get the opportunity to learn from them and promote their passion to inspire others to keep improving the care we can provide.
Karley Quartararo, CCP
Achievement Recognition Committee, Bylaws Committee, Ethics Committee, & Nominating Committee
Karley Quartararo is a practicing pediatric perfusionist at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando, FL. She received her Master’s degree and perfusion training from UPMC Shadyside School of Cardiovascular Perfusion in Pittsburgh, PA. Over the last several years, her perfusion career has grown in both adult and pediatric perfusion techniques. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught her to stay calm under pressure and be resourceful when materials are unavailable. She attended the AmSECT 61st international conference this year and is hoping to bring new and fresh ideas to the perfusion community.
As a younger perfusionist in the community, I hope to bring new and vibrant ideas to AmSECT in order to strengthen the organization. I have a passion for perfusion that I would love to take to the next level. As a perfusionist who went through training amidst the pandemic I feel as if I have a lot to offer to new graduates, prospective perfusionists, and even seasoned perfusionists. I strive to give back and volunteer to a community that has shaped me into the woman I am today.
Kassandra Reyes
Achievement Recognition Committee, Bylaws Committee, Ethics Committee, Nominating Committee
My name is Kassandra Reyes and I am currently a perfusionist at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, with 11 years of experience in the field of pediatrics. I initially obtained my Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri State University, focusing on Cell and Molecular Biology and Chemistry. I gained some hands-on medical experience working as a Nurse Tech both in the emergency room and a cardiac telemetry floor. Inspired by the cardiac patients I took care of, as well as my own father’s heart condition, I pursued the perfusion program at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. Upon completion of the program, I began my career at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. I spent 4 years there before returning home to my current position. I have been thoroughly involved at our institution and instrumental in the development of various aspects of our department including: ECMO Transport program, STP committee, quality improvement initiatives, Clinical Coordinator, guest lecturer, and Interim Chief. I am at the point in my career that I would like to get more involved with the broader perfusion community. In the past year, I have attended the AmSECT leadership symposium and have joined the Communications Task Force. I look forward to the opportunity to further my involvement.
I am looking for ways to become more involved in the perfusion community and utilize my knowledge and skill set outside of my home institution. Since I have been on the AmSECT Communications Task Force, committee involvement seems like a great next step. I believe my personal strengths include adaptability, eagerness, and drive. That combination of factors makes me confident that I would be a valuable addition to any of the four committees that I may have the honor of serving.
Kristie Steffens, CCP, LP, FPPM
Achievement Recognition Committee
My perfusion career started with receiving my BSE in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa in 2012. This lead me to the medical field where I attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center and graduated with my MPS in 2014. From there I was a pediatric perfusionist at Arkansas Children's Hospital for 3 years. I then moved to Boston to work at Massachusetts General Hospital (2 years) and then to Wisconsin at UW Health (4 years). I currently live in San Antonio and work with EVT Inc. as a pediatric perfusionist at Methodist Children's Hospital. I have been a member of AmSECT since I was a student in 2012. I was awarded the AmSECT Perfusion Without Borders Scholarship in 2013 for my mission trip to Ecuador. I then presented my trip as well as my Master's Thesis at the International Perfusion Conference in 2014. This year, I was also awarded the Fellow of Pediatric Perfusion designation.
Having applied and been awarded scholarships and designations through AmSECT, I am interested in being on the other side of the process. I have insight on how the applications work and I would love to add to my leadership skills on this committee. It is important to celebrate students, colleagues and the like. I have benefited directly from this committee - my mission trip would not have been possible without it, and I would love to help forward that onto others.
Elon Trager
Bylaws Committee & Ethics Committee
A proud graduate of UPMC’s Shadyside School of Perfusion in 2014, over the last ten years, I have worked at Newark Beth Israel Medical center, for seven years and currently reside at Morgan Stanley Childrens Hospital of New York out of Columbia University for the last two. Performing various cases included VAD’s, Complex Aortic Arch Repairs, Neonatal Congenital birth defect repairs, ECMO, and more, I have also been grateful to be involved with AMSECT over the last seven years as member, A Leadership Symposium participant, and a completion of term in the Nominations committee. Entering my tenth year in the profession, I am currently a student at Husson University working on completion of my master’s in business administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management, with hopes of completing my requirements for an FPP as well soon. Being a member involved in AMSECT for me means staying current in the ever-evolving profession of Perfusion.
Having enjoyed my time and learning experience in the Nominations Committee, I felt there was more to learn from a different angle of Perfusion. Being able to volunteer and give back to the community while becoming well versed in ethics or bylaws of the profession would only be a benefit for me as I continue to learn and grow in the world of Perfusion.
Jordan Voss, BS, MPS, CCP, FPP
Achievement Recognition Committee, Ethics Committee, & Nominating Committee
Jordan is a member of the The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital. He is a Fellow of Pediatric Perfusion and a Clinical Instructor at The Medical University of South Carolina, The State University of New York, and Midwestern University. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bucknell University, he went to The Ohio State University’s Circulation Technology Program where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Allied Medicine and a Certificate in Perfusion Technology. He furthered his education with a Master’s of Perfusion Science from The University of Nebraska Medical Center. Jordan began his Perfusion career with a Cardiovascular Perfusion Fellowship and a subsequent staff position at Emory Healthcare System in Atlanta, Georgia. From there, he went on to join the staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where Jordan focused exclusively on pediatric and congenital cardiovascular perfusion before leaving for Denver, Colorado to direct a Congenital, Pediatric Perfusion and ECMO Program at The Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. He returned to his hometown, Columbus, Ohio to fulfill a goal of working at Nationwide Children's Hospital. His research interests focus on the development of improved techniques and strategies for providing extracorporeal support. Jordan has coauthored several publications and presented to audiences on his research. Jordan is an active volunteer for and passionate about Humanitarian Outreach in Cardiothoracic Surgery, specifically focusing on education and sustainability. Jordan has been an active member of AmSECT’s Perfusion Without Borders committee. Jordan is a proud husband and father.
I have been an AmSECT member since I was a student in the early 2000s. I have volunteered on numerous mission trips all over the world. Because of the passion I have for volunteering and giving back, I have been an active member of the Perfusion Without Borders Committee for some time. I want to take a more active role to help ensure AmSECT continues to be a great organization for the future of the cardiovascular perfusion community. I feel with the amount as well as the varied experience I have, that I can offer a big-picture vision of what AmSECT can be and what it can do. Additionally, I’ve shown a commitment to improving my skills both as a clinician and as a leader as well. I have become both a TeamSTEPPS® (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety) Master Trainer and have also recently completed AmSECT’s Leadership Symposium. As a result, I feel I am better equipped to serve the AmSECT community.
Tyler Wahl, CCP
Bylaws Committee, Ethics Committee, & Nominating Committee
I completed my Masters degree at Quinnipiac University’s Cardiovascular Perfusion in 2018. After graduation my career began at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut as an Adult Perfusionist. After a year and a half in the Adult world, I started training as a Pediatric Perfusionist at Yale. In 2022 I took over the role of Lead Pediatric Perfusion and am now a member of the Leadership team. I have done a Poster presentation and a Case Report presentation at AmSECT’s annual meetings which introduced me to the AmSECT community and I can't wait to work with all of you.
I have learned over my short career that I love collaboration with other institutions and colleagues with much more experience than myself. It is this reason I am looking to join the AmSECT team to help in any way possible.
Matthew Wilder, MS, CCP, LP
Nominating Committee
I graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Medical Technology in 2007. After College I worked for two years in a hospital laboratory before moving on to perfusion school at Rush University in Chicago. I graduated in 2011 and moved to Omaha for my first job in perfusion at Children's Hospital and Medical Center. Over my 12 years as a perfusionist I have spent time working at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and finally in my current role as Lead Pediatric Perfusionist at Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC. I have been a member of AmSECT for most of my career, however I have not held any position or joined a committee as of yet.
I have reached a point in my career when I want to get more involved in the profession as a whole. I feel like getting involved with AmSECT as a committee member is a great way to begin working towards this goal. While I don't yet have experience in this area, I am eager to add what I can now and hope to continue for many years to come. There are many people already involved with this organization with a level of clinical and professional experience that I hope to eventually achieve. I am confident that not only will I be able to contribute something to AmSECTs efforts, but also to learn from these people who have already been at it for a while.
Jeffrey Zalfa, CCP
Achievement Recognition Committee, Bylaws Committee, Ethics Committee, & Nominating Committee
My name is Jeffrey Zalfa and I am a perfusionist from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I am a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina's Cardiovascular Perfusion program, during which I rotated through MedStar Washington Hospital Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia Medical Center and the Medical University of South Carolina's adult cardiac program. My experience in perfusion has been at high-volume, academic adult programs with transplant, ECMO, VAD and aortic procedures. I enjoy keeping up with perfusion literature in JECT and Perfusion journals, and I was also an attendee of the AmSECT Leadership Symposium in 2022.
I greatly enjoy my job as a perfusionist and have always had a passion for the science behind what we do. I remain interested in and would like to pursue this science, and there is no better way than collaborating with the people at AmSECT. Since I was a student I have been a member of the perfusion societies, and my professors left a lasting impression on me that truly great perfusionists were not only great clinicians but productive members within these societies. I believe that being a committee member will help me collaborate and grow as a professional, as well as encourage me to become a greater contributor to AmSECT.
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