Trident Health Resources, Inc.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TRIDENT

2012-01-06T00:25:00.000-05:00

New Year Edition of THE HEARTBEAT is now available! Here's a sneak preview:

2012: Looking Ahead.
The Future of Perfusion &
A Company's Legacy

By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO

When the calendar page turns and a New Year is here, most of us tend to be reflective on the past - from whence we came, where we are today - to exploring where we hope to be. How many of us have similar stories of purchasing a stationary bike or treadmill to kick off a new healthy new year of improved diet and exercise? In many cases, by March the equipment is moved to a room's corner where it ends up serving as a clothes hanger, despite the good intention. It is the nature of human behavior in all of us to seek immediate gratification and we tend to become impatient with the required hard work and length of time it takes to achieve goals. READ MORE HERE

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

From The Trident Family to Yours -

Wishing You a Joyous Season

During this Holiday Season, I wanted to take a moment to thank our talented group of employees...

To Trident's Managers, Perfusionists, and Administrative Team Members ~

Thank you for the work you do to make our company great. You help us provide outstanding services to our client accounts. Your giving attitude is aligned with our patient-first philosophy. Without your commitment, creativity, clinical expertise, and high standards, we would not be the thriving company we are. I am very grateful for your efforts.

I wish you very happy holidays and a fine new year filled with abundance and bright moments.

Warm wishes,

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO/Founder
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

December Issue of The Heartbeat

2011-12-04T15:28:00.001-05:00

Holiday Traditions -

Bygones of Olden Days?

Why Change May

Be Good for Us All

By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO

Trident Health Resources, Inc.

I read an article in the most recent issue of Spirit Magazine (Southwest Airlines) which was written by Actor Carey Grant's daughter, Jennifer. In memoir-style, she gave a delightful account of the Grant family holiday traditions and her concept of family. One of the themes of the article is that family dynamics change over the years due to loss of loved ones, divorce, remarriages, and children. This is certainly true for all families. There's an amusing account in the article of how Grant's daughter transformed the traditional Thanksgiving meal in her family from turkey to Peking Duck as the main course when her stepmother joined the family and wanted to cook something special for the then-12-year-old Jennifer. And that tradition stuck all these years.

As we are now in full force of the holiday season (witnessed by all the commercialism and a certain favorable mood for social gatherings)... we can see that some things remain evermore standing traditions and others are changing. Sending Christmas cards is one tradition being gradually replaced by E-cards. Santa's gifts now come from online ordering, delivered on a brown truck instead of a sleigh. Some families have their holiday meals prepared and picked up at Honey Baked Ham instead of hours of cooking in the oven. And the guest list for family holidays more likely is expanded to include friends, not just blood relatives.

Change is good, but it's sometimes hard because we are creatures of habit who take comfort in a certain sameness. Not only is this true within the family structure, but also in business and our work life. I digress to the point of this editorial...

READ MORE OF THIS HOLIDAY ARTICLE... Trident's December Edition of The Heartbeat CLICK HERE

2011-11-23T09:33:00.003-05:00

A Happy, Wonderful Thanksgiving 2011

Reports, emails, meetings, last minute emergencies.. As wescramble at our workplace these ensuing days before Thanksgiving, soon enoughall America will gather around the Thanksgiving table among family andfriends. It is then I hope each of you will breathe easier, relax a little,and appreciate the love that surrounds you. May you find joy andhappiness this year among your loved ones. May you be blessed with abountiful table of food and some well-earned rest. Perhaps a parade orfootball game and a big comfy couch.

To all of Trident’s employees, clients, vendors and friends… Thankyou for being part of the finest perfusion company ever...for allowing us toserve you both on a long term basis and on a locums basis...for assistingus...and for being there in good times and in times that arechallenging... Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

During this time of Thanksgiving please pray for our great nation, it's leaders and for our brave men and women who are so gallantly andunselfishly protecting our freedoms. May those in harms way come hometo America...soon and safe and sound.

On a lighter side and in the spirit of family with all its diversity of talent and good intentions we have included with thismessage a video that depicts a family enjoying time together at Thanksgiving

Best,

Ralph E. Jordan

Founder / CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

We Remember

2011-11-11T15:31:00.002-05:00

Our veterans will never forget what they've done for our country…

Neither will we.

Veterans Day 2011

11-11-11

November HEARTBEAT Edition is Online Now

2011-10-31T02:25:00.004-04:00

THE LEAN SIX SIGMA

PERFUSIONIST TEAM...

Optimizing Open Heart

Operating Rooms

One Hospital at a Time

By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO

Trident Health Resources, Inc.

What's Lean Six Sigma? It's a long-term business approach to planning and controls to improve productivity and reduce waste - and it combines a great many techniques.

What's old is new again. The management strategies that transformed the manufacturing industry in the 1980s and the total quality management principles that flooded MBA degree programs at business schools through the 90s... all come back now with new fangled spins relevant to 2011 and beyond. So.. so if you're not familiar with the term "lean six sigma"... I guarantee before long you'll be hearing it everywhere now that you're reading about it.

Just this week the AP issued a news release that in a recent Fox News interview, Republican Party candidate Newt Gingrich said Lean Six Sigma can save government over $500 million. Gingrich is just one of the latest politicians to sign up to campaign group Strong America Now's pledge to get politicians to use Lean Six Sigma to improve government operations.

And Lean Six Sigma is getting acclaim in healthcare, too. By employing proven processes, hospitals are able to boost productivity and reduce waste. I read a report by The American Society for Quality that showed 53% of hospitals are employing strategies considered "some level" of Lean deployment.

I like the term "blackbelt" -- a catchy name attributed to those who have certification in six sigma strategies, are able to train others and who spend full time hours engaged in activities that lead to quality improvements. We may not be a blackbelt, but we're also more than the "wax on-wax off" style that Mr. Miyagi taught the Karate Kid before he got his belt. We're no stranger to Lean Six Sigma at Trident Health Resources, Inc. and we believe when it comes to managing open heart programs, a whole lot more goes into the services we provide than putting a perfusionist behind the pump. Our perfusionists are part of a tightly woven team that helps hospitals save costs and operate efficiently.

Link to Full Article & November Issue HERE

From Our October Newsletter....

2011-10-11T11:07:00.004-04:00

Hospital HR - When Resources in the
Operating Room are Stretched Thin...
The Obvious Answer to Staffing

Isn't Always the Right Answer

By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO

Trident Health Resources, Inc.

I was catching up on some reading and just finished reviewing a 2011 study sponsored by the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) in association with a private HR firm. In a survey of 234 Healthcare HR professionals, a few key findings were reported. This prompted my thinking about perfusion staffing in the O.R.

The report concluded the following points regarding HR departments' desires to cut costs with regard to hospital staffing:

Sixty-nine percent (69%) stated that they needed to streamline their HR processes as an initiative to cut costs.
Sixty-six percent (66%) want to improve retention rates as a cost-cutting measure.
Thirty-four percent (34%) desire to reduce reliance on agencies and temporary workers.
Thirty-two (32%) would like to redesign compensation and benefits plans.

Indeed, staffing is a matter of major concern because of the effects it can have on patient safety and quality of care, so minimum standards are the norm and presumed. It's also understood that it is a challenge to balance costs while keeping in mind that patients come first. In consideration of the O.R. and the job of the perfusionists, an obvious sound strategy for those hospitals which are managing their own heart surgery programs may include establishing lean perfusionist staffing levels. Also, in an effort to maximize budgets, one doesn't want to pay for underutilized resources. And for the most part, though it is more art than science, this type of management results in a tightly run department with good patient care and outcomes and financial sensibility. You determine staff levels for your department based upon need; and past experience is the best predictor of the future, right? As such, forecasting needs are based upon trends.

Oh, Really? Murphy's Law tells us that what can go wrong does go wrong. To quote the Great Dwight Eisenhower: "the plan is everything, the plan is nothing." Of course planning is critically important in healthcare, but reality rarely plays out as expected, especially when the forces are human, especially in matters of cardiovascular surgery, especially when it comes to hospital emergencies. You don't want to be caught short, nor do you want to presume your core staff (which may already be overworked) can pull extra hours in overtime in a pinch. (In fact, a fairly recent research report shows that there is a high percentage of sleep-deprived perfusionists based upon heavy caseloads and overscheduling). But pulling from existing resources is just exactly what many hospitals try to do... limping through, stretching thin. Is this the best possible way?

The survey findings say that HR departments want to "reduce reliance on agencies and temporary workers" to save costs. But there's a Paradigm Shift Hospital HR Departments need to take in their thinking.

Here's the Paradigm Shift: In most cases, employing locum tenens perfusionists through Trident Health Resources, Inc. to meet patient demand in hospitals would cost less than paying overtime. Contracting perfusion services can save on associated costs of benefits and compensation issues of hospitals hiring permanent additional staff. And the use of locum services always assuages the burden of overworked staff. Did you know that Trident just may be a staffing alternative that ends up less of a hit to the budget than hiring more permanent staff or paying overtime, less of a strain on your team, less trouble all around?

Rather than overburdening hospital staff and finances, the obvious solution is to make greater use of flexible locum Trident perfusionists to support the workforce during periods of high demand. Not only does it cost less, hour for hour, but it also prevents overworked staff, which could compromise patient care. Trident offers solutions. We respond within hours and in virtually all emergent cases, we can have a certified perfusionist flown to your location, working by the next day.

Don't wait until emergency strikes... we welcome hospitals to contact us and establish a working relationship early on... before the need arises. Visit Trident's website to learn more about our locums services as well as our long-term comprehensive program for your heart program including:

Trident Health Resources, Inc. employees are top notch certified clinical perfusionists, skilled and experienced in a wide variety of clinical modalities.

24-hour coverage, 365 days per year
Unlimited back-up assured
Satisfaction of Trident personnel
guaranteed with client final approval
Recruiting and relocating costs paid by
Trident.
Complete program for Continuing
Education, Perfusion Re- Certification and
related expenses provided
Comprehensive systems for compliance with quality improvement guidelines required for
hospital accreditation and inspection including all reports and documentation
Insurance provided for all Trident employees including liability and malpractice coverage
Fees invoiced at predetermined fixed rate on either a per case or capitated basis
Risk sharing available with long term contracts

Trident Health Resources, Inc. is a perfusion services management company that supports hospital open heart programs through consultative leadership and staffing support. We do more than "put a person behind a pump" or simply place certified staff with you as an employment agency might do. Our consultative role expands into the management of all the related functions of perfusion services - from program financing, supplies, staff training, and administration on a 24/7, 365 days per year basis. Since 1988, we've provided specialty perfusion services and successfully assisted hospitals to save costs and meet or exceed goals for quality perfusion services.

We can Address Your Specific Needs:

If you are establishing a NEW Open Heart Program
If you are considering Perfusion Services Outsourcing from In-hospital
If you are considering Changing Perfusion Contractors
If you Need Locum Tenens Staffing

Let Trident help when resources in the O.R. are stretched thin.

CALL TODAY! (800) 888-8408

LINK TO THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF THE HEARTBEAT!

September Newsletter - THE HEARTBEAT!

2011-09-06T11:35:00.001-04:00

Check it out HERE!

2011 Perfusionist Salary Survey Results and A Whole Lotta Questions

2011-08-02T12:15:00.009-04:00

By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO
TRIDENT HEALTH RESOURCES, INC.

A mentor of mine years ago once told me, “Always be wary of survey results and ask a lot of questions.” That’s what we did when we came across new results of a salary survey conducted by Researcher Alicia Sievert, a certified perfusionist who works as an assistant professor and admissions coordinator at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). The results of this national survey of perfusionists were recently reported at a perfusionist only message board and reprinted on an industry blog, where permission for the survey’s public viewing was given (LINK). A copy of the questions was found in the public domain and is presented below this editorial.

In short summary, the survey results report provided “average” salaries for perfusionists and an “average” length of time in their careers. Data was summarized for perfusionists working on adult cases versus pediatric or both, and if the perfusionist was full-time, part-time, or working as a chief. Pretty much, that’s it… no regional analysis, no discussion of findings or their limitations, just the numbers. Interpretation is left to the reader.

First, surveys can be a very good thing. Informal surveys conducted by companies or self-interest groups are understood to be snapshots of a condition (non-scientific) and are quite useful in better understanding situations. In fact, Trident has conducted its own surveys in the past to capture the self-reported attitudes and experiences of perfusionists. We have reported our findings in past issues of our newsletter and on our blog. I’m in favor of surveys, generally speaking.

There’s a responsibility and a caveat often necessary when reporting survey results, however. In the case of a salary survey – this is an entity of uniqueness and the integrity of the results must be scrutinized. To be valid and reliable, a survey instrument must measure what it is intended to measure and consistently measure over time, in repeated efforts. That said, when we first saw the 2011 salary results, we had many questions about how data was collected, the methodology, and the analysis of findings. We didn’t want to throw a reputable organization’s research under the bus – we wanted to communicate and learn more.

We made a list of our questions and contacted Ms. Sievert by both email and phone to tell her we were writing this article about the pitfalls of self-reported surveys. We acknowledge that her past work in research was published in a peer-reviewed journal and that she has credentials for performing research with integrity. She told us however, that unlike her published 2006 survey which was overseen by others in a class project, the 2011 survey was a shortened version she created, and the results were not analyzed (yet) with precision. In an email, she wrote, “This was just a survey for perfusionists that was meant to be taken as-is…”

But at Trident, we feel a responsibility to provide our staff with clarification, especially since salary surveys are leveraged in negotiations for new hires and pay increases of existing perfusionists. Employees historically bring salary surveys to their bosses as evidence they are underpaid. The 2011 salary survey utilized self-reported numbers, without qualification. So in a telephone conversation with Ms. Sievert, we asked the hard questions about how salary data was collected.

We asked how confident she was that perfusionists answered questions honestly. Consider: To ask someone “what is your total annual salary?” (without qualification) is akin to asking an athlete among his competitive peers how many bench presses is his average number. You might get an inflated number. One must ask if the data is measured statistically, or “jussayin’.” Is there a motive for inflating a response? You betcha! Ms. Sievert recognized that the data collection could, indeed, produce unreliable numbers, but she believes the majority of perfusionists surveyed were honest.

A valid salary survey would be based on data scientifically collected. For example, salaries could be determined with W-2s or pay stubs analyzed, or reported by disinterested parties (HR departments). Also, without criteria, how do you interpret the question, “What is your total annual salary?” Does it mean total compensation? I say this because at Trident Health Resources, Inc. we pay for our perfusionists’ continuing education, travel, and malpractice insurance, 401k contributions on the employee’s behalf, annual and merit bonuses based on performance, and contributions toward their health and life insurances – all this is part of a total compensation package. A total compensation package is significantly higher than a net or even a gross salary minus multiple benefits package. The researcher acknowledged that she received some comments from survey takers that said they received quarterly bonuses, etc. and she realized that some data (additional income) was not captured consistently based on the wording of the question – a limitation of her study. She said, “There was a lot of screening and cleaning of the data.”

We talked about the geographic representation of the sample population. It cannot be denied: regional differences in salary exist. California salaries are higher than Missouri, for example, ‘nuff said. In a future report that will hopefully be published, Ms. Sievert hopes to analyze her data and provide clarification. We simply point out that the numbers presented “as-is” are not meaningful without geographic consideration and interpretation.

And how was an “average salary” actually determined in this study? Statistical equation of mathematics? In any statistics analysis it is prudent to remove “outliers” – that means, of all participating surveys, cases of extreme that are outside a plot analysis would be thrown out of the mix. Keeping outliers into analysis skews the results. To skew means to distort or bias. That’s bad. Ms. Sievert indicated that extreme “highs” and “lows” were excluded from the survey. Unfortunately, these extremes were removed “by hand” and not with precision through statistical calculations using software. We point out that it is a pitfall in survey analysis to manipulate the data without more rigidity.

We seek interpretation of results. Specifically, in any analysis of “averages” one must ask what the standard deviation is. That is, what is the spread between the numbers? For example, you could have a salary of one person at $50,000 and one at $120,000. The average is $85,000. But in this example the standard deviation is huge! For these and other reasons it makes sense to use means and standard deviations, with some assumption that there will be a "normal" range for a position's data. An “average” salary amount is a flawed calculation method based on assumption. Standard deviation for a perfect normal distribution (bell shaped curve) means 68% of samples drawn from it fall within +/- one standard deviation of the mean. If salaries followed a normal distribution perfectly, we would expect 68 of 100 perfusionists to have a salary within 1 standard deviation of the mean.

Ms. Sievert addressed this, providing us the standard deviations in dollar terms. In the case of this salary survey, the mean (average salary) for all perfusionists is $109,773 (SD = 28046), meaning salaries in the survey were spread by about 3.9 RSD (relative standard deviation, represented as a percentage of salary). It would be helpful to readers of the survey to be provided with text language that clarifies what is “average” and how the spread affects the average so it is understood. Ms. Sievert, being closest to the data, is the authority on the data collected and her reflections about the results are key for full appreciation of the work.

We hope to see a future article from MUSC that answers many questions. I’ve presented herein only a few of the pitfalls of conducting a self-reported survey of salary. Bottom line, “self-reporting” of salaries is a weak methodology of data collection, as most researchers and statisticians would agree. It’s not valid. It’s not reliable. More importantly, in an industry full of clinicians who appreciate precision and exactamondo hard numbers, we appreciate getting the finer details of such a report. Without all the facts, conclusions are drawn irresponsibly. To use a metaphor, like a pebble thrown across a lake, there is a ripple effect when “word” gets out – a bit of information taken out of context – and the consequences are an uproar of reaction. We, at Trident, would like to impede that ripple effect.

Ms. Sievert gives us hope that we will be hearing more about her findings and we are thankful for the time she gave us to answer our questions.

Your comments are always welcomed!

Ralph

Copy of Survey found HERE & copied below:

1. Demographic Data
City/Town
State

2. Age

3. Gender
Male
Female

4. How many years have you been a practicing perfusionist?

5. Define your position as a perfusionist:
Part-time staff/faculty
Full-time staff/faculty
Chief perfusionist
Other

6. YOUR specific perfusion practice is best described as:
Adult only
Pediatric Only
Pediatric & Adult

7. How many cases per year are YOU the primary perfusionist?

8. What is your total annual salary? (sample answer: 100,000)

Happy 4th of July! The July Issue of the Heartbeat Available Online

2011-07-01T17:38:00.005-04:00

Click image to link to July Issue of THE HEARTBEAT, Trident's Monthly Newsletter:

VERY IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS FOR TRAVELER PERFUSIONISTS

2011-06-27T16:39:00.002-04:00

Visit Trident Health's Job Page

for the Latest Employment Updates.

Freseni-opoly and the Latest Acquisition News

2011-06-16T14:32:00.025-04:00

Whatever happened to the company formerly known as Fresenius Perfusion? It's been a while since I've blogged about them, but seems like quite a flurry of activity is happening these days. I'm reminded of the classic game of Monopoly - high finances, buying and selling, bankruptcy, taking a "chance" card. So if you don't know by now, the latest acquisition by Specialty Care / HCSG (formerly Fresenius/ Edwards Lifesciences/ Baxter/ Psicor) is Advanced Perfusion Care (APC), a really good company based out of Pinehurst, NC. It certainly caught a lot of people by surprise, especially the employees. We wish them the very best... they now are part of a new monopoly game based out of Wall Street, who join those clinicians who feel like they've passed GO and didn't collect their $200.

But that's not the most interesting news. When you look at what's going on you see a deliberate strategy and the folks that NOW have the power are not in Nashville, but in New York City. Back in May, American Securities, a private equity investment firm bought a controlling interest in Specialty Care and now owns the majority share of the this patchwork mosaic of perfusion service companies. You might want to ask, what do private investment equity companies do? Well, they do have a primary focus. They sell Boardwalk and Park Place for profit.

So in the latest move of monopoly pieces, what happens to everyone who worked all their lives in committed service to the patient? Perfusion service is a relationship business whereby people are its hallmarks, not mopheads, widgets, or Pakistani surgical instruments. They are real-live people with abiding interest in the patient and the people for whom they serve.

There's nothing wrong with monopoly. There's nothing wrong with making money. But now... in the case of Specialty Care, perfusion services are part of a profit center that generates revenues for a cost center that benefits a few. Being in a minority position with majority of shares owned by an investment firm means being obligated to outside investors whose focus could be blurred by the requirement of a predetermined return on investment. Jussayin'

Seems like (as Yogi Berra used to say) it's deja-vu all over again.

Your comments are always welcomed.

Ralph E. Jordan
Founder & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

June Trident Newsletter, The Heartbeat

2011-06-03T17:18:00.002-04:00

We're Listening

So What Do You Think?

Every company wants to know what its clients think of its products and services. Few take the time to simply ask. Quick little surveys can be the singlemost important way to glean how one's business is doing. Getting feedback can be a tool for finding ways to improve even the most efficient processes that are currently in place.

READ MORE >>>>

Perfusionists - The Heart Whisperers

2011-05-01T11:16:00.005-04:00

National Perfusionist Appreciation Week
May 1-7, 2011

See Trident's monthly newsletter: THE HEARTBEAT. For this special National Perfusionist Appreciation Week issue, we are featuring you, the perfusionists of America

Got Scrubs ~ Will Travel!

2011-04-15T19:25:00.001-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge!

Something is New at Trident!

2011-04-02T00:35:00.003-04:00

What could it be?

Find out in the April Issue of the Heartbeat.... CLICK HERE.

New Opportunities with Trident!

2011-03-17T14:28:00.004-04:00

California Dreamin’

Staff Perfusionist – Southern California

Outstanding career opportunity for a Staff Perfusionist within a stable adult open heart program. This is an immediate opening for an experienced perfusionist who seeks a long-term and permanent position working with Trident Health Resources, Inc., a leader in perfusion contract services for 23 years. The SoCal living awaits you… Ranked one of the best places to live by Money Magazine! Applicants must be certified with experience. We offer excellent working conditions and an outstanding benefits package. Please send your resume, references, and letters of recommendation to employment@tridenthealth.com or fax to (727) 738-9436. Please reference "SoCal" in the subject of your email or fax.

Enjoy Working in Sunny SW Location –

TWO POSITIONS! First Assist & Anesthesia Techs

Not just a job! Live in a Southwest community of thriving business, where people want to raise a family, where the sun shines 320 days a year over a landscape of flora and fauna. First Assist is needed with open heart surgery experience. Also, Anesthesia Techs are needed with experience in open heart surgery preferred and completion of an anesthesia technician training program approved by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) or a high school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of work experience as an anesthesia technician with certification. These are full time positions. Trident seeks enthusiastic team players for a long term commitment. We offer excellent working conditions and an outstanding benefits package. Please send your resume, references, and letters of recommendation to employment@tridenthealth.com or fax to (727) 738-9436. Please reference "First Assist/SW or Anesthesia Tech/SW" in the subject of your email or fax.

March Edition THE HEARTBEAT...

2011-03-02T10:52:00.005-05:00

With Trident's recent leadership announcements, see photos and more details at the online newsletter..... CLICK HERE

Pictured below: Ron Bailey, Trident's President & COO and Jeff Poland, Executive VP Clinical Operations

Take Me to Your Leader…

2011-02-13T16:17:00.008-05:00

By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

What makes a good company great?

For Trident Health Resources, Inc., the proof is in its people. My most important role as president and CEO has always been in growing and developing a strong team. One thing is certain, the journey was never made alone. And it is in the relationships with others that has led to Trident’s thrust forward over nearly quarter of a century, through changing economies, regulatory environments, and new technologies.

Trident’s corporate culture is grounded on patient-focused care and fosters a servant management premise: That is to say, a servant leader serves the people he/she leads and provides an outcome that employees are an end in themselves rather than a means to an organizational purpose or bottom line. As we grow, our need for additional clinical expertise and strategic business models has also expanded. It is with both gratitude and pride that Trident’s leadership has talented people overseeing key areas of the company to inspire new ideas and drive improvements.

I would like to introduce some of Trident’s key managers who have been recently promoted and appointed to positions of leadership. But before I do that, I mention that as Trident has grown over the years, some have asked me when I would finally step aside and let others run things. I may be “the old man”… I’m still on board (remaining as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee), but it should be noted that it’s not just me… others have been running things here for a long time. We are a team. So that I can be freed to look at opportunities for Trident and focus a bit more in the marketing arena, it is with much confidence that I promote and appoint key personnel for greater responsibilities.

Ron Bailey, who has served as Trident’s Executive Vice President since 2000, has been promoted to President and COO.
Ron has experience as a hospital administrator and more than 25 years in operations and financial management. His areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare industry and leadership in strategic planning, P&L management, productivity & cost control programs, accounting systems development, and inventory control. On a personal note, Ron is an integral part of the soul of the company. He and I have worked in sync for many years.

Jeff Poland, BS has recently joined Trident as Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations.
He is responsible for corporate clinical operations and development. I’ve known Jeff professionally for many years. His 32 years industry experience as a perfusionist and reputation as a seasoned manager (most recently president of a well respected perfusion services company) makes him an obvious choice for this new position with Trident. Jeff adds to our team the clinical expertise and leadership we need as we grow.

Julie Small has been appointed as Trident’s Corporate Controller.
She will manage the everyday operations of the company and oversee daily administrative management at the home office headquarters in Dunedin, FL. Julie has worked with us for over a decade, formerly as a third party provider of human resources and accounting services. Trident’s relationship with Julie has been long-term and it is with utmost faith this expansion of her role will make us an even better and more efficient company.

Norman Worcester, CCP, the founder of Apex Perfusion, Inc., is welcomed as part of Trident’s family.
He will continue as Apex’s president and take on additional responsibility as Trident’s Vice President of Clinical Operations. Worcester will lead the company’s expansion on the West Coast. Norm and I have been speaking about this merger for years and it is with great enthusiasm I announce this Association of Excellence.

When I reflect upon Trident’s past and where we are today, I pause with much humble appreciation. We entered the locums side of perfusion staffing and became the preferred choice for over 200 hospitals which sought vacation relief and emergency placement of perfusionists. Over the years, our business has grown into long-term accounts and we still continue to have a presence on the locums side. Our volume and growth grew organically and consistently as we built our company’s reputation. But this was not achieved single-handedly. It is the relationships built with others and the consistency of quality service that has permeated our culture, making all the difference.

What makes a good company great?

For Trident, it is its relationship with our people… Success lies in the great leadership and talents of many.

Please join me in welcoming Trident’s team in their new roles.

Ralph

Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

An Excerpt from the HEARTBEAT Newsletter on Reputation

2011-01-30T23:46:00.003-05:00

You take every measure to ensure nothing hits....

But You're Only As Good
as Your Last Pump Case...
& Other Anecdotes about Reputation
By Ralph E. Jordan, CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

A few weeks ago, an article in the Houston Business Journal ran about the favorable medical reputation of Houston. This is attributed to the trailblazing research and inventions pioneered by Dr. Michael DeBakey, who among many his achievements devised a roller pump that years later became an essential component of the heart-lung machine DeBakey helped secure Houston's medical reputation and is remembered as one of the 20th century's great pioneers of cardiovascular surgery. He was the chancellor emeritus of Baylor College of Medicine in the hub of Texas, director of The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, and senior attending surgeon of The Methodist Hospital, also in Houston.

What can we glean about reputation from DeBakey? First -- that it is far-reaching. It is far-reaching beyond one person's contributions and extends to entire programs, hospitals, and even cities. So precious is professional reputation is that, in the words of Benjamin Franklin, "It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it." Perhaps we all know of a person who was fallen from grace by a singular incident. So in knowing this, we recognize the daunting reality of the work performed by a perfusionist.

The pressure to perform with perfection lies within the nature of the perfusionist's work, monitoring the heart and lungs during surgery. Experience matters greatly - even more than clinical expertise and quality education. Repeating success gains reputation - doing what you do best over and over builds confidence and strength in performance

There is little room at the top for aspiring medical professionals who make errors. And yet, I think there must be a dosage of reality... that is, to be humble as a professional. For no matter how great the skills of a perfusionist, he or she truly is only as good as the last pump case. Someone once told me, the bigger the career climb, the harder the fall if one does fall. Mistakes do happen... does that mar a professional's reputation? What do you think?

Another anecdotal line is that "Perfection is the enemy of good." For perfectionists, the slightest err can be paralyzing. But it is important to recover quickly from errors, assume responsibility for the repair and keep going. I have found working with Trident's perfusionists that they are often hardest on themselves. In managing people and being alongside them in their long-term careers over the years, I have found that it is certainly possible to arise above mistakes and retain a favorable reputation.

As a company, Trident isn't perfect. We have been fortunate to have had very few issues in our history. Being forthright and attentive, we address problems immediately and completely. Our corporate culture is people-focused and real. We work with people and through them and, in contrast to what others may do, we do not subscribe to an unyielding top-down approach to management or patient care. We know that the heroes in perfusion have lived through difficult cases. Valuable lessons have been gained through trials and experience. Without myopic eyes but instead through a big picture lens, the leaders of this industry, no doubt, have their share of stories of difficult cases, mistakes they have overcome, and ways they were able to overcome.

The Trident blog welcomes comments and stories to highlight the topics of discussion. Feel free to post here (you may comment anonymously).

Click HERE for MORE articles and news from the February Issue of THE HEARTBEAT, a monthly newsletter by Trident Health Resources, Inc.

On Perfusion Leadership... An Excerpt

2011-01-12T17:08:00.002-05:00

As we ease into the New Year, many of us ponder our current situation and establish resolutions to become better in our approach to living by way of our personal habits and professional goals. I thought I'd share a story that is rich with inspiration in the spirit of this New Year ahead...

Recently a colleague of mine told me about a cable TV show she'd seen (Discovery Channel?) that featured a perfusionist monitoring an ECMO. Over time, the patient's condition declined and it was baffling to all the doctors. The medical team was beginning to feel there was no hope. This patient was fairly young with a strong physique and something gnawed at the perfusionist such that he couldn't give up the faith that the patient could be saved.

READ MORE in the January 2011 Edition of The Heartbeat....

Merry Christmas! (Click Message to Enlarge)

2010-12-18T12:38:00.008-05:00

Holiday Edition of the HEARTBEAT, Trident's E-Newsletter Now Available!

2010-12-01T11:05:00.006-05:00

This month's HEARTBEAT features a summary of results from a national survey of perfusionists and hospital administrators on Locums Perfusionist Staffing.

It's the holidays and a hectic time when staff shortages occur due to vacations. Trident is here when you need emergent perfusion staffing! Call us today at (800) 888-8408.

And check out the latest news in the December Issue of the HEARTBEAT!

A Thanksgiving thought…

2010-11-24T14:52:00.006-05:00

At Thanksgiving more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. It is a pleasure and a real privilege to be associated with you. We deeply appreciate all of your efforts. And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely

Thank you and Best Wishes For a Joy filled Thanksgiving

Once again, we encourage you to say a special blessing this Thanksgiving for those in need, for a safe return home for our brave men and women in uniform and for our beloved Country.

Sincerely,

Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Ralph E. Jordan
President/CEO

Ron Bailey
Executive Vice-President

November THE HEARTBEAT

2010-11-03T16:25:00.001-04:00

See the latest Trident E-Newsletter with a feature PLANNING AHEAD FOR 2011. Link Here

I'm 63 and I'm Tired... An Opinion Piece by Robert A. Hall

2010-10-07T22:42:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share with you an outstanding opinion piece by Robert A. Hall, freelance writer, about the political and social issues of which he’s most tired. This was written about two years ago and was corrected at his blog, http://tartanmarine.blogspot.com/2009/02/robert.html , whereby through all the email forwards, he was misidentified as the actor Robert Hall who plays on the TV show, CSI.

At Trident Health Resources, Inc. one thing that is core to our business philosophy is having a strong work ethic. Hall speaks eloquently to this value.

Hall definitely is a conservative and he tackles some controversial issues such as race, religion, world relations, economy, and the president. While some of you may not agree with all his opinions, what he does do well is show hope for an America based on its historical principals, ways he knew in his experience over the decades which sometimes seem lost in a new generation. There is merit in such experience and opinion…. And certainly some good material for discussion and debate.

I hope you enjoy this piece. It’s lengthy, but I found it quite compelling… a good read for all!

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

I'm 63 and I'm Tired, by Robert A. Hall

I’ll be 63 soon. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce, and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I’ve worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven’t called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn’t inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there’s no retirement in sight, and I’m tired. Very tired.

I’m tired of being told that I have to “spread the wealth around” to people who don’t have my work ethic. I’m tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy or stupid to earn it.

I’m tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to “keep people in their homes.” Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I’m willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the leftwing Congresscritters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them—with their own money.

I’m tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women’s rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela. Won’t multiculturalism be beautiful?

I’m tired of being told that Islam is a “Religion of Peace,” when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family “honor;” of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren’t “believers;” of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for “adultery;” of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur’an and Shari’a law tells them to.

I believe “a man should be judged by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin.” I’m tired of being told that “race doesn’t matter” in the post-racial world of President Obama, when it’s all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of US Senators from Illinois. I think it’s very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the emancipation proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less in an all-knowing government.

I’m tired of a news media that thinks Bush’s fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama’s, at triple the cost, were wonderful. That thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress, that picked over every line of Bush’s military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his, that slammed Palin with two years as governor for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as senator as potentially the best president ever.

Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn’t vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I’m tired of being told that out of “tolerance for other cultures” we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I’m tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore’s, and if you’re greener than Gore, you’re green enough.

I’m tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don’t think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I’m tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana. Update: People have written to tell me I'd have more sympathy if this was close to me. It is exactly having seen the destruction of alcoholism and heroin addiction in my own family that makes me pretty intolerant of people who are willing to destroy the people around them to indulge themselves.

I’m tired of illegal aliens being called “undocumented workers,” especially the ones who aren’t working, but are living on welfare or crime. What’s next? Calling drug dealers, “Undocumented Pharmacists”? And, no, I’m not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic and it’s been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I’m willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person who can speak English, doesn’t have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military. Those are the citizens we need. Update: A few people have taken this to indicate some bias against Catholics, based on events 400 years ago. While I think they are either too touchy or fail to understand, I was only trying to say that I have zero problem with Catholics wanting to come to the US, but that I have great concerns about Muslims, as a good % of them do want to kill me, or force their religion and moral code on me.

I’m tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people then themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years—and still are? Not even close. So here’s the deal. I’ll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we’ll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear. UPDATE: It has rightly been pointed out to me, several times, that I should have included Canadian, Australian and New Zealand troops here. My apologies for slighting these gallant allies of freedom.

I’m tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers—bums are bi-partisan. And I’m tired of people telling me we need bi-partisanship. I live in Illinois, where the “Illinois Combine” of Democrats and Republicans has worked together harmoniously to loot the public for years. And I notice that the tax cheats in Obama’s cabinet are bi-partisan as well.

I’m tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I’m tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I’m tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn’t have that in 1970, but we didn’t know we were “poor.” The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I’m real tired of people who don’t take responsibility for their lives and actions. I’m tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination, or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I’m damn tired. But I’m also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I’m not going to get to see the world these people are making. I’m just sorry for my granddaughter.

Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts state senate. He blogs at www.tartanmarine.blogspot.com Update: Someone attached a picture of Robert D. Hall, an actor, to some versions and forwarded it on, saying that I was on CSI. We are two different people, and I am not an actor--unless you count running for public office.

And to the folks who said I'm Old and should die and get out of the way, I have IPF, so will comply soon enough.

About Robert A. Hall

Robert A. Hall, MEd, CAE, has been an association executive since 1982. He was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate in 1972, defeating a Democrat incumbent by 9 votes out of 60,000. He was reelected 4 times by large margins, and was nominated by both parties in 1976, retiring undefeated 1982. Hall holds an AA from Mount Wachusett Community College, a BA in government from the U Mass and an MEd in history from Fitchburg State. He is a Marine Vietnam veteran, having served four years in the regulars and, while a senator, another six in the reserves, finishing with the rank of Staff Sergeant. A frequently-published freelance writer, Hall’s columns, articles, short stories and poetry have appeared in over 75 publications. His book of anecdotes about the Marines and politics, "The Good Bits," was published by www.authorhouse.com. His book on association management, "Chaos for Breakfast: Practical Help and Humor for the Non-profit Executive," is available at www.asaecenter.org. He married his first wife, Bonnie, in 1992. His granddaughter, Britnye, born in 2000, is the light of his life. His blog is at: http://tartanmarine.blogspot.com/2009/02/robert.html

Feature Article: Behind Closed Doors... When Hospitals Need to Ask Hard Questions

2010-10-05T10:47:00.002-04:00

The October Issue of Trident's HEARTBEAT newsletter is now available online.

Excerpt...

Third quarter. Coffee and donuts... a hospital conference room with each seat taken...calendars and reports stacked neatly on a table. Behind closed doors, discussions about the biggest challenges for hospital administrators may certainly include topics such as regulatory compliance, internal efficiencies, patient care and clinical outcomes. But let's talk turkey... it's also about how to ....

Research Finds Heart Patients are Getting Wrong Procedure

2010-09-14T17:00:00.003-04:00

In Print: Monday, September 13, 2010

Tens or even hundreds of thousands of Americans are having coronary artery angioplasty and stenting every year when they should be having bypass grafts, and the result is an extra 5,000 or more deaths annually, researchers said Sunday.

Patients and cardiologists frequently prefer angioplasty and the insertion of a stent to keep arteries open because it is quicker and easier, and patients go home sooner and return to work more quickly.

But new data from a major European-American study on more than 1,800 patients show that three years after the procedure, those who got stents were 28 percent more likely to suffer a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke, and 46 percent more likely to need a repeat procedure to reopen arteries. They were 22 percent more likely to die.

Coronary-artery bypass grafts, commonly called CABG (pronounced cabbage), were the first treatment for blocked arteries. In the procedure, a blood vessel removed from elsewhere in the body, most often the chest or the leg, is used to bypass the blocked area, providing a new channel for blood to flow to the heart.

Hospital stays generally last five or six days, and the patient can return to work after a few weeks.

In recent years, however, cardiologists have turned more and more to balloon angioplasty, in which a catheter is threaded through a blood vessel in the groin to reach the blockage and a balloon is inflated at the site to compress the plaque. Originally, that was all that was done. Then physicians began inserting bare-metal stents, spring-like devices that hold the artery open.

Hospital stays are typically overnight, and the patient can return to work after a couple of days.

More than 1.3 million Americans now undergo angioplasty every year, compared with 448,000 who undergo bypass, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

The new study, reported Sunday at a Geneva meeting of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, is the first large trial to compare stenting and CABG directly. Called SYNTAX (Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery), the trial enrolled 1,800 patients at 85 centers in Europe and the United States.

[Last modified: Sep 12, 2010 10:12 PM]

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/incoming/heart-bypass-surgery-underused-study-says/1121233

Pitfalls & Top Secrets Hospitals Should Know for Successful Perfusion Staffing Outsourcing.

2010-09-02T20:14:00.001-04:00

Hospitals gain many benefits by outsourcing perfusion staffing and management services but it's important to know some common pitfalls before signing any contract. These days, the economic and health care regulatory environments present little room for costly mistakes. Knowing potential areas for risk may help hospitals find confidence in their decision to outsource.

Read the rest of this article in the NEW September HEARTBEAT Newsletter.

2010 Perfusionist Locum Tenens Staffing Survey

2010-07-13T23:37:00.003-04:00

The 2010 Perfusionist Locum Tenens Staffing Trends Survey is a national U.S. survey of hospital managers and staff who are involved in the hiring of temporary perfusionists. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is voluntary and anonymous. A report of the survey results is intended to describe the trends in staffing for temporary perfusionists in open heart programs. The report of the findings will be published and available upon completion of the survey with a target date at the end of the summer.

Link to Survey

Thank you for your participation. Your valuable feedback is important!

Sincerely,

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Perfusionists and the Spirit of Americanism and Freedom

2010-06-27T15:38:00.002-04:00

Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It’s another Trident locum tenens perfusionist flying across the country in an emergency plight to save a life…

The nature of Trident’s business––to respond immediately to a hospital’s call for a perfusionist in any given U.S. city at any hour of any day––is a challenge that’s sometimes daunting, but one we are very, very good at meeting. Our organization is rich with resources and adept at acting swiftly to fill staffing needs both on a locums basis and for permanent placement. In the case of emergency need, we, at times, have been frustrated by the constraints of the state licensing and credentialing processes which throw a cog in the wheels of progress due to bureaucracy… and this brings me to the theme of today’s blog entry… on the spirit of Americanism, fight for freedom, and the evolution towards a more united approach to serving the patient, first and above all.

I’ve written before about the need for unity across this fine country, specifically for the reciprocity of perfusionist licensing. Refer to my blog entry, A Question of Inclusion or Exclusion: State Licensing and the AmSect Government Relations Committee (GRC) Position which highlights these concerns. Seems we are no closer to amends with the situation as I’ve written about, way back in 2008. Now, nearly two years later, it is still a struggle. Take for example, there are immediate issues with the State of Pennsylvania which has issued a deadline for Pennsylvania Perfusionists to submit miscellaneous paperwork for new licensing rules, creating hardship for compliance. Simply put, there needs to be a better way.

America stands for “fight for freedom” and we are and always have been strong in our favor of things right and good. We celebrate Independence Day to mark, “The meaning of aligning and forming a federal union of independent states,” and this is at the heart of the national celebration. Likewise, our perfusionists need national uniformity and alliance––to be included across the country and able to serve when called. And this needs to be done without undue interference.

To use a metaphor, there’s an urban legend making its rounds on the email circuit. Grounded in truth, the story has been retold and embellished, nonetheless, its points are valid:

A commencement ceremony took place at a US academic institution (sometimes claimed to be the University of Maryland). Prayer at the university was prohibited by law. When the final student speaker took the microphone, all students in the audience suddenly sneezed. As legend goes, the student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, ‘God bless you, each and every one of you!’ And he walked off. The audience exploded into applause...”

This story resonates as one that represents the fight for freedoms. In the spirit of Independence Day, let us find creative, civil yet bold ways to fight for the right things so our perfusionists can do their jobs––the right stuff for the right reasons.

I welcome your thoughts as we revisit earlier discussions––the notion of working under a united front. The job of the perfusionist is so very important and the future still in its evolution. We all can be a force towards betterment.

Happy 4th of July! Your comments and emails are always welcomed.

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Heartfelt Perfusionist Story

2010-06-06T14:08:00.004-04:00

Members of Chili Lounge (left to right) Stephen Dickie, perfusionist; vocalist Cindy Mamchur and Dr. Stephen Korkola, cardiac surgeon, rehearse for The Way to a Girl's Heart, a Prairie Cardiac Foundation event.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post, Leader-Post

ARTICLE REPRINTED.

And the beat goes on.
Bypass surgery, performed by Dr. Stephen Korkola in 2007, saved vocalist Cindy Mamchur's life. As the Regina woman grappled with post-operative pain and the fear of dying, her long-time love of music became her lifeline.

"After I had my heart surgery, the pain was quite incredible and my breathing wasn't as good -- I think that's partly because your sternum has been cracked," she says. "I had a problem staying hunched over because that was just the most comfortable position for me. But then you're putting pressure on your lungs so you feel like you can't breathe."

After she'd been home for a couple of weeks, Cindy went to her music room and started singing.
"I did that every day and my chest didn't hurt as much, so I picked up the guitar," she says. "The music helped with straightening up, with the breathing and with stress and the pain. When I sing, I don't think of anything else. Nothing. That was probably my best pain relief."

Singing also calmed her anxious mind.

"After I had my heart attack I was suffering huge anxiety attacks. I think it's because the heart is the centre of your being. It's what keeps you alive ... When you go to bed at night, you think, 'Am I going to wake up or am I going to have a massive heart attack in my sleep?' "

After Korkola performed the bypass surgery, Cindy no longer felt anxious.

"He's literally touched my heart," Cindy says of Korkola. "That blows me away ... He's seen what's going on there and he's fixed what he's had to fix. Not to say that I won't have to be done again in the future -- there's always that possibility."

After her post-surgical checkup with the cardiac surgeon, she didn't expect to see him again.
But music played a role in connecting the patient and physician and in making another heart connection -- this time with perfusionist Stephen Dickie -- a highly trained specialist who operates the heart-lung machine while a surgeon operates on the heart.

To keep her heart healthy, Cindy takes part in the cardiac rehabilitation and risk reduction services at the Dr. Paul Schwann Applied Health and Research Centre at the University of Regina. Her husband, Grant, is a perfusionist who regularly works with Korkola in the operating room.

The Paul Schwann centre was having a Christmas party and looking for someone to play some songs, Korkola recalls. "Grant knew that I was starting to play guitar and they've known (Dickie) for quite a while and knew he was playing guitar, so Cindy just said, 'Would anybody be interested in playing for the Christmas party?' "

The trio got together and practised a few songs for the party and the band Chili Lounge was launched. It was the first of several gigs the band has played.

"We aren't a band that travels around the country and are rock stars," Korkola says laughing. "We select things that we're going to do and then we practise for them."

The band's next performance will be at "The Way to a Girl's Heart" -- an educational event on heart health being hosted by the Prairie Cardiac Foundation on June 12.

"We're getting involved because we all have a connection to the heart," says Cindy. "This cause is very important to us. It's a lot of work, but it's work that we like. We're doing about 35 songs for this event."

Balancing a demanding career, a busy family life and practice sessions is tricky, Korkola says.
But, like Cindy, the heart surgeon finds that music is a stressbuster.

"It's totally different from my stressful job," Korkola says. "I look forward to doing it a lot. I played a little bit in high school, but then didn't do it for years and years and years. I just started up the last three or four years. It makes a huge difference in terms of being able to get through a difficult day. And my kids are interested in it, so it's something we can do as a family too."
Playing in a band also shows the public that health-care professionals have interests outside hospital walls.

"And it's fun!" Korkola says.

The group performs "pop lounge" music that covers a wide variety of artists -- from The Doors to Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, REM and Talking Heads.

"We pick recognizable songs and then we put our own twist on them," Cindy says.
She believes the key to the group's professional sound is hard work.

"Both of my guitarists are really talented," she says.

Finding time to practise together is hit and miss -- depending on call schedules, says Dickie.
"Sometimes it's very difficult and it requires the patience of your respective spouses," he says. "It is challenging, but you can do it if you really want to."

To prepare for playing at the Prairie Cardiac Foundation event, the trio tries to get together once or twice a week.

"Doing what we do, it's nice to give back to the community," Dickie says.

"And a lot of our patients benefit from this event and the awareness that goes with it. It's a likely fit for us."

Noting Cindy's difficulty in getting diagnosed, Korkola echoes the need to raise awareness about who can be affected by heart disease.

Heart disease kills more Canadian women than any other disease, but like most women, Cindy was unaware she was at risk because she didn't fit the profile of a "typical" heart patient.
Cindy was 43 when she suffered a heart attack in 2000. She had eaten healthy, exercised regularly, wasn't overweight and her family had no history of heart disease.

When she ran out of breath while hiking with her husband, they both attributed her breathlessness to smoking. But when her arm "felt funny" and she began getting jaw pain, she went to the emergency room at the hospital in St. John's, Nfld., where the couple lived at the time.

The ER staff didn't recognize the signs that Cindy was having a heart attack.
"It felt like I had really, really bad heartburn, but it was more than that -- something wasn't right," she recalls. "When I went to the ER, (the doctor) said, 'You have anxiety. I suggest you go home and have a drink.'

"The next day, I went back again. They listened to my chest and they said, 'Your chest sounds a little bit congested, it's probably asthma.' And they gave me an inhaler. The inhaler just made it worse because it raised my heart rate. I couldn't even lay down because it just felt like somebody was choking me."

In desperation, Cindy went back to the hospital for a third time.

"I said, 'Somebody has to help me. I feel like I have an elephant on my chest.' "

Shortly after an ECG was done, a cardiologist came to her bedside and asked, 'Why didn't you get here sooner? You've had a heart attack within the last three days.' And I said, 'I've been here every day for three days.' He didn't say a word."

Cindy says health-care professionals and the public must understand that heart failure is not just a man's disease.

Looking back at her lifestyle, she recognizes there were warning signs.

"Unfortunately, I was a smoker and I was also a Type A personality -- I think that was a deadly combination," she says. "Not only that, but both my parents smoked so I grew up in a house full of smokers. We were at that age when smoking was cool ... I quit the day I had my heart attack. My cardiologist said, 'You've had your last cigarette, haven't you?' And I said, 'I'll never smoke another day in my life.' And I never did."

After her heart attack, a stent was put in, but Cindy continued to have intermittent chest pain.
It wasn't until the couple moved to Regina and Cindy had an angiogram at the General Hospital that it was discovered she had a blockage behind her heart.

"At that time, the General Hospital had a 3-D imager and they picked it up with that," she says. "In Newfoundland, they didn't have that technology. I would say that technology saved my life."
Cindy's husband, Grant, is co-chairing the heart health gala with Regina cardiologist Dr. Andrea Lavoie.

"Historically, women's heart health has been poorly diagnosed," Grant says. "It is a disease that strikes at any age. It used to be thought of as a man's disease, but that's just not true. There have been many mistakes in emergencies over the years and we're trying to correct that."
The fledging foundation also aims to benefit the people of the province.

For example, Grant says the Paul Schwann centre sorely lacks equipment, trained personnel -- such as kinesiologists -- and needs more programs to rehabilitate cardiac patients.
"Even the blood pressure cuffs are ancient," Grant says.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on June 12 at Innovation Place, the gala evening will include entertainment by Chili Lounge and the Youth Ballet & Contemporary Dance of Saskatchewan, a silent and live auction and a fashion show. Tickets are $75 and available at the Rider Store at Mosaic Stadium and the Northgate Mall, Bach & Beyond at the Golden Mile Shopping Centre and Crocus & Ivy.
"A lot of local designers have contributed dresses and the Heart and Stroke Foundation from Toronto sent us a couple of dresses that will be displayed," Grant says.

A variety of "heartfelt" experiences will be auctioned off -- including a green-and-white package that's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

"You can bid on a package where you stand at centre field for "O Canada" for one of the Rider games," Grant says. "You sit with Ken Miller's wife in the stands and then you get to go for dinner and wine tasting with them at Earl's."

Grant credits the community for its tremendous support of the event.

"It's going to be fantastic. We want to make it the go-to evening of the year. We're going to have a really good party."

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

Business Gatherings & Friends in Far Places .... and A Commentary on the Human Condition

2010-05-28T14:00:00.011-04:00

The Memorial Weekend is upon us and I reflect upon the fact that traditional observance of Memorial Day has somehow been lessened over the years (parades, flag flying, honoring those fallen in service to our country). Perhaps it isn't the lessening but the fact that it is difficult or uncomfortable to remember those who gave their lives in order for us to remain a free nation. And yet, sometimes doing uncomfortable things for the right reasons is a part of the human condition. Sometimes it is difficult to understand that some aren't that aware of the precious freedoms we have because we take so much for granted in this great Country of ours.

Yet in many ways, the spirit of gallantry and goodness, heroism and valor is still alive and can be seen all around us. I wanted to share a story that speaks to the human condition and gives me the confidence that regardless of the times, there are many who are authentic to their core beliefs, which, in itself, bears witness to the goodness that is part of the fabric that makes us the good people that we are.

Last week several of our Trident team members met in Florida to attend the Mechanisms XXV conference which took place in Orlando. We used the opportunity to connect in camaraderie and business with colleagues and associates we’ve known for many years. Trident hosted a dinner and one particular perfusionist guest was a name known to me, but a face I only saw for the first time.

It was some 10 years ago that we were working a locums account in North Dakota. One fateful day while on the pump, our Trident perfusionist felt chest pains. She continued her work, alerting the circulating nurse that it would be a good idea to contact the Home Office in order to find another perfusionist to quickly replace her so she could go to the E.R. and be checked. A call was made to the office and I was notified immediately..

A call was placed to one of our team members who was familiar with this account and also knew the name of a perfusionist in that particular town. I was provided the contact information of an immediate resource who was already credentialed and had previously worked at the hospital. I made the call and was able to reach him. He had just completed a case at another hospital where he worked. Without hesitation, without condition, without regard to the competitive nature of the current environment, he immediately asked how could he help. Could he come to the hospital and take over our ailing perfusionist’s pump? “Of course,” he replied and he arrived on the scene within five minutes of the call and took over the case so that the Trident perfusionist could get medical attention.

Not a beat was missed in all of this. O.R. staff already knew him, they historically worked well together, and the procedure went smoothly. It wasn’t until the case was over that the surgeon looked up to see that there had been a switch in staff. He hadn’t even noticed the switch because it was made in quiet sync with the procedure. .

The perfusionist who helped us was Mike Renfrow, CCP. Over the years I fondly remember the heroic quick actions that took place. Care and concern for the patient remained as the top priority. It didn’t matter that Mike worked for a competing hospital, what mattered was doing the right thing. A change in perfusion staff occurred in this case, but one thing didn’t change…. commitment to quality and compassionate care… because when it comes to taking care of patients, some things should never change.

This is a tribute to one special perfusionist who epitomizes the very best qualities of the human condition. Many were affected in a most positive way because Mike was there. He did not hesitate and he gave his all to help and without condition. He truly is one of our authentic heroes and we thank him and are grateful that he reacted like he did.

Mike's character and spirit is not exclusive to the part of the country that he works and lives. There are many "Mike's" around this great Country...in our proud profession...in every walk of life. They are there, all we have to do is look for them.

May your Memorial Day be reflective as you consider the honorable actions that take place within our present day human condition…. Just as we take a moment to remember our proud comrades in arms that gave their lives to protect our freedoms. Let us send a silent prayer for the safe return of those gallant men and women who currently are serving to protect our way of life and our freedom from tyranny and oppression.

Thank you Mike Renfrow...let us know how we can help.

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Happy Birthday Trident: 22 Years Old TODAY!

2010-05-18T12:52:00.015-04:00

At a time when so many companies are merging and changing names, it is rare and special to be an organization that has remained steady under the same ownership all these years. Trident Health Resources, Inc. marks today as its 22nd year in business under the same ownership.

This is a happy occasion for us, but much more significant to the Trident team is the fact we continue to serve our many long-term hospital accounts. Our locum tenens accounts have been a consistent and vital part of our growth and many return year after year. We were founded in 1988 to provide hospitals with the most experienced certified perfusionists that are available.

Since its inception, one of the constants of Trident is that it has continuously evolved and grown under a patient-first philosophy. We continue to enter new market areas and push technical boundaries to produce better ways of perfusion management. Our culture has been one that has always been grounded in strength of relationship and trust. We have a commitment to quality and compassionate care, because when it comes to taking care of patients, some things should never change.

Happy Birthday to the Trident Family!

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO

National Perfusionist Appreciation Week 2010

2010-05-06T22:53:00.002-04:00

As we celebrate National Perfusionist Appreciation Week 2010 and Trident Health Resources, Inc.’s 22nd birthday under the same ownership, I want to recognize and pay tribute to those who make Trident the leading provider of perfusion management services across the country in areas we serve: our employees.

Our chief perfusionists and staff are dedicated people who are committed to achieving excellence every day of the year, but it is during this first week in May each year that we take this time to pay homage. Trident has an upstanding reputation in the industry, a patient-first philosophy, and excellence in perfusion services performance to patients and the hospitals we serve. Every employee and perfusionist within Trident is essential to achieving Trident’s goals. Each of you represents the spark that ignites success and which fosters our position and longevity in the marketplace as a top choice perfusion management company for so many hospital accounts.

It is with pleasure and honor to know that the passion that lives within Trident’s organization starts with each of you individually and collectively and is shown daily in the work you do. I thank you for your commitment, your contributions of expertise in perfusion services, and your positive attitude. We also thank our hospital accounts for the great partnership that allows us to serve open heart patients.

We appreciate you!

Continued success as we enter our 23rd year in business!

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

May HEARTBEAT E-Newsletter Released!

2010-05-02T19:21:00.001-04:00

See the latest issue of your favorite perfusion newsletter. Click HERE

Perfusionists & American Idol

2010-04-16T15:53:00.001-04:00

Why do you think America has a love affair with the television show, American Idol ? Now in its 9th season and still the #1 show in the country, I’ve pondered the answer to this question since I, myself, am a regular viewer.

Among many reasons, I think there’s much ado about wanting to pick a winner. We like to find one or more contestants to root for and watch them grow over the season. We identify with the challenges and hardships in facing competition. We get a sense of vicarious pleasure in seeing someone overcome adversity and rise to the top. Plus, that rise to the top is determined by viewers who vote (by phoning or texting their pick), so we all have a hand in the outcome. The pay-off for the season’s winner is a record contract. It’s a huge prize that can change one’s life forever. With that at stake, there’s intensity in watching each week to see who is voted off the show.

For those of you who read this blog, you know I often write about the perfusion industry by framing it in terms of the path to success and ways to foster continued excellence in patient care. In my own life experiences as businessman in the healthcare industry, I have always been drawn to the desire to fill needs that serve people, along with the drive to emerge as a leading organization that performs better than its competitors in its field. Life is a lot like American Idol, I think. To succeed, we have to learn and grow and keep a winning attitude even through tough times. Rarely does anyone start out at the top, we work our way there.

Our perfusionists know this too. The educational requirements, licensing process where applicable, and credentialing require student perfusionists to visualize the pay-off while still in school to motivate them to see the value of their efforts. The prize is the title of Clinical Perfusionist, gainfully employed in the chosen field. Once a perfusionist acquires the job and gains experience, the challenges don’t end there. The role of the perfusionist is critical in heart surgery every day. There are decisions being made each moment behind the pump. There is the essential requirement to observe events during a case and respond to changes happening to the patient and to follow any new direction given by the surgeon and medical team.

Those who work as perfusionists know what it takes to be good. They have to be good and they know it.

If you’re reading this and need a winning team for your perfusionist program, visit our website at www.tridenthealth.com and contact us today. If you’re a perfusionist who aims to the best in your field, check our website’s employment ads. We’re always looking to match good people where the needs arise.

And watch American Idol on Tuesday nights on FOX at 8 PM Eastern Time and Wednesday at 9 PM. Who do you think the next American Idol will be?

Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T10:24:00.001-04:00

Trident's April E-newsletter issue of The Heartbeat is now available online. Click to Read.

Health Care Reform & The Virtue of Patience.

2010-03-27T16:22:00.003-04:00

It’s frustrating. It’s a battlefield of opinions. The health care reform plan is sketchy, riddled with minutiae and subject to interpretation. But the fact is: On Sunday, the House passed H.R. 3590, the Senate version of Obama Care (healthcare bill), along with another bill (H.R. 4872 Reconciliation Act of 2010) to reconcile differences. HR 3590 was signed into law on Tuesday and the reconciliation bill was passed by Senate. Change is coming.

I think of this as it relates to the work we do. Recently, the business correspondence I’ve written has had a running theme about “change”. Trident Health Resources, Inc. is managed based on some hard rock core beliefs that our perfusionist employees and hospital clients can count on. These things never change and shouldn’t change (for example, a “patient-first” approach to clinical care). But it is recognized that just as it is true in this great country, so it is with the proactive movement in our industry… we must be responsive to change in order to succeed and be relevant.

I’m not unlike many avid followers of the news and political happenings in that I can get pretty riled up about some of the policies changing the landscape of America. I consider the impact on my children's and grandchildren's generation and wonder if a healthy and prosperous future is in store for them. But there’s something here to consider amid change…. Patience and faith in a democratic system which works.

To parallel this thought, consider what happens during open heart surgery. The trained hands of the surgeon and the skills of perfusionists and nursing staff are grounded in protocol, education, and experience. Nevertheless, one never knows how a case will come to pass until the seminal moments of surgery when anything can happen. As medical professionals, there is tremendous reliance on the quick responses to any nuance of change to a patient’s condition. Pathways to a successful procedure can vary with no prediction on process until we have passed successfully through the “moments”.

Consider that the enormity of health care reform has within it many elements of “unknowns”. Until faced with implementation of the complex plans, revisions will be necessary over the course of many years until it is ironed out and improved. The point is, we’ve got to find the faith that with change will come improvements, knowing that change is never easy. It is natural human behavior to settle into patterns of thought and actions where comfort resides in the “known”. Yet, we know intuitively that we must experience stages of metamorphosis all through our lives in order to evolve. This is true in all of life, all of business and medical care, all of global worldly matters. It’s uncomfortable to change, but sometimes necessary.

My message is simply this: Some things should never change, like the commitment Trident and we have to quality, compassionate care. However, we must be responsive to evolutionary changes that catapult our work into the future and we must be able to discern what is real and what is delusional.

Be patient. Hold tight onto what is your core belief in what you do, and be resilient and prepared for the flexibility that is required in new and different situations. These are the things that make our country great, that make our perfusionists successful, and offer us optimism as health care reform is implemented, modified, or rejected.

I welcome your thoughts here, or feel free to email me directly at rjordan@tridenthealth.com.

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Case Studies: An Insider's Guide to a Great Perfusion Program

2010-03-01T15:53:00.002-05:00

Here is an excerpt from the March Heartbeat E-Newsletter. If you'd like to subscribe to our monthly news, click here and enter your email address.

JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, FL is recognized as Thomas & Reuters Top 100 Cardiovascular Hospitals in America. JFK is one of only four Florida hospitals to earn this benchmark recognition, which is based upon patient outcomes studied within 971 hospitals. JFK's Open Heart Program is a perfusion services contracted facility with Trident Health Resources, Inc. We are proud of this prestigious award and the contributions of our perfusionists which play a role in JFK's success.

What is it that makes YOUR program successful? What things can be learned from what others do to enhance what you are already doing? How do you know when it's time for a change and to consider outsourcing to a professional perfusion services company?

When you're evaluating your perfusion program, you want a frame of reference. Social Proof is what you are looking for; which means you want to find someone else like you who has been in the same position you are in now. You want to know others who made the decision to choose a company to manage staffing. Social Proof is not new, it's a marketing concept that is a sociological phenomenon. It means simply that people's behavioral patterns are highly influenced by the actions of the people or community around them. Some of the most effective social proof for Trident Health Resources, Inc. comes from the penetration of our company name in the marketplace, the number of accounts we have, and our longevity in the industry. But most importantly, it's the number of satisfied clients we have and have retained year after year.

To parallel this concept, consider that in your personal life when you are about to make a significant purchase such as a car or appliance, you might check online for consumer reviews and ratings. This gives you a sense if a product is worth its price and how it compares to the competition. Likewise, in your profession, when you're thinking about outsourcing perfusion services, it only makes sense to find out how others' experiences are with the company they use. Trident's account base is stable with numerous long-term contracts as well as a number of locum tenens accounts. We'd like to share their stories with you if you're interested.

Our industry continues to grow and the need for program changes and enhancements within hospitals is apparent. Quality is important! Patients are more informed than ever and are selective about their surgeon and hospital choices. It's important to ensure your open heart program caters to patient needs, that your perfusionists are aligned in team spirit with the surgical and nursing staff, and that your program offers superior performance in cardiovascular service in outcomes of care. We offer the services that gain you these results and save you money, too.

If you'd like to receive more information and letters from our hospital accounts, please email your request to marketing@tridenthealth.com. If you'd like a comparative analysis of your current perfusion program, complete the form here and we will get back with you right away.

Shaun White: From Open Heart Surgery to Olympic Hero

2010-02-28T19:01:00.007-05:00

I'm reposting a recent news article which I think is relevant to our industry, not only because it's about Heart Surgery and a famous person, Olympic Gold Medal winner, Shaun White... but because that makes me think of all the people in perfusion who make a difference every day. What makes Shaun White excel in his field are the very same things that are common among excellent perfusionists who assist in open heart surgeries every day... It's commitment and passion. Shaun White practices his sport every day with commitment. He falls down, he gets up and tries again. The desire for perfection is a passion. In our profession, perfection is a passion as well.

I found this article inspiring.... and thought you might, too.

Shaun White: From Open Heart Surgery to Olympic Hero
Posted at Globalgrind.com

When you are born with congenital heart failure the odds are stacked against you. No one would expect you to be a superstar athlete, and any thoughts of being an Olympic winner are dismal. Yet, snow boarder Shaun White has proven that he can be that and more.

White was born with a congenital heart defect called tetralogy of fallot, in which the heart has four abnormalities. Within his first year of life White had undergone two open heart surgeries. It was a mere five years later that he stepped foot on a snow board and found his calling. From ages 6 to 12 White racked up snow and skate boarding trophies all over California, eventually going pro at the age of 13. Not only is White the first two time Olympic gold medalist in his sport he was also the first person to compete in the 2003 Summer and Winter X games.

It seems that for Shaun, his heart condition as a child hasn’t stood in the way of something he was destined to do. In actuality it’s just a tiny part of what makes him the success he is today.

After wining his second gold White was interviewed by Oprah and said of his accomplishments:

“It brings me back to all the kinds of strange times, because when my parents first got introduced to snow boarding and I started snow boarding there were no Olympics, no X games, no money or anything in the sport, they just basically knew I had a talent and went for it.” White goes on to say “I had some heart conditions when I was first born so going from that struggle to now letting me go out there and do all these things...you put a dream in front of somebody and your so young and it just seems so close and I said I can do this and I just took every step towards it.”

Beyond his heart defect what Shaun White has is tenacity, “I’ve just always had this fight since I can’t even remember,” said White in an interview with 60 Minutes. If there is anything fans can learn from White is that passion and commitment fuel your dreams. Despite any road blocks on your path to success there are tools that motivate you as a person to make goals for yourself and reach them. Shaun White shows commitment and dedication for his sport but most of all he shows his great love for it. Who else owns their own half pipe so that they can continuously practice and come up with new tricks- Shaun White does, thats who.

For someone with such great accolades, White is humble and there is reason to believe some of that humbleness comes from the fact that he knows how lucky he is. White may have been born with a heat defect but even more he was born with the talent that has over shadowed his health condition. This flying tomato will surely continue to make himself a house hold name, all while following his dreams.

Historical Perspective On Perfusion - News Story Reprinted

2010-02-09T10:21:00.005-05:00

Open heart patient looks back

Toledoan underwent surgery in 1959

By JULIE M. McKINNON BLADE STAFF WRITER
Link to Story

Sandra Katschke has had a heart murmur for more than 50 years.

Still, that defect is far better than the likely alternative for the 62-year-old Toledoan, the first locally to have open heart surgery using a heart-lung machine.

Without the November, 1959, surgery purportedly to widen her pulmonary valve, the then-12-year-old Sandra Schermbeck probably would never marry and have children, one of her doctors said.

"He told me I wouldn't live to be 21," Mrs. Katschke recalled. "I'm doing really well."

At age 12.At age 16 with Mother.

Dr. Michael Moront, a Toledo cardiac surgeon who met Mrs. Katschke last week after learning of her story, said she probably needed the area above the valve widened, not the valve itself, because it wouldn't have lasted this long if it was congenitally defective. Dr. Moront listened to Mrs. Katschke's heart last week and noted the murmur, and he termed the grandmother's longevity, especially without further surgery, "miraculous."

"Today, most people would say you would require more surgeries," Dr. Moront said. "They did a remarkable job for you."

Much has changed in cardiac surgery since Mrs. Katschke was operated on at Toledo Hospital by a team of 14, including several doctors. A couple dozen more doctors observed the novel surgery, for which a heart-lung machine was used to mechanically circulate and oxygenate blood so work could be done on her heart.

"It was very exciting stuff back in the '50s, and it still is today," Dr. Moront said while showing Mrs. Katschke and her husband of 40 years, Ed Katschke, a heart-lung machine currently used at Toledo Hospital.

Heart-lung machines, first successfully used in Philadelphia in 1953, are one aspect of cardiac surgery that has changed since the specialty was in its infancy and Mrs. Katschke underwent surgery.

Before heart-lung machines, some surgeries were performed by connecting a child to a parent, who kept blood flowing, Dr. Moront said. "The adult would serve as a heart-lung machine for a child," he said.

Oxygenating blood was the trickiest function with heart-lung machines in those days, and improvements have been made through the decades, said former perfusionist Terry Kirch of Northwood, who started working at Toledo Hospital in 1968. A perfusionist is a medical technician responsible for blood transfusion and the heart-lung machine during cardiopulmonary surgery.

Originally, patients could be on heart-lung machines for only minutes; now they can be on for days, Mr. Kirch said. Plus, heart-lung machines were primed with donated blood until the early 1970s, when a solution started to be used, he said.

"That, I think, is one of the biggest advances we had," said Mr. Kirch, who was one of the first 75 people nationwide certified as perfusionists.

Mrs. Katschke's grandparents, the late Marie and Warren Lincoln, who were her guardians, had to locate 30 volunteers to donate A-positive blood for her surgery. Volunteers included seven inmates from the county jail.

Preparing the heart-lung machine and donated blood for Mrs. Katschke's surgery probably took several hours, said Kevin Fleming, a Toledo Hospital perfusionist who explained last week to the Katschkes how the machine works.

"Back then, it would take about as long to prepare the case as it did to do the case," he said.
Mrs. Katschke, who prior to surgery was often sick, missed a lot of school, and was unable to play, returned to school after holiday break.

She remembers being afraid of surgery.

"There was one little boy who passed away before my surgery, and I was scared to death," she said of a fellow patient with a different heart problem.

An intensive-care unit to closely monitor patients was not used when Mrs. Katschke had surgery. Some medications used then still are around today, including epinephrine, but there have been many pharmaceutical advances since, Dr. Moront said.

There also have been a slew of advances in surgical techniques and equipment, he said. Three-dimensional ultrasounds, for example, give surgeons exact images.

Although Mrs. Katschke has had other health problems since her 1959 open heart surgery, she has not had cardiac issues.

The mother of three doesn't take heart medication either, although she does tire easily and regularly sees a cardiologist, she said.

"I still have trouble if I'm walking a long distance," Mrs. Katschke said. "I get out of breath. Other than that, I do fine."

Contact Julie M. McKinnon at: jmckinnon@theblade.com or 419-724-6087.

Meeting Notes from Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM) Conference 209

2010-02-02T19:37:00.003-05:00

The following report is a summary of reflections from the SABM 2009 Conference held in November. Many thanks to Anton Johnson, CCP, for preparing this and allowing us to share the information here.

SABM 2009
Latin American
Blood Management Conference

Attending the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management meeting in Cancun, Mexico, was an opportunity to gain current perspectives on techniques in allogenic blood conservation, if not elimination.

A diverse schedule was on tap and, refreshing was the review of current literature and reiteration of well established methodology.

If allogenic blood use is to be scrutinized, the goal should not be reduction of use but total elimination. The religious conviction of the Jehovah’s Witness may be the best philosophy to adopt in the best interest of every patient. The approach, or belief, that any use of allogenic products constitutes failure can easily be adopted and, seeing that it has been implemented elsewhere, can be attained with reasonable effort.

Working at a facility where autologous cell saver product is often discarded, the belief of the surgeons is that it contains heparin and thus is responsible for post protamine bleeding, only to use allogenic products, this meeting was very refreshing. The environment in which we practice can often result in ‘dumbing down’ in our approach; we must continue to practice in support of the surgeons who dictate our patient care. Thus, this meeting was invigorating in reaffirming practices that have been proven nationwide.

The key phrases being presented included adjectives including ‘peer reviewed’ and ‘evidence based’, along with ‘double blinded’; these seem to cover a vast array of scientific papers whose conclusions serve to shape and drive practices whose ultimate goal is the elimination of allogenic blood use.

While I will contend that I am not a physician; listening to anesthesiologists who report practicing guidelines, that reduce transfusions until the mixed venous saturations fall below 55%, provided significant food for thought coming from a practice where we transfuse at saturations below 70%!

Several approaches warrant closer observation; the use of erythropoietin to stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and thus raise the preoperative hematocrit has merit. Folic acid, iron supplements and Vitamin B-12 have been successful in the management of patient’s hematocrit who may have presented in anemic conditions.

Reducing all blood draws preoperatively, in addition to reducing the volume of these samples has been encouraged. Reports that the volume of these samples have not changed in years, while the testing devices have continued to reduce their required volumes, leads one to think that further change is necessary. Englewood Hospital, New Jersey, has gone completely to pediatric tubes in this regard; they reported a several 100mls reduction in just laboratory specimens and consequent gains in patient’s hematocrit.

Preoperative blood management requires a multi-disciplinary approach to create an infrastructure that provides evidence-based actions. Actions are the alternative transfusion pathways that have been proactively configured to maximize clinical and cost benefits.

Each unit of blood, allogenic or autologous, transfused or collected, has an impact on either the patients’ outcome or the costs to provide appropriate care.

In-depth clinical and costs/benefits analysis is required to assure accurate and effective outcomes.

Establishing an effective Transfusion Committee is essential to implementing transfusion practices. This committee should be lead by an opinion leader and contain a multi-disciplinary membership covering; physicians, nurses, blood bank staff, perfusionists, risk managers, representatives from Information technology and Quality Managers.

Their goals should be;

1) Educate
2) Improvement Strategies
3) Collect Metrics

Sobering statistics were presented;

Price Waterhouse reported $210 billion in defensive medical tests which included redundant, inappropriate or unnecessary tests.

The US ranks 15th out of 19 industrial nations in quality of care of their patients, although we spend twice as much per patient in care rendered.

100, 000 patients per year die in hospitals for reasons other than their admission diagnosis.

Platelet Gel reimbursements were a small issue, several practitioners reported on billing strategies that boarded on the unethical. While no specific coding exists for platelet gel, methods of procuring positive billing results included using codes for blood draws and analysis. I suspect that this will not last for long, nor will they be encouraged by institutions.

On another note; the practice of using 3L bags of saline for cell salvaging during the wash phase was considered. These bags are indicated by the manufacturer for irrigation only, not intravenous use! I thought it overly ambitious that this practice was endorsed. It would seem that substituting an ‘irrigation only’ substrate in place of an easily obtained intravenous product, benefits the user only. Any patient benefit is not being considered. This practice should be brought to the attention of the institution’s risk manager for further review. Personally, I feel like it is a flawed approach and will not support its practice.

In closing; thank you for allowing me to attend this refreshing meeting devoted solely to the conservation of blood products. Other meetings try to cover too much material, even while pertinent, and current ‘hot’ topics are left in supporting roles. I look forward to practicing the principles gained from this attendance.

The Heartbeat

2010-02-01T16:39:00.003-05:00

Trident Health Resources, Inc.'s February edition of The Heartbeat was released today. For this month's issue, click HERE

Looking for earlier month's issues? Visit Trident's home page HERE for the archive of previous month's newsletters.

And So It Goes....

2010-01-21T09:27:00.013-05:00

As we watch the news on TV, we are bombarded with stories that affect us:

The crisis in Haiti enters our living room and it is difficult not to be affected by human suffering.

In other world news, conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan continue.

In domestic news, there are the usual political shake-ups and editorial bashings; except this week was historical. The win of Senator Scott Brown changes the face of the Senate with Brown the first Republican elected in the State of Massachusetts since 1972. The health care reform will now take a new path.

In Economics, new laws affect how Americans will use credit during hard times.

In Sports, Tiger Woods is in rehab for sexual addiction.

But now and then something in the news grabs this country and unites its people in the spirit of something silly and fun. I decided to re-post a news piece here, because we all need a little comedic relief. Not sure if you saw last week's episode of, American Idol, but it's truly funny and seems to have taken the country by storm. I hope you enjoy General Larry Platt's performance of Pants on Ground....

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Perfusionist Job Opportunity

2010-01-19T13:47:00.002-05:00

Trident Health Resources, Inc. is growing again and we are hiring in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Utah is known for its majestic landscape. Money magazine ranks four of its Utah’s Cities around Salt Lake City as Best Places to Live in 2009. All that’s missing is You!

If you are a certified clinical perfusionist with a minimum of three years of experience, we would be pleased to receive your resume. Please mail, e-mail or fax for a confidential review of your employment interests and qualifications. Forward your resume, references, and letters of recommendation to employment@tridenthealth.com or fax to (727) 738-9436. Please reference "Utah Perfusionist" n the subject of your email or fax.

Trident Health Resources, Inc. is the premier national locum tenens and long term contract management services company with over 22 years of continuous exemplary service. Trident is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employee benefits include: 401K Retirement Plan, Health, Dental, Flex Spending & Professional Liability Insurance with an A.M. Best rating of "A", Long & Short Term Disability and Life Insurance.

January Edition HEARTBEAT Newsletter

2010-01-04T01:56:00.003-05:00

Trident Health Resources, Inc. released the January 2009 Heartbeat e-newsletter today.

Click to View.

From All of Us at Trident Health Resources, Inc.

2009-12-31T12:22:00.001-05:00

Christmas Message to All

2009-12-17T14:22:00.007-05:00

As each of us plans holiday festivities with family and friends, I think of Christmases past and the present... from my own childhood through the wonder of raising a family, now grown. Today, I am reminded of the simplicity and joy of the holidays as I see the glimmer of excitement in the eyes of my innocent grandbabies . I hope you, too, are taking time for simple joys and to reflect on the true spirit of Christmas.

Simple joys are bountiful when we take the time to see them. Unfortunately we tend to get caught up in hustle and bustle this time of year and not seem to notice little things. Important and consistent acts of simple care are around us, especially in the healthcare industry. Here at Trident Health Resources, Inc., we want every surgeon, hospital staff member with whom we work, and every patient who is cared for by one of our team, to feel the attention and commitment to quality that each of our employees offers. Every encounter with those whom Trident serves provides an opportunity for us to make a positive difference.

As we get closer to Christmas, I take pause to notice the little things my employees do each day in the spirit of giving. I thank all who choose Trident Health Resources, Inc. as an employer or partner in healthcare and wish you all a very warm and wonderful holiday.

Sincerely,

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President

A Trident Thanksgiving Message

2009-11-22T23:44:00.002-05:00

I’m blogging from my new Apple I-Phone with much gratitude for such great technological advancements that allow me to write you in this balancing act of working effectively from home as I celebrate the holiday with my family over the next few days. I should add that I’m like a kid with a new toy, enjoying the heck out of touch screen communications and the many applications the I-Phone provides to make my job easier. At Trident, our embrace of technology bodes well for the future, not just in our office efficiency, but in terms of our plans for expansion. We're growing again and recently expanded with new accounts in several states. Also, we are excited about Vivo, our real time data system platform which virtually transforms the way hospitals do charting and manage information. Given new governmental policies for hospitals to become paperless beginning in 2012, we are in the right place at the right time. I think we're doing a great deal of right things that demonstrate Trident's values and dedication to patient focused care, utilizing the very latest techniques to always be improving. I'll be blogging about some of our exciting plans over the course of the next several months, and much more about health care technology and its new directions.

It is Thanksgiving this week, and there is much for which I give thanks and praise, even amid the economic and political climate that challenge this fine country. Our service men and women in the military are thought of with special thanks this week. Closer to home, it's important for me to pause and give thanks to the many people who make a difference each day at Trident in the work they do to serve patients, surgeons and staff, as well as making a difference each day in their own lives, with their family, and the in the community at large. I want to thank the home office staff, all the Chiefs and their teams and recognize with appreciation what they do every day. Trident's influence and reputation is founded on the competence of its people and work ethic, even though we are all different, performing different tasks and in different time zones... we are connected and a highly effective functional team. It makes me proud and appreciative to have such quality people working with us at Trident.

My Thanks and Blessings to all from my family to yours, each and every one, and may you enjoy some time together with your loved ones to give thanks, share a holiday meal, and celebrate.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Performing Open Heart Surgery - A Virtual Experience

2009-11-03T12:53:00.007-05:00

An Australian News Channel featured on its website a link to a "virtual" game in which the player performs Open Heart surgery. Is it really a game? Numerous gaming websites and blogs have posted the Virtual Open Heart Surgery link to attract gamers who have enjoyed various virtual experiences such as Nintendo Wii Trauma Center and Ed Head's Knee Surgery Game

It is interesting that on a more serious note, virtual heart surgery was designed as a fairly new tool for training in complex heart surgeries. It is a surgical simulator which helps doctors to perform surgery in a virtual environment.

Here's a link to Virtual Open Heart Surgery. The site gives a warning: Not for the Faint Hearted. So Good luck and report back your Virtual Experience!

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Trident is Growing!

2009-10-10T12:10:00.000-04:00

Click image to enlarge.

In Consideration of HIPAA Laws and Social Networking Risks.

2009-09-15T18:27:00.009-04:00

You've heard about them... chances are, statistically, you're a member of one or more and you might even be somewhat addicted to them... I'm referring, of course, to social networking websites (Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, LinkedIn, among an increasing number of new sites daily).

I read a statistic today that two weeks ago Facebook reported to news sources that its user base almost matches the population of the United States (article here). And in July, a report stated that on Facebook, "there has been a staggering increase in the number of age 55+ users – with total growth of 513.7% in in the last six month alone."

Social networking offers people a way to connect with classmates, friends and family far and near, as well as business contacts. Sometimes, however, conflicts can emerge if users are not careful. Many social networking services, such as Facebook, provide the user with a choice of who can view their profile. This prevents unauthorized user(s) from accessing their information.

This brings me to an issue for discussion here today. What about Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws? Take a hypothetical... a hospital employee posts a fairly innocent comment on the "wall" of one of his network sites about a rather difficult case/work problem or patient scenario. A reader takes personal offense and feels the post exposed too much information about the work situation. Because we are in the healthcare business, we are held to HIPAA privacy laws and must be careful that in social networking that no specifics of a case are mentioned, such as patient names. Even so, for a medical professional to post ordinary work frustrations may be exposure and subject the writing to interpretation by others.

Are hospitals and healthcare companies providing guidance to employees about their online activities (such as not refer to work situations on a public board)? Are policies being instituted on social networking, such as a Social Media Best Practices Policy to sheild the ugly side of internet communications? I welcome discussion from other companies and facilities as to what their current policies are.

On HIPAA... I came across an internet site which specializes in interpreting some of the law for laypersons in the healthcare industry. HIPAA.com describes itself as this:

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes national standards for electronic health care transactions. The great thing about HIPAA is that it reflects a move away from cumbersome paper records and an increased emphasis on the security and privacy of health data. But the magnitude of the complex changes it requires can sometimes be overwhelming for healthcare providers, compliance officers and other affected professionals. We’re here to help you meet the challenge and stay current with extensive documentation, helpful resources and expert commentary.

There are good things that come from social networking. A 2007 peer reviewed journal article on social networking in the medical field stated that, "Social networks are beginning to be adopted by healthcare professionals as a means to manage institutional knowledge, disseminate peer to peer knowledge and to highlight individual physicians and institutions. The advantage of using a dedicated medical social networking site is that all the members are screened against the state licensing board list of practitioners."

While all that is well and good, that doesn't mean problems won't happen.

Today I advised my employees with the following words to ponder, "As a yardstick, consider that whatever you put on the internet today might appear on the front page of tomorrow's New York Times."

What do you think? Have you run into any issues with social networking and privacy concerns?

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Emerging & Being Successful

2009-09-10T00:45:00.012-04:00

As I ponder another growth spurt for Trident Health Resources, Inc. in which we, once again, will be hiring experienced perfusionists, adding new accounts far and wide across the country, and exploring expansion into other related services beyond those of our 21 years experience in contract services/staffing ,capital equipment, disposables and management… I am troubled. Where will we find the qualified, really good candidates that we will need? I am reminded of the universal struggle facing so many of us today. It's the struggle to reach and maintain a certain level of excellence and to be constant despite hardships, and find a way above the mediocrity of a sometimes less than inspired world.

Back in 1993, I read a book written by a Booz-Allen Health Care consultant, J Philip Lathrop , entitled Restructuring Health Care, the Patient Focused Care Paradigm. It was a turning point in the emerging corporate philosophy of our relatively new company. Patient focused care… so simple and yet so powerful. And it was a standard that we have tried to live by ever since and is a part of the Trident culture and the perfusion community, as well.

I am reminded...

In the early 1990's, American Scholar published a startling and prophetic essay by the late New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan entitled, How We've Become Accustomed to Alarming Levels of Crime and Destructive Behavior. Although Moynihan referenced the culture of crime in his writing, his terminology, “Defining deviancy Down “ rings true in its application of how some societies , countries, and even companies deviate from standards of excellence, in our case , the contracted health care services sector, thereby lowering the bar for others to aspire to less than excellent levels of performance. Moynihan argued that in American culture and politics, that as deviant behavior (or behavior that was less desirable, not up to standards previously held) increases, some crimes or poor behaviors become normalized and almost acceptable as the “new” standard, and only extraordinary events are considered truly egregious. While Moynihan was relevant in 1993, it is worth pondering in consideration of a changing landscape of business and healthcare… are we living up to the old standards that were so important when we were growing up or getting started in our Clinical or Business careers? Or, are we content to allow those standards to erode…to diminish…to slip down to a more comfortable acceptable level…defining deviancy down? With that pervasive attitude goes a "cutting corners" mentality in which the greatest services become average. Such is the risk , the reality and the challenge of applying Moynihan’s argument to present situations. How soon we forget that standards of excellence are not meant to be broken or diminished.

We've got to care and not succumb to the influences which can bring down our industry. I aspire to the old mantra , "Lead, follow , or get out of the way," and it's been said that if you don't adopt a philosophy to live by, then one will adopt you.... and the next thing you know, you are a follower of someone else's dream. Trident strives to stay current in the industry, embracing new ways, new technologies, choosing to grow instead of becoming victimized by the stagnation that any business might face. We have incorporated state-of-the-art technologies and computer systems to make sure our information data is secure and efficient. We place a premium value on service that is singularly patient focused. And we encourage our greatest assets…our employees… to not deviate from the standards that so successfully have inspired us to continue to be the best that we can.

I think of some of the important examples of such desire and zeal within Trident and of some in our Perfusion Community… The Aaron Hill's of the world left their mark. I remember the early years in this perfusion contract business, "The Golden Age," coined to represent the times when this industry could count on excellence in the graduates from Texas Heart, Ohio State, Medical University of South Carolina, for example. Perfusionists who were trained in the Army were both PA’s and then perfusionists were terrific candidates for employment. Bob Rush and his Shady Side School from Pittsburg was turning out exceptional grads who were experienced, well rounded, and had in excess of 150 solid cases to their name before graduation. You could count on these folks to make a difference... a lasting impression. Then, sadly, money and misdirection of motivations seemed to infiltrate some of the industry inasmuch as a patient focused care philosophy diminished as a key priority and the end product from many of the schools just do not have that spark, that zeal , that basic knowledge base , the case experience and the over all grasps of what is important and what is not.

Trident remains impassioned to succeed with excellence and fairness... We want to see this all around us. There was a time when there were no off-pump cases. Today, 40 cases are required to keep certification and yet the certifying board's standard for this hasn't kept up with the changes that are all around us. Perfusionists who are in involved with off pump programs sometime struggle to get enough experience to hone skills. It takes everyone to make changes... for things to get better.

Our sector is changing exponentially with the advancements of technology. I am very excited about the training simulators that are now available and by the advancement in technology that will aid us in sharpening our skills. I recently saw a video highlighting the statistics about the speed of change affecting us. Wow. Some of the stats are shocking and reveal how it is essential we be prepared to face the accelerating rate of change. This video clip, below, is a Must See and impacts all of us. The video is full of quotable facts regarding our current state of global competitiveness and underscores how we can continue to expect Shift to be a constant.

Please take a moment to view this clip (close to 5 million people have watched since it was released last year). Feel free to post comments.

Sincerely,

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President

The Heartbeat - An ENewsletter.

2009-08-25T00:54:00.001-04:00

Trident Health Resources, Inc. released the Aug/Sept enewsletter, The Heartbeat. Read it here and you may sign up for a free email subscription.

Performing Heart Surgery in Consideration of the Age of Patient -- An Ethical Question for You

2009-07-24T21:41:00.006-04:00

I have a question for you:

Should a 97-year-old man undergo an expensive, dangerous open-heart operation to repair a lethal tear in a main artery of his heart? A Pennsylvania news article this week asked the question. (If interested: Click link for referenced article: For America's aged, surgery at any price? )

The question begs for consideration of the "value" of life. Physicians are reminded of the Hippocratic Oath, which is founded on moral code and respect for human life. What about quality versus quantity of life? Where is the line that society crosses in playing God? Given the advanced medical technologies of 2009, the medical profession provides us all many choices and options in health treatments, both from a user/patient perspective and from a professional/physician perspective.

I can't help but consider the dilemmas of our times: the U.S. economy in 2009, the ensuing politicking about national health care, the issues of our aging Baby Boomers (and the generations following) and the wonderment and concern of social security benefits' future as a viable source of help to people. Given all the technological advancements and capabilities to extend life, when does it become imprudent to do so?

In our business, we tend to see (although not always) the sickest of the sick and oftentimes those who are elderly receive open heart surgery. Asking the hard ethical questions is important.

My memory brings back to me a quote I heard which may incite some readers:

I hate the men who would prolong their lives
By foods and drinks and charms of magic art
Perverting nature's course to keep off death
They ought, when they no longer serve the land
To quit this life, and clear the way for youth.

-Euripides 500 B.C.

The above quote is ages old, but it's a way of thinking a large population espouses. Dan Callahan, PhD an ethicist and founder of the The Hastings Center , published books on this topic 20 years ago and blogs about it. He's 78 years old now, which is interesting in that he still stands behind his comment that that health care should be rationed for the elderly as a way to keep Medicare solvent. Further, he once stated 20 years ago that the age of 80 should be a cutoff point for the most expensive technologies (e.g. open-heart surgery), even if they might be life-saving.

I'd be interested to hear your reaction to these thoughts. Comments Welcomed.

Sincerely,

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Computer Gaming and Medical Technology in 2009: The Role of Nintendo in Medical Education and Practice

2009-07-14T16:56:00.004-04:00

I was reading in this week’s news that the American Heart Association (AHA) pledged $50,000 towards the completion of a project to support CPR training through applications on Nintendo’s, Wii. That shouldn’t be all too surprising… other games on the market allow players to play doctor and perform knee surgery, for example. So it seems, it’s just fun and games for now. But when the AHA project is ready, the CPR training will be offered for free at its website.

Like many of you reading this blog post, the wave of computer gaming is probably not a foreign concept, regardless of your generation… You may be a player, yourself, unwinding after work; you might be the concerned parent of the proverbial lump on the couch (your teen who spends too many hours playing); or, perhaps you’re like me, a grandfather who truly gets a kick out of a sporting event involving swinging an invisible golf club or competition against the grandbabies whereby I am punching the air, which simultaneously knocks out the bad guy on the TV screen. Whatever your involvement, gaming is, has been, and continues to be integrated with American entertainment.

But recently, scientists have stepped in to explore the outcomes of gaming on more of paradigm shift and considering the implications in the medical field. In our business of cardiovascular surgery and perfusion, it is noted that robotics are a surgical method which is seen in several procedures. Laparoscopic surgery is used for hysterectomies, some heart procedures, on prostates, colons, gall bladders and almost anything that can be accessed by a small incision. Given this fact, recognize that the surgeon’s hands are not inside the patient’s body when robotic surgery takes place. Instead, the surgeon uses tools which are not unlike a computer gamer’s “joystick”. In surgery, it is through a tiny incision that the work is done through manipulation of tools. These are watched on a video screen, coordinating the hand motion remote movement.

Several published research papers in the past year reported on the (positive) effects of gaming in healthcare learning and performance. Specifically, in an article by the American Psychological Association, several studies about gaming and its parallel to surgery were made. Specifically, in Four Dimensions of Video Game Effects by psychologist Douglas Gentile, PhD, and William Stone, it was found that 33 laparoscopic surgeons who gamed could not only perform advanced surgeries more quickly but also made fewer errors in surgery (APA, 2008). Another study, focusing on 303 surgeons, found that their spatial skills and dexterity were improved by games that require both (APA). The Wall Street Journal blog reported on another study (unnamed) and stated that,“…playing certain video games on the Nintendo Wii helps surgical residents to hone their fine motor skills and improve their performance on a serious surgery simulator.” An article in Science Daily reported the following statistics: surgeons who played three hours or more games made 37% fewer mistakes. They were also faster by 27%.

Fascinating. Technology has come a long way since a little yellow ball chased ghosts and ate them in the classic and highly addictive early computer game called, Pacman. Who would have thought that the Pacman experience would be the precurser stimulating the Robvotics Industry as a reality in our future?

Comments welcomed.

Sincerely,

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

***

Important News! Heparin Case Award

2009-07-08T09:31:00.002-04:00

Jury Awards 10 million in Heparin Case
This is a reprint from: Injuryboard.com 7-4-2009 Article
Beth Janicek

In Houston, Texas, a jury recently awarded 10 million in a medical malpractice case against Methodist Hospital and the doctors who treated John German. He sustained an amputation of his left leg above the knee, all the toes on his right foot and all of his fingers following heart surgery. The lawsuit claimed the hospital nurses failed to properly monitor him after he had been administered Heparin. He had a reaction commonly referred to as HIT, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The hospital claimed the nurses had not done anything wrong and had helped save Mr. German’s life. Apparently, the jury did not agree.

The jury award will help provide for the extensive medical care Mr German will have in the future.

As he stated,” It’s like closing a painful chapter in my life, even though I have to live every day like this.”

The hospital intends to appeal the case. Hopefully, the verdict will stand on appeal. I have blogged in the past about the devastating damages which result from HIT and the importance of the medical community to be vigilant in monitoring patients following heart procedures. This Texas jury has sent that message to the medical community.

Trident's July HEARTBEAT Newsletter

2009-07-01T17:44:00.007-04:00

Unique Staffing Conditions
in Hospital Heart Programs
and the Dedicated Perfusionists Within Them

It's not just about the bottom line-- certainly not in our business so focused on patients and employees. Want to read more?" Click to see Trident's July Newsletter.

Comments welcomed here!

U.S. Employment, the Economy and Perfusionists

2009-06-17T07:14:00.008-04:00

The unemployment rate is now 9.4%, according the U.S. Labor Department, reflecting the highest rate in 25 years. In contrast, Economists are optimistic that the country will recover by 2010, according to numerous sources in today’s news.

Health Care is probably one of the most recession-proof industries in which to be working, and that’s a fine thing for perfusionists. I read an article published just this week which summarized a report by The Princeton Review about the job outlook for college grads in 2009 and beyond. The number of students majoring in healthcare is on the rise (particularly in the areas of nursing and biology, which rank 4th and 5th in popularity). Growth in health care as a chosen major has a great deal to do with the fact that Baby Boomers are retiring and going to need more healthcare, creating a need for more hospital employees.

Perfusionists remain needed. Last week, payscale.com updated its information about income averages for cardiovascular perfusionists. PayScale is a company based in Seattle which owns the largest database of online employee salary data in the world. Information is available to the public, though the services were designed for HR and hiring managers seeking salary information on positions they retain within their organization. The following charts show the income averages for perfusionists, according to PayScale:

If you’re a perfusionist looking for a job, visit the latest career opportunities at Perfusioncommunity.com. Perfusion Community also offers a employer/perfusionist matching program. Perfusionists may include their resume in a “bank” of professionals. The job list at Perfusion Community is updated numerous times weekly at perfusioncommunity.com. Finally, Trident Health Resources, Inc. is always looking for a few more experienced perfusionists. Visit Trident at tridenthealth.com to view employment information.

Sincerely,

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

More about Embracing Technology.

2009-06-07T11:01:00.003-04:00

Trident’s feature article in this month’s HeartbeatE-newletter is a summary of technologies the company has adopted to enhance its business communications (link in blog entry below). Among having our own propriety perfusion software, Neptune, and launching VIVOrt, an information data system, Trident also is presently using or investigating some of the widely used social networking tools which were originally developed for personal friends, now extended into the business world as Fortune 100 companies and beyond find usefulness in them. Some of these names you may already be familiar: Twitter, Facebook, Wikipedia.

Just a few days ago, Forbes magazine released an article entitled, Smart Social Networking For Your Small Business. I’ve provided a link to it. In this article, the major networking websites are defined. It also provides a list of do’s and don’ts for companies which are planning to expand their marketing reach through such technologies. Companies small or large are quickly finding the need to embrace new ways of doing business. Our industry is no exception.

I wanted to add to this topic that the University of Nebraska Medical Center now offers “alternative” CEU opportunities. According to David Holt, Program Manager of the Clinical Perfusion Education Department, facebook.com or twitter.com are websites in which perfusionists can earn CEUs. He said perfusionists can, “… participate in educational ventures through these popular social networking sites. In fact, we are prepared to offer anybody who participates in any of our educational opportunities a 10% discount in registration fee if indeed you are actively following us through these electronic forums. This will help us to communicate to you any upcoming opportunities and also creates a mechanism for us to creatively communicate on current technologies.”

If you are currently using any of the referenced technologies, let us know what is working for you. Comments welcomed.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Trident's JUNE Heartbeat Newsletter Released

2009-06-07T00:32:00.002-04:00

The June E-Newsletter, Heartbeat, by Trident was released. Want to get on the mailing list or read the current issue? Click THIS

An Open Letter in Response to New AmSECT Perflist Policies

2009-05-20T16:41:00.012-04:00

Note: Perflist is an online members-only message board open only to qualified members. By comparison, Trident Health Resources, Inc. sponsors Perfusioncommunity.com, also a message board which is open to all and includes messaging, calendar, news, job postings, & resume bank, chat and email functions and more.

Dear Colleagues:

I’d like to respond to several of the new policies or policy changes at AmSECT’s, Perflist and then ask for your feedback. Listed below are the Perflist policies that have been modified or added:

1. Perflist is for active perfusionists, perfusion students, life or retired AmSECT members, blood management technologists and perfusion assistants only.

This means that companies which serve the perfusionist industry are not allowed on Perflist. If you are a researcher, a hospital employee who is not actively a perfusionist, a support team member who works with a perfusionist, or perfusion vend/ manufacturer, among others, you cannot access the Perflist.

By comparison, at Perfusioncommunity.com, anyone who is interested in perfusion-related matters is welcome to peruse and join our site. Extra features are available to registrants, and the registration is without charge or qualification.

2. Anonymous posts on PerfList will not be accepted. It is required that you sign your posts, indicating your name and email address at minimum.

If you have something to say that is relevant or controversial or important and you want to say it without fear of repercussion, you can't say it anonymously on Perflist.

On Perfusioncommunity, you can speak freely. No industry is perfect and it is through open discussion that important issues are addressed. where outcomes could result for the benefit of all.

3. Advertising services, equipment, websites, blogs, virus warnings, non-perfusion-related items or off-topic email is prohibited on Perflist. Unless specific advance approval is granted by AmSECT administration, you may NOT post any such advertisements directly on Perflist.

Sometimes important news and information appears on another website. Our perfusionists would, at times, inform their colleagues about news found at “other” websites such as, Perfusioncommunity.com or Trident’s blog. No longer will such a posting of website links be approved on Perflist.

By comparison, Perfusioncommunity.com welcomes important notices and free use of our information forums. Perfusioncommunity.com is purposefully designed in consideration of the entire Perfusion Community and those who support the efforts.

4. Unless specific advance approval is granted by AmSECT administration, you may NOT post any meeting announcements directly on Perflist.

It’s important to know upcoming dates for events in the perfusion community. If you are holding a meeting and want to send out notices, you need to get advance approval or you won’t be able to post on Perflist.

You can post any important event on Perfusioncommunity.com. Perfusioncommunity.com keeps a calendar which includes both domestic perfusion events as well as international events, and includes many other events which aren’t listed at other websites.

5. Employment announcements directly related to the field of perfusion may be posted on the AmSECT website. Unless specific advance approval is granted by AmSECT administration, you may NOT post any employment announcements directly on Perflist.

This new policy is very interesting. Perflist was one of the places to go for perfusion job announcements. Now, getting jobs posted there has been prohibited in favor of AmSECT posting formal job openings on their website.

On Perfusioncommunity.com, by comparison, employer ads are posted AT NO CHARGE, regardless if you are a hospital or a contractor. Perfusioncommunity.com updates jobs daily and uses numerous daily feeds to get information regarding job openings. Perfusioncommunity.com also has a resume bank, which serves the perfusionist seeking a job and includes job matching services with employers.

In conclusion, where AmSECT is falling behind in addressing the needs and wants of perfusionists, Perfusioncommunity.com offers more. If you haven’t visited Perfusioncommunity.com yet, please do so today.

What do you think of Perflist Policy Changes?

And what would you like to see as a feature on your website, Perfusioncommunity.com?

We welcome your comments and feedback.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Outplay, Outwit, Outlast

2009-05-08T11:58:00.015-04:00

The following is an excerpt from Trident Health Resources, Inc.'s May E-Newsletter... A Message from the President On Trident's 21st Birthday...

May 2009 marks Trident Health Resources, Inc.'s Birthday
under the same ownership for 21 consecutive years.

Amid economic hard times, we're seeing icons of American companies we've known, trusted and built lifelong faith upon, now suffering with government bailouts or bankruptcies. It's daunting for any company --large or small-- to ascend in a fast-paced, demanding and highly global, technically advanced, 24/7 world of business. Even the best stumble sometimes. And it is within this spirit of humble acknowledgment of these times, that, as CEO and President of Trident Health Resources, Inc., I feel good to be A SURVIVOR in this political and economic environment. At the same time, I recognize that there are some things we actively do which contribute to our lasting success in this industry.

"Outplay" is a strategy and goal for Trident. To outplay is to demonstrate to our client hospitals that we can provide perfusion services on a long-term or locums basis in a way that outperforms the competition. Our approach to health care ensures a patient-first focus, and all the details of the business are organized around that philosophy. We have the history of 21 years and a long list of letters of recommendations which demonstrate our ability to outplay and outperform the competition. In consideration of these economic times, Trident will guarantee to beat any confirmed price quote for locums services and respond to the need within 24 hours. Call us when you find yourself in immediate need. For vacation relief, meetings, or sudden emergencies, REMEMBER: Trident will guarantee to beat any confirmed price quote for locums services and respond to the need within 24 hours.

"Outwit" is a strategy Trident takes within a competitive marketplace, understanding that each facility has different needs and wants. When we work with a new account, certain services are tailored in the best interests of the hospital and in full consideration of patient care. We are mobile and flexible and have a core team of certified perfusionists who are adaptable to new concepts. Because we are a company with long-term vision, we usually hire (employees) as opposed to utilizing independent contract perfusionists throughout the landscape of our national accounts. Our perfusionists have been with us year after year and are dedicated to our health care philosophy and business principles. Many other companies make things happen without a clear cut strategy in place; when things go wrong, they sometimes lack an orchestrated strategic plan for alternative solutions. We know this firsthand because many of our large hospital accounts once came to us when another perfusion company let them down. We just won't let that happen and we've put in place a great number of processes to guarantee quality and economic efficiencies.

"Outlast" is what Trident does, as evidenced by its 21 years of continuous existence and experience. Experience is the key to competency, and being consistent in this industry has been yet another approach to business which has helped us outlast the others. This field has seen new promising entrants, and some who stayed around awhile, left and came back under new ownership or merger, but through the years, Trident's name, ownership and core beliefs have stood the test of time.

As Trident celebrates its 21st birthday, consider us as your source for perfusion services based on our track record, performance and consistency for 21 years.
At Trident, you get your money's worth -- AND MORE!

View Trident's MAY ISSUE E-Newsletter by Clicking HERE

National Perfusionist Appreciation Week 2009

2009-05-05T10:40:00.013-04:00

On behalf of the Trident Health Resources, Inc., I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all perfusionist professionals who dedicate their time and skills in saving the lives of others by their commitment to a job that isn’t always easy or celebrated, but one behind the scenes and of tremendous importance. A tip of our Trident hat and waves of thunderous applause! The purpose of National Perfusion Appreciation week is to raise public awareness of the value of perfusionists and to educate the public about the important role these professionals play in helping to meet the health care needs of our citizens. Join me in honoring those who care for the heart patients with the greatest of efforts. Our appreciation for these professionals is present not just during this special week, but also at every opportunity throughout the year.

We contacted AmSect for a historical perspective of National Perfusionist Appreciation Week… how it started and how other parts of the country honor their own. We were initially disappointed to find little written on this event and very little known about it, other than it occurs each May and was established in 2000 by the organization.

A phone call was made and in follow up correspondence received today, we were provided the following from American Society of Extracorporeal Technology:

“For over 50 years, perfusionists have followed in the footsteps of John H. Gibbon, MD and his wife Mary Gibbon. The first experimental heart-lung machine, built by Dr. Gibbon in 1937, used two roller pumps. One of its first successful uses involved the capacity to replace the heart and lung functions of a cat.

Considered the inventor of the heart-lung machine, Dr. John Gibbon also performed the first successful human open heart procedure. On May 6, 1953, while a machine was utilized to maintain life while the surgery was performed, a hole inside a human heart was closed. While Dr. Gibbon prepared the 18-year-old patient, his wife, Mary Gibbon, prepared the heart-lung machine for operation. Mary Gibbon is therefore considered the first ‘perfusionist.’ The patient was connected to the heart-lung machine for 45 minutes. For 26 minutes the heart-lung machine completely supported all circulatory and respiratory functions.”

Also, with permission from AmSect, we are sharing the image of the poster that the organization gave this year to all its members in honor of National Perfusionist Appreciation Week 2009.

To recognize the fine work of Trident Health perfusionists, a company letter is being sent to each individual with heartfelt acknowledgment of the special characteristics of our group of people, which include:

A number of Trident perfusionists have been with us since the inception of the company’s existence, 21 years. Long-term commitment to a job and one company speaks to the kind of services hospital facilities need and can rely on. Our long-timers make us very proud for the quality of experience we are able to give to our client accounts. Those who are new to the industry are embraced and mentored by our elder experienced perfusionists. The cohesion of our team is strengthened through this process and our new employees in recent years have made a remarkable difference.

If things ever go wrong, from a processing glitch of paperwork, or a scramble to respond to an emergency need across the country, our perfusionists have demonstrated tremendous agility and flexibility to put priorities in place and tend to whatever is needed. We appreciate perfusionists who were there in times of need and when we’ve had to really jump through hoops quickly to solve a critical issue, simply amazed by the teamwork that emerges in crisis. This underscores a patient-focused care philosophy of our company.

Trident offers opportunities to its employees for ongoing training and we appreciate the zest our people show in pursuing knowledge and staying abreast of new technologies, protocols and systems to be the best they can be. Whenever a Trident perfusionist attends a conference or training, we ask them to report in writing on their experience to share wisdom with other team members, and insodoing, we are able to all grow and learn continuously.

Trident has several perfusionist positions which are part of our Elite Traveling Team. Our professionals have traveled to new locations, moved their families, and made major life changes in alliance with their work and the goals of the company. This is truly evidence of commitment and it is appreciated immensely.

The rewards of being an employee-focused, patient-first company are great for us. We do not usually utilize the services of temporary, independent contractors. All perfusionists, for the most part, working for Trident are fully employed, eligible for benefits and the commitment runs both ways from us to them, and perfusionist to company. As such, there is a sense of union, of family, of belonging. We have long known that this makes a vast, positive difference in services we provide. We are grateful for the letters of accolades we have received over time reflecting the positive experiences reported by hospitals and also by our employees, who truly feel good about their working relationship with their employer, Trident.

During this week in May 2009, it is with great pride and a bit of sentimentality, that I post this note of appreciation.

Thank you all for a job well done.

Sincerely,

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Kipp Doane, CCP - 11/06/1949 - 04/17/2009

2009-04-21T11:13:00.001-04:00

I wanted to take this time to share with you some sad news. Kipp Doane, CCP, a friend for over 20 years and a member of Trident’s Elite Traveling Team, passed away unexpectedly on Friday (April 17). Kipp was on assignment in Orange County, California at one of our accounts. When he was rushed to the ER after collapsing during the lunch hour at a local restaurant on Thursday, his condition was very grave. His wife, Kathy, and family flew from their home in Austin, TX to be with him. He was pronounced on Friday afternoon. This came as a surprise as he had a complete physical three weeks prior and had received a clean bill of health. The cause of death is still unknown. Because he was out of state, California law requires an autopsy.

On a personal note, most recently, Kipp and Kathy wanted to be near family and moved to their new home in Austin Texas a week ago. Kipp was with Trident at some memorable times of the company’s growth. When the Western and Toronto General merged, Kipp was part of the five member Traveling Team that helped turn around and stabilize things during our two and a half year contract to bring them in-house. Kipp not only helped many of our accounts during vacation and meeting relief, but was also a valued asset in helping hospitals which requested Trident’s help in an emergent locums situation. Kipp was one of those unforgettable characters who was laid back, with a wonderful sense of humor, a ready smile, and who never knew a stranger. He was terrific behind the pump. I will miss bantering with him on matters of mutual interest and always in good spirit. Above all, I’ll remember Kipp as someone who loved his wife Kathy, his children Kendra and Kipp II, and grandchildren Connor, Maya and Macy. He always spoke eloquently about them. He was so proud of them.

It is never easy to pass along this sort of news, suffice it to say that Kipp will be missed. As soon as we receive word of the services, details and arrangements, we will advise.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Heroes Emerge in Unexpected Places

2009-04-16T11:23:00.022-04:00

Sometimes heroes are obvious to us. They are given titles and duties to perform acts of valor. Maybe the obvious heroes of our time don't get enough credit because of our high expectations, but I like to think we can be inspired by heroes of either kind -- those obvious and those who emerge in unexpected ways.

A few months ago, the world was taken aback in awe at Pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger III, who took his responsibility beyond duty to risk his own life in the crash of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River to first, safely land the plane in the Hudson River, then, amazingly, he undid his safety belt and walked the length of the plane to make sure all the passengers were safely outside before seeking safety, himself.

And I think of other heroes who've recently inspired by their bravery... and a common thread, indeed, is how humbly they respond to outpour of celebration by the public to their effort.

Take the case last week of Captain Richard Phillips who traded his own safety to save his crew from the buccaneers who roamed his ship. Pictured is Phillips's wife holding his photo. The news quoted her as saying, "He wanted me to tell you, 'I'm just a small part in this. The real heroes of the story are the U.S. military.'" This hero shrugged off "the mantle of hero" in humble appreciation of others.

These are compelling examples of the character and goodness that reign in mankind. Amid a world full of challenges--from war, to economic decline, to even political disputes, including the tea parties held around the country yesterday (with so little media attention to the outcries of good people trying to arise to the issues against taxation). I pause to think on the difference one person can make that is seemingly small in contrast to the vastness of our world, yet truly grand in its mark in the hearts of minds of regular people who read about and witness such events.

In today's international news was a story about an ordinary British Woman, Susan Boyle, who emerged an everyman's hero this week. If you didn't catch this story, I encourage you to view it for its empassionate effect on the human spirit, which speaks so eloquently to us all. CLICK THIS LI NK. In the lyrics of Les Mis's "I Dreamed a Dream," sung by Susan Boyle, these words speak to all of this so eloquently and leave us to ponder even more.... I can't think of a more relevant song choice for this underrated woman who said she'd never been kissed, who dared to imagine a bigger life. The history behind the song resonates. In the Broadway show, Les Mis, the character of Fantine suffers joblessness and destitution. Susan Boyle's passionate performance belts out powerfully about the reality of life's struggles.

But so the story ends... Upon Boyle's uttering her first note, an entire crowd of onlookers were on their feet, cheering in awe at a most unlikely candidate who unexpectedly changed a cultural view about beauty and talent and capacity to be strong.

Looks can be deceiving. The obviousness of heroism isn't always so.

Heroes emerge in unexpected places.

Do you know of any heroes? Comments welcomed.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
TRIDENT HEALTH RESOURCES, INC.

Trident's Monthly Newsletter Goes Online!

2009-03-14T09:20:00.006-04:00

March 13, 2009 (Dunedin, FL). Trident Health Resources, Inc. announced today that its industry newsletter will now be published exclusively online. The publication had previously been a monthly, hard copy newsletter mailed out to subscribers.

Ralph Jordan, Trident’s CEO and President stated “We are afforded great benefits by going online. For one, it dramatically expands our influence to communicate with our subscribers, manufacturers, hospital staff and administrators and colleagues who become aware of us through the “send to a friend” function within the e-newsletter.” Jordan is particularly happy about the links to sections of Trident’s website through the newsletter, which direct readers to areas of particular interest. He said, “Expansion opportunities and directing traffic strategically are two of the greatest benefits.”

Trident’s new online newsletter has several value-added features which benefit customers:

• Wide distribution capabilities
• Direct links to special online content
• Increased speed in production, distribution with latest content to the minute
• Advertising opportunities for parallel businesses providing effective reach for advertisers, as readers will now be able to link immediately to products and services of interest.
• Online tracking and subscriber maintenance through online reporting.

The e-newsletter launches on Friday, March 13th. Trident would be interested in hearing from readers regarding their reaction to the new format.

Trident Health Resources, Inc. provides 24 hour coverage, 365 days per year for all open-heart procedures on both a long term contract and emergency or locum tenens basis. Since 1988, Trident introduced what is now a clearly proven concept that works: hospitals using outside, certified providers of cardiovascular technology and advanced services. Phone (800) 888-8404 or visit Trident online at www.tridenthealth.com .

For Email Marketing you can trust

Continuing Discussions on Lack of State Licensing Reciprocity for Perfusionists

2009-03-09T00:43:00.010-04:00

Last December 9th, I posted several issues regarding state licensing reciprocity for perfusionists and the fact that AmSect seems to lack interest in this matter (for a review of the earlier blog post and AmSect's position on this subject, click here). I'm bringing this matter to the forefront of my blog once again because I've recently been contacted by perfusionists expressing concerns.

Below are a few excerpts and summaries of perfusionist opinions (note: anonymity has been retained upon request).

This is an ongoing and important topic that should be discussed. It is for that reason I am posting these comments to my blog. You may certainly post here "anonymously". Also, feel free to contact me by phone or email.

COMMENTS FROM PERFUSIONISTS ON THE LACK OF STATE RECIPROCITY:

... We hire from a limited pool of candidates who currently hold a license in our state. Any out of state candidate would have to go through our state's licensing board which takes better than 6 weeks.

Our state agency is typical and it is difficult trying to talk to someone who actually knows what is going on. It is difficult to get a straight answer.

Some candidates have had issues regarding having held a license from another state and because their state agency handles things differently, our state would raise issues and further delay licensing.

When AmSect got into the effort to provide certifying of Autotransfusionists, it is in direct conflict with my state licensing's "scope of practice". If we were a contract group providing perfusion services to a hospital who are staffed with all licensed, certified perfusionists, another group of "Autotransfusionists" could come in and underbid our contract (you certainly can pay cell saver people a lot less than perfusionists, even though perfusionist are the "experts" in blood management.)

I have become a bit jaded with the licensing issue. I am not for it, but suffer under its limitations.

I have provided occasional assistance to a group in another state for vacation or meeting coverage. I had to deal with numerous issues in getting another state license.

It is expensive to maintain licensing in more than one state.

I called the state health board. .. Press this for english, press another for this board, another for that board and so on. Then you get a voicemail telling you the person you wanted to talk to is busy serving others and to leave a message. Then imagine... that you are actually going to get a return phone call. In this lifetime, I mean.

This month I received a letter from the state health board telling me that "they" had determined that I had not complied with the requirements and offering to settle the matter for a mea culpa and a mere $1200.00. According to the statute, certification is grounds for a waiver for examination and education requirements.

It appears that Tennessee has chosen to make their requirements a bit more stringent concerning CEUs. I don’t know the reason they created the 15 CEU’s per year requirement rather than accepting 45 in three years as required by the ABCP but I am assuming this is where you got caught up. Fines are pretty steep ($100 each month past the first 3 that a licensee is not in compliance) not to mention the other fees tacked on. If, as you eluded to in your previous post, this is in order to provide a license to a perfusionist that cannot maintain an ABCP certification then, in my opinion, it was poorly written and should have allowed for either/or.

This seems to be an excellent example of how something that is intended to do good can develop into something that hurts a few people along the way. This may seem like a ‘no duh’ thought but I would encourage each perfusionist that is employed in a licensure state to take the opportunity to read their licensure rules and know what is expected of them. In addition, if you are planning to become employed in a licensure state, know what their laws are before you do. An excellent resource for this information is the GRC section of the AmSECT website where they have links to all states and their licensure acts.

If licensure is happening in your state, be active in its formation. Don’t let a few people determine your course. Give your input. Don’t sit back and let someone else do it and don’t oppose it with your silence because soon it will be too late and you will not have had your voice heard.

Reactions? Additional stories? Would love to hear from you. As many of you know the annual AmSect meeting is currently taking place this weekend. This would be an excellent time to approach any member of the Government Relations Committee (GRC) of AmSect to voice your displeasure at the lack of sensitivity and thoroughness that is exemplified by the lack of reciprocity across states that require licensure. The lack of a patient-focused care philosophy and the obvious restriction of trade that this imposes on many perfusionists is unfair and unwarranted. It would be interesting to note what, if anything, is the GRC going to do about this deliberate action that they have championed. I look forward to your comments and would welcome a response from AmSect and their GRC about what they intend to do to resolve this problem.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

KURTIS THE STOCK BOY AND BRENDA THE CHECKOUT GIRL

2009-01-24T16:40:00.010-05:00

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us."

She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids.

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona, where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his led the Cardinals to Tampa Bay to compete in the Super Bowl against the always dangerous Pittsburgh Steelers.

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NFL's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

As far as the Superbowl is concerned, I'm betting on he Pittsburgh Steelers. Any team which has a quarterback who wrecked his motorcycle in downtown Pittsburgh (and wasn't wearing a helmet) and has come back to lead his team has got to be tough to beat. Go Steelers! We will... We will.. rock you.....

If you know of anyone who has accomplished extraordinary things, and who has led a relevant life and has made a difference and who happens to be associated in our industry, we'd like to know about them. Please email me. I'd like to begin featuring stories on this blog.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Happy New Year to All! Trident Reports Best Year in 20 Years of Company History Despite U.S. Recession and High National Unemployment Rate

2009-01-07T11:14:00.006-05:00

With the holiday celebrations now behind us, most of you are hopefully refreshed from some time off, and now returning to work this week to begin focusing on 2009 goals. I would like to wish everyone a strong jump start in the New Year to achieve the best that can be within your work and personal domains. We're truly optimistic about the future as Trident closes our books from 2008 with the realization that the company just had its best year ever. Inasmuch as our good fortune comes at a time amid economic strain in our country, it is our hope to extend efforts to perfusionists to aid in the promotion of continued strength in our industry, particularly within the perfusion employment arena.

The U.S. Government reports the following statistics on the country's Unemployment Rate:

Both the number of unemployed persons (10.3 million) and the unemployment rate (6.7 percent) continued to increase in November.Since the start of the recession in December 2007, as recently announced by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the number of unemployed persons increased by 2.7 million, and the unemployment rate rose by 1.7 percentage points. (Source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm )

Many sectors of industry are particularly at risk for unemployment. As we have all witnessed within the news over the past several months, our automobile manufacturers are forced to do major lay-offs and close plants and sales centers; banking and real estate have suffered historical lows; the stock market dives have left many private investors at great loss, and even after a hopeful Christmas season in retail, the numbers reported in sales at the close of 2008 were disappointing. Now many retailers are closing stores throughout the country. Yet, in our perfusion business, 2008 was the strongest year Trident Health Resources, Inc. has seen.

For the first time in our 20 year company history, Trident is fully staffed. I don't know what this means against the tides of a struggling U.S. economy other than perhaps the need for heart surgery is a steady business as much of our demographic population of Baby Boomers enters advanced age.

I have recently updated the Trident website employment page. We continue to recruit good perfusionists for future positions.We also pride ourself in sharing our knowledge of openings within other contract companies and for in-house hospital staffing needs, if and when, we become aware of them and are able to match and refer a qualified prospective perfusionist to a good career opportunity.

Trident's dedication to the industry extends beyond our own company needs. Our community website, www.perfusioncommunity.com is a stand-alone place for perfusionists to find the latest news and employment opportunities within many hospitals around the country. We keep our data current on a weekly-sometimes daily-basis. I'm excited to tell you that this month at Perfusion Community we are establishing a resume bank for perfusionist job seekers, which will allow job seekers a one-stop-shop for job hunting. Potential employers will have the ability to search the resume bank and contact prospects directly about openings. This is yet another added service Perfusion Community will soon offer.Please be sure to check online frequently for the latest developments.

Finally, it is with much empathy I feel for struggling industries that we all rely upon as American consumers.I am hopeful with a new presidency that tax relief programs will improve these conditions.

If you'd like to contribute comments to the state of the country's economy or employment situation, I'd certainly be interested in hearing them.Feel free to post your comments here or email me directly.

Wishing you all the best in health and prosperity in 2009.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

Auld Lang Syne and Into A New Year…

2008-12-31T13:50:00.006-05:00

I hope all had a very Merry Christmas and that you are now looking ahead optimistically to the New Year. As we reflect on the year past and celebrate the new, there are many traditions we tend to follow in America. Many of us wear party hats, blow horns, toast champagne, throw confetti, watch the ball drop at Times Square in New York or bang pots and pans at the stroke of midnight, when the new year begins. For good luck, an old Irish tradition is to eat black-eyed peas or cabbage on January 1st. New Year's Day is a recognized national holiday and offices are closed, families gather for more holiday cheer. The song, Auld Lang Syne, which is traditionally played all over the world on New Year’s is a melody that’s recognizable everywhere, albeit, I know of no one who ever learned the lyrics. For you history buffs, some sources say the song was written Robert Burns in the 1700's, with other reports suggesting that an earlier rendition was composed prior to 1700. The song is Scottish and the song title literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."

While we look anew to the year ahead, we also reflect on old friends and the past and what it has meant to us. 2008 was a difficult year for many…I personally know several families who have a beloved overseas at war, there are those struck by misfortune: economic effects of war, high gas prices, stock market declines, hurricanes, lay-offs and down-sizing, not to mention any personal hardships experienced. My heart extends to you. We have all watched headline news and have had to put life in perspective, some making some pretty significant life changes to adjust to new demands or crises. Whatever held us back in 2008, we must certainly move forward bravely and with hope and faith, personally and professionally.

For Trident Health Resources, Inc., we remain fiscally strong into 2009 with continuing hopes of growing our business base and constantly improving our technology and processes at our existing accounts. Our future is bright and it is dependent on good people, which we pride ourselves on selection and retention of the best. This Spring we will acknowledge the entrance of Trident’s 21st year in business under the same ownership. It wasn’t luck that brought us this far along. We got here because of consistency, a patient-first attitude and the experience to respond quickly and effectively to our hospitals’ needs for perfusion staffing and equipment. We work in partnership with our clients.

Your readership here is appreciated! If you haven’t visited our website for a while, please check out www.tridenthealth.com as well as our sister site, www.perfusioncommunity.com. We stay on top of the marketplace and post the latest in news and job opportunities for those in the perfusion industry. We’ll certainly be busy continuing to do so through 2009. I’m personally excited about our direction for the new year and I hope you’ll visit this blog frequently and comment often.

Wishing you and yours a Very Happy New Year.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.

A Question of Inclusion or Exclusion: State Licensing and the AmSect Government Relations Committee (GRC) Position

2008-12-09T12:04:00.007-05:00

There continues to be a major problem with AmSect’s desire for state mandated professional licensure of all perfusionists. I'd like to call attention to the fact that there is, at present, no workable, fair or real reciprocity between states in the licensing of Perfusionists, even though the GRC claims this to be fact. In the event of a medical emergency, this is a serious situation.

To illuminate the problem, here is a case in point: I received a telephone call one Friday afternoon that an ECMO Team was immediately needed in Texas to monitor a baby girl. All my Texas travelers were on assignment and unable to fill the need. In response, however, I inquired at the Texas state's licensing office about any provision in the law for quick licensing for emergencies. My Perfusion staff licensed from other parts of the country could be credentialed, but unfortunately state licensing for an emergent situation in Texas had no provisions, or so I was told. NOTE: The same response was given in MO, TN, and GA when we experienced similar situations in past years.

Several state licensing offices charge upwards of $400 to $700 per license annually and yet they are clueless about what a Perfusionist is or does, nor do they seem to care. That is, if you can locate them.

In the case of the Texas ECMO baby, patient care suffered and unfortunately there was a negative outcome. I wish I could report that this was a one-time occurrence, but we have experienced similar events a multitude of times over the years as we tried to be of assistance to hospitals and perfusion colleagues who reached out to us. We appealed to the Government Relations Committee through a friend and an associate who was a member and who presented the case in 2007.

The issue has been a point of contention for years for many perfusionist who are sole proprietors and for contract companies like Trident, which provide locum tenens services on a national scale.

When individual states put their regulations together, supported and directed by AmSect, I wonder: Were they thinking more of exclusion than inclusion? Less about patient-focused care or rights of patients? Is the public welfare served by this endeavor? There are many good reasons to have licensure, but to me, it just doesn’t seem that the support from AmSect has been thought out to include all services, especially emergent care that is readily available from providers like Trident.

We approached AmSect about the problem and the response, in my opinion, was idealistic, lacking expansive thought and bordering on irresponsible . That reply is posted here:

CLICK HERE for AmSect’s Response

I don't want to make this issue about contract companies such as Trident versus hospital-based or instate perfusion groups, but this protect your turf mentality is not only short-sighted and paranoid, but goes against the precepts of inclusion. I would be interested to hear reader thoughts and any experiences you've had as a contractor or other perfusion providers concerning this topic.

This problem is not isolated or regional. It is nationwide. My question is, Where is the leadership? Or, is this the harbinger for new thought for establishing another (more enlightened) organization that will truly support what perfusion and care of the patient is all about?

Inclusion or Exclusion? What's your take on this? Oh, by the way, and for the record... We haven’t even touched upon the concept of free enterprise or the restriction of trade or how the public good is served by this endeavor.

Please post comments here or email me directly.

RALPH E. JORDAN

CEO & President

A Thanksgiving Prayer

2008-11-26T10:06:00.002-05:00

Several years following President John F. Kennedy’s death, a poet named Kathryn Kay received a phone call from a congressional lobbyist who told her that her poem "Thanksgiving Prayer" was the inspiration for the President’s most famous quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." He told her that President Kennedy was moved by a poem he had heard on a radio show on Thanksgiving in 1940 which "stuck with him." At the time, Kennedy was 23 years old, just starting his career, and a recent Harvard graduate.

The Lobbyist told Miss Kay that it was her poem which inspired the president because it was heard across the country on Thanksgiving, and the meaning behind the words were quite similar to Kennedy’s expression--specifically, the poem’s ending in a prayer, "God, help me make America as proud that I am hers—as I am proud, and grateful she is mine!"

While the story is considered a legend and not part of the history books, I thought that I’d share with you the Thanksgiving Prayer by Kathryn Kay as it was read in 1940, allegedly inspiring President Kennedy.

Thanksgiving Prayer

God, ev'ry year about this time,

according to routine,

I've bowed my head in the accepted way

and offered thanks, like some well synchronized machine

that prayed because it was the time to pray.

But, God, this year is different, this year I seem to feel

America's Thanksgiving is my own,

that in my nation's gratitude I have a part that's real,

a part that until now I've never known.

And, God, this year a deep humility has filled my heart,

a newborn pride rings true thruout my soul

because I do belong, because I have and am a part,

a tiny part of one tremendous whole.

I think I know the feeling of those first Americans

who said, "We must give thanks for this, our land."

I cherish now the rights that are each woman's, ev'ry man's,

the rights I've just begun to understand.

This year my heart has learned what all Thanksgiving Days are for,

true thankfulness at last I realize,

but, God, I'm sorry that it took the tragedy of war

in other lands to open up my eyes.

Again I bow my head but this time deep within me stirs

a mighty prayer, part of one vast design,

"God, help me make America as proud that I am hers—

as I am proud, and grateful she is mine!"

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

Ralph E. Jordan

President & CEO

Trident Health Resources, Inc.

The Wars are Finally Over.

2008-11-07T23:17:00.003-05:00

Much has been said about the OBama Victory. As impressive as it was, especially for those jubilant voters under the age of 39 ( young professionals, students, minorities, and less hard core ideologues than one would imagine ), who usually are apathetic and not too interested or impressed with what has become a very divided and partisan society. It's as if our country was comprised of two tribes jockeying for position... one blue, one red.

When stepping back and trying to be as pragmatic as one can be with the cold realization that my team did not triumph, I try to imagine what if... but nothing comes up... trying to sound brave doesn't get it when one has a heavy heart... and no excuses for rightful failure. Da gum those words... those sentiments... that indomitable spirit... that righteous wind... that soaring rhetoric... it does mesmerize. The fellow was standing there almost messianic all by himself with thousands and thousands of delirious disciples enraptured, as if they were experiencing the aura of a beatific vision. And I was spellbound as well... even if only for a moment...

The old guard civil rights activists with tears streaming down their faces... a popular and universally respected icon wearing purple (reminiscent of the title of her debut film).. students literally jumping for joy both in Grant Park and Lafayette Park across from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... It almost causes one to doubt the old ways of tribal warfare.

What will happen after his ascension to the presidency will soon be determined. But this historic night would be lost if we did not pause and take in the importance of what actually happened. This country actually elected a man of color ... to be president. Just think about it.

Like my 5 year old granddaughter says when something she thinks is cool ..." it's awesome, Papa."

We know this is a good Country. We know this is a Country where everyone around the world wants to come for its freedoms and opportunities. The Country has sacrificed its young in so many ways in the name of freedom... freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom of religion... But who would have thought this would actually happen less than 60 years from the tumultuous times prior to the passing of the Civil Rights Act?

This is truly a good Country in spite of all its blemishes. But there's more. In my discernment over the loss of my team, I reconciled myself to the fact that my vote was even more significant. It was a vote that ended all those wars we have been fighting in my lifetime. The war of hate, the war of prejudice, the wars of inequality, the Civil War or, as some of my long ago college classmates would say...The War of Northern Aggression..., the Vietnam War ...Johnson's war...the politicians' war..., the war between the classes--all obliterated with one single vote...

My vote was to honor my fallen comrades from the Vietnam era. My vote was a vote for them. This new generation doesn't know... doesn't remember... what we went through and what we sacrificed. They didn't bathe in the warmth of a genuinely good man who brought many of us together in the person of Ronald Reagan. That was MY team.

And the ones that followed really blew it. And subsequently, out of the ashes of their greed and corruption sprang this energetic Phoenix. And in his triumphant ascendency, he has shattered every myth and every war that has personally plagued us for such a long time.

He is now the president-elect..."our" president. And I wish him well and will support him any way possible; I will disagree with him when I think he is on the wrong track. But instead of judging harshly or criticizing bitterly I will nudge compassionately and hope to God my team can get it together for the next go-around.

The Wars are finally over and that is a good thing. Now, there are no more excuses for bad behavior...

Ralph E. Jordan

Morning of November 5th 2008

Who Should Be President? Military Poll Results

2008-11-03T04:31:00.013-05:00

Military Times recently compiled results of a Military Personnel Election Poll, which I found quite interesting. Here are the Results, but do click on the link for the extensive charts and details if you'd like more information.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President

Interesting Thoughts from Charles Krauthammer

2008-10-30T16:19:00.007-04:00

This article appeared earlier in the week and I thought I'd share it... Charles Krauthammer is a Pulitzer Prize winner and is considered a fair-minded and brilliant intellectual. He writes a nationally syndicated column for the Washington Post, which appears in more tha 150 newspapers across the country.

I've included his BIO below.

Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President

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October 24, 2008, 0:00 a.m.

McCain Gets My Vote

I’m for the guy who can tell the lion from the lamb.

By Charles Krauthammer

Contrarian that I am, I’m voting for John McCain. I’m not talking about bucking the polls or the media consensus that it’s over before it’s over. I’m talking about bucking the rush of wet-fingered conservatives leaping to Barack Obama before they’re left out in the cold without a single state dinner for the next four years.

I stand athwart the rush of conservative ship-jumpers of every stripe — neo (Ken Adelman), moderate (Colin Powell), genetic/ironic (Christopher Buckley) and socialist/atheist (Christopher Hitchens) — yelling “Stop!” I shall have no part of this motley crew. I will go down with the McCain ship. I’d rather lose an election than lose my bearings.

First, I’ll have no truck with the phony case ginned up to rationalize voting for the most liberal and inexperienced presidential nominee in living memory. The “erratic” temperament issue, for example. As if McCain’s risky and unsuccessful but in no way irrational attempt to tactically maneuver his way through the economic tsunami that came crashing down a month ago renders unfit for office a man who demonstrated the most admirable equanimity and courage in the face of unimaginable pressures as a prisoner of war, and who later steadily navigated innumerable challenges and setbacks, not the least of which was the collapse of his campaign just a year ago.

McCain the “erratic” is a cheap Obama talking point. The 40-year record testifies to McCain the stalwart.

Nor will I countenance the “dirty campaign” pretense. The double standard here is stunning. Obama ran a scurrilous Spanish-language ad falsely associating McCain with anti-Hispanic slurs. Another ad falsely claimed McCain supports “cutting Social Security benefits in half.” And for months Democrats insisted that McCain sought 100 years of war in Iraq.

McCain’s critics are offended that he raised the issue of William Ayers. What’s astonishing is that Obama was himself not offended by William Ayers.

Moreover, the most remarkable of all tactical choices of this election season is the attack that never was. Out of extreme (and unnecessary) conscientiousness, McCain refused to raise the legitimate issue of Obama’s most egregious association — with the race-baiting Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Dirty campaigning, indeed.

The case for McCain is straightforward. The financial crisis has made us forget, or just blindly deny, how dangerous the world out there is. We have a generations-long struggle with Islamic jihadism. An apocalyptic, soon-to-be-nuclear Iran. A nuclear-armed Pakistan in danger of fragmentation. A rising Russia pushing the limits of revanchism. Plus the sure-to-come Falklands-like surprise popping out of nowhere.

Who do you want answering that phone at 3 a.m.? A man who’s been cramming on these issues for the last year, who’s never had to make an executive decision affecting so much as a city, let alone the world? A foreign-policy novice instinctively inclined to the flabbiest, most vaporous multilateralism (e.g., the Berlin Wall came down because of “a world that stands as one”), and who refers to the most deliberate act of war since Pearl Harbor as “the tragedy of 9/11,” a term more appropriate for a bus accident?

Or do you want a man who is the most prepared, most knowledgeable, most serious foreign-policy thinker in the United States Senate? A man who not only has the best instincts, but has the honor and the courage to, yes, put country first, as when he carried the lonely fight for the surge that turned Iraq from catastrophic defeat into achievable strategic victory?

There’s just no comparison. Obama’s own running mate warned this week that Obama’s youth and inexperience will invite a crisis — indeed a crisis “generated” precisely to test him. Can you be serious about national security and vote on November 4 to invite that test?

And how will he pass it? Well, how has he fared on the only two significant foreign policy tests he has faced since he’s been in the Senate? The first was the surge. Obama failed spectacularly. He not only opposed it. He tried to denigrate it, stop it, and — finally — deny its success.

The second test was Georgia, to which Obama responded instinctively with evenhanded moral equivalence, urging restraint on both sides. McCain did not have to consult his advisers to instantly identify the aggressor.

Today’s economic crisis, like every other in our history, will in time pass. But the barbarians will still be at the gates. Whom do you want on the parapet? I’m for the guy who can tell the lion from the lamb.

— Charles Krauthammer is a nationally syndicated columnist.

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Charles Krauthammer's Biography

Charles Krauthammer, winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary, writes a nationally syndicated column for The Washington Post Writers Group. Krauthammer, also winner of the 1984 National Magazine Award for essays, began writing the weekly column for The Washington Post in January 1985. It now appears in more than 150 newspapers.

The late Meg Greenfield, longtime editorial page editor of The Washington Post, called Krauthammer's column "independent and hard to peg politically. It's a very tough column. There's no 'trendy' in it. You never know what is going to happen next."

Says Fred Hiatt, editorial page editor of The Washington Post: "Krauthammer's weekly essays on the war on terrorism, bioethics, the Middle East and other complex and contentious issues cut through the cant and the muddy thinking in a way that many other columnists can only envy."

A column, says Krauthammer, is not just politics. "My beat is ideas, everything from the ethics of cloning to strategy in Iraq. I also do public service, like reading Stephen Hawking's books and assuring my readers that 'It is not you. They are entirely incomprehensible.'"

Krauthammer was born in New York City and raised in Montreal. He was educated at McGill University, majoring in political science and economics, Oxford University (Commonwealth Scholar in Politics) and Harvard (M.D. in 1975). He practiced medicine for three years as a resident and then chief resident in psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital.

In 1978, he quit medical practice, came to Washington to direct planning in psychiatric research for the Carter administration, and began contributing articles to The New Republic. During the presidential campaign of 1980, he served as a speech writer to Vice President Walter Mondale. He joined The New Republic as a writer and editor in 1981. He writes regular essays for Time magazine and contributes to several other publications, including The Weekly Standard, The New Republic and The National Interest. He has been honored by many organizations, from the Center for Security Policy (Mighty Pen Award) to People for the American Way (First Amendment Award). In 2003, he was a recipient of the first annual Bradley Prize. In 2004, he was honored by the American Enterprise Institute with the Irving Kristol Award.

Krauthammer lives in suburban Washington with his wife Robyn, an artist. Their son is a student at Harvard.

What a Week Last Week Was...

2008-10-27T20:23:00.016-04:00

The Tampa Rays won (before they lost 2 in a row) in the World Series. The Tampa Bay Bucs also were victorious (before they lost to Dallas...but this was all news from last week). As a die-hard sports fan, these events, alone, might have been enough to make for a great week last week, but then this week came along. (I'm just hoping next week will be a repetition of last week, not this week...as it relates to victory).

Over the last weekend I was sitting out in my lanai (back porch in Florida , for those of you from Loma Linda) returning a few business phone calls. A lady we flew into an area where we have an account decided she wanted to live in a more urban location and would not be coming to work for us. Bummer, she was a great candidate...I was a bit disappointed until... to my pleasant surprise, an emailed resume’ came across my Blackberry. I phoned the applicant, a perfusionist in Texas, who originated from the town where we had the new account. She indicated she was interested in moving back home...hooray!!

After a telephone interview, I was impressed by the candidate and suggested she speak to our Chief and if he thought it would be appropriate and felt that she would be a good candidate that she consider a trip to visit us and meet the administration and surgeons. She was going to get back with me after speaking with our Chief and her boss about getting some time off. She phoned back a little later to say she had a great conversation with our Chief and that he asked her to visit and she received clearance from her boss to take the trip but it had to be today. We were able to make flight arrangements and scheduled a meeting with our staff, the administration and our surgeons and by 5 PM that day, she was on a plane. She was interviewed, saw a case, she loved the people and they loved her. Her references were glowing and we hired her. Hooray! Hooray!

So, one door closes...the good candidate who declined our offer...another door opens. And the week wrapped up in Victory ! I was happy for the Rays...as well as for the Bucs...and I was delighted we hired a really top notch person for Trident. You know...sometimes you think that if you try hard enough and have hope that good things will happen. And they usually do...however…as you know, it takes a lot of effort.

Just wanted to share with you a brief moment of joy...even with this ridiculous Bail Out and the greed and corruption on Wall Street and Congress...we must keep our faith and hope alive. Do discern and think clearly and rationally about this very important election coming up in less than 10 days. My Dad use to tell me, “Buy only things you can afford...and you are judged by the company you keep...” But then, he was inspired by Jack Kennedy...and he voted for him. He was a Roosevelt Democrat (Great Depression influence) and I was a Goldwater Republican now almost Libertarian...less Government and let the system work as it is suppose to work.

Do we, as a Country and a Society, have an obligation to help our fellow citizens? I think we do and I think it should be up to each of us to do what we can to help those in need. I don't think it's the government's duty to mandate any of us to do that which we can do ourselves on our own volition. That redistribution of the wealth comment made to Joe the Plumber could prove to most of the intuitive hard working citizens of this Country, especially those who own or work for a privately owned business, a harbinger of what we might expect from an Obama Presidency. Yet this young fellow does inspire. I am too old and too cynical and have too much experience to be taken in by the glib arrogance and velvet tongue of a well meaning anti-capitalist, who's far left pronouncements are as disturbing as the whacko nuttiness of the far far right...what a difficult decision for some. Check your heart and your head; be sure of the facts and do not be influenced by the crazy opinions of others...and do not be swayed by the liberal left leaning and unfair 4th Estate...but vote! It will be the most important vote of your lifetime to date... for you, your children and their children.

Ralph Jordan
President & CEO

Testing Obama's Mettle

2008-10-24T22:53:00.003-04:00

I am fully aware that some readers are so hateful of the "Bush" administration that you are unwilling to even consider another Republican Administration. However, to be forewarned is to be forearmed and this article is a warning of significant magnitude. Barack Obama is the Jedi Knight of persuasion but does he have the mettle of a Jedi Knight?

No, according to his running mate Senator Biden who is quoted below. You really ought to read this article.

Ralph Jordan

Testing Obama's mettle

By Caroline B. Glick

In a week and a half, American voters will elect the next US President. Their decision will impact the entire world.

Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama now enjoys a significant lead in the polls against Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain. For McCain to win, a lot of Obama supporters will need to reassess their choice for president. This week, Obama's running-mate Senator Joseph Biden gave Obama supporters a good reason to change their minds.

In much-reported remarks to campaign donors in Seattle on Sunday, Biden warned that if Obama is elected to the White House, it will take America's adversaries no time at all to test him. In his words, "It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama ... The world is looking ... Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy. I can give you at least four or five scenarios from where it might originate." Biden then continued, "And he's gonna need help ...We're gonna need you to use your influence ...within the community, to stand with him. Because it's not gonna be apparent initially, it's not gonna be apparent that we're right." Many commentators have minimized the importance of Biden's remarks by claiming that all new leaders are tested.

But this is not exactly correct. World leaders test their adversaries when they perceive them as weak. When Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected US president in 1952, the Soviet Union did not move quickly to test the man who had led Allied Forces in World War II. When Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980, the Iranian regime released the US hostages it had held for a year and a half. In speaking as he did, Biden essentially acknowledged three things. First, he recognized that Obama projects an image of weakness and naivete internationally that invite America's adversaries to challenge him.

Second, by stating that if Obama is tested a crisis will ensue, Biden made clear that Obama will fail the tests he is handed as a newly inaugurated president. After all, when an able leader is tested, he acts wisely and secures his nation's interests while averting a crisis. Finally, Biden made clear that Obama's failure will be widely noted, and hence, "it's not gonna be apparent that we're right."

In light of Biden's dire warning about his running-mate, the central question that Americans ought to be asking themselves is whether or not Biden is correct. Is it true that Obama projects a posture of weakness and incompetence internationally and is it likely that this posture reflects reality? Unfortunately, it appears that Biden knows exactly what he is talking about. Take Iran for example. Obama has stated outright, that if he is elected US president, he will offer to conduct direct negotiations with his Iranian counterpart President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad without preconditions.

Yet two weeks ago, the Iranians made clear that their dispute with America is not about who occupies the White House, but about the nature the US. Speaking to the official Iranian news service IRNA two weeks ago, Iranian Vice President for Media Affairs Mehdi Kalhor stipulated that Iran will only agree to meet with a US leader after America has bowed to Teheran's will. In his words, Iran will refuse to hold such high-level talks "for as long as US forces have not left the Middle East region, and [the US] continues its support for the Zionist regime." Kalhor explained, "It is stupidity to hold talks without any change in US attitudes."

After naming its price, Iran has since done its best to make its preconditions palatable for an Obama administration. This it has done by claiming that it will not attack the US, it will only attack Israel. Just after Kalhor's interview, Seyed Safavi, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a diplomatic audience in London that Iranian leadership circles are now debating the option of attacking Israel without attacking US forces in the region. Safavi added that chances for direct negotiations between the US and Iran will increase if Obama is elected. Alluding to Kalhor's remarks, Safavi claimed that sanctions against Iran have failed and that if the US expects Iran to stop enriching uranium, it will have to take "firm and significant" steps in Iran's direction.

Then on Wednesday, in a visit to US-ally Bahrain, the speaker of the Iranian parliament Ali Larijani gave Obama the regime's official endorsement. Larijani said, "We are leaning more in favor of Barack Obama because he is more flexible and rational."

Iran's pre-US election behavior indicates that Iran will waste no time testing Obama's mettle. Iran is behaving as if it fully expects Obama to do what his supporter Rev. Jesse Jackson expects him to do. That is, like Jackson, Iran expects Obama to end "Zionist control" of US foreign policy. And to aid the process, the Iranians are willing to leave US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan alone as they attack Israel with their nascent nuclear arsenal shortly after Obama is inaugurated.

In his remarks on Sunday Biden made clear that he does not believe that Obama will agree to use the US military to confront Iran or any other enemy. His rejection of the use of force is not due to a sense that force is not necessary. Rather it is due to his dim assessment of America's military capabilities. In his words, "We do not have the military capacity, nor have we ever, quite frankly, in the last 20 years, to dictate outcomes. ... It's so much more complicated than that. And Barack gets it."

Given the Democratic ticket's belief that the US military is too weak to protect American interests, it could be expected that Obama and Biden would support strengthening the US military. But the opposite is the case. Obama has called for slashing the US military budget, cutting back the US's anti-missile programs and scaling back drastically the US nuclear arsenal. That is, although Obama has claimed that he will never take the option of the use of force off the table, by refusing to strengthen the US military which he perceives as weak, he is making certain that the US military option is ineffectual.

In certain respects, if Americans elect Obama to lead them on November 4, they will be repeating the decision of Israeli voters who elected Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to lead them in March 2006. Like Obama, Olmert ran on a platform of appeasing Israel's enemies.

In addition to his plan to curtail US military options by decreasing US military budgets, Obama's appeasement platform includes his pledge to abandon the Bush administration's sole foreign policy success in its second term by pulling US forces out of Iraq. He has also promised to exacerbate Bush's second term policy failures by expanding the outgoing administration's penchant for courting US adversaries.

Iran will likely be the first US adversary to test a president Obama. And Obama will have no idea what to do. While Obama has stated repeatedly that a nuclear-armed Iran is a "game-changer" Obama's own rulebook for international relations has no relevance for dealing with Iran's game.

Obama views international relations as a creature of American will. If America is nice to others, they will be nice to America. But the fact of the matter is that regimes like Iran hate the US regardless of how it behaves. The only question with strategic relevance for Washington is whether the Iranians also fear the US. And Obama has given them no reason to fear him. To the contrary, he has given them reason to believe that under his leadership, the mullahs can defeat America.

America stands to elect its new president in times of nearly unprecedented dangers. Iran is on the threshold of nuclear weapons. Thanks to the Bush administration, North Korea now feels free to vastly expand its nuclear proliferation activities. Oil rich states like Venezuela, Russia and Iran recognize that with global oil prices decreasing, now is the time to strike before they are impoverished. And the international economic turmoil will cause Western nations to recoil from international confrontations and so embolden rogue states to attack their interests.

The prospect of an Obama policy failure is enough to keep men and women of good faith up at night. Certainly it should suffice to convince some Obama supporters to reconsider their options.