Emerging & Being Successful

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 LINK. 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!

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 .

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Continuing Discussions on Lack of State Licensing Reciprocity for Perfusionists

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

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

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…

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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CLICK HERE for AmSect’s Response

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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.

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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?

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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.

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Please post comments here or email me directly.

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RALPH E. JORDAN

CEO & President