Connecticut Society of Perfusion

CSP General Meeting Scheduled

A general meeting of the Connecticut Society of Perfusion has been scheduled for (3.9.1998) March 9th, Monday night at 7:00 P.M. and will be held in Room 129 of the Clarice L. Buckman Center at Quinnipiac College. Hors D’ouvres and liquid refreshments will be served. The following items have been placed on the agenda:

Quinnipiac College is located on Mount Carmel Ave. (off Rte. 10 - Whitney Ave.) in Hamden, CT. For directions call 203-288-5251.

After more than three years of faithful service in the position of State Liaison to the AmSECT Government Relations Committee, Dorothy Farrell has decided to leave office to pursue other interests. In 1995, Dorothy promoted discussion and interest in the formation of the Connecticut Perfusion Society, and through her efforts the organization gained momentum, becoming officially recognized in 1997. Dorothy has promised that she will remain an active member and advisor of CSP. We thank her for her vision and dedication. Her successor will be John Ravi of Hartford Hospital. We thank John for his enthusiasm and willingness to take over this important post. John also maintains the web site for the CSP and will keep you updated with information on legislation that may affect the practice of perfusion in Connecticut.

John Ravi, the newly appointed AmSECT State Liaison for the CSP has established a web site which he maintains, free of charge. The site provides information on membership, officers, mission statement and the most recent CSP Newsletter. The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge John, and the wonderful service this site provides to members and web surfers alike. The address is: http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Plaza/4855/index.html

At the end of this newsletter you will find a Willingness to Serve form. If you can give a little of your time to keep your state society working, your efforts will be most appreciated. Positions available are for President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. All officers must be willing to serve for a period of two years (1998-2000). If you feel you cannot serve as an officer, there are several committees that could use your help, but would require a smaller time commitment. Just make a check beside any committee you would be willing to serve on, and return the form with your 1998-1999 dues.

Are you looking for fame and recognition of your artistic talents by a select group of individuals with impeccable taste and good judgment? Want to win a free one-year membership in the CSP? Then try your hand at designing a logo for your state society. Entries will be judged at the upcoming meeting of the membership on March 9,1998.

Dear Colleagues,

Two years ago we first met to explore the formation of a State Perfusion Society. I recall that there seemed to be much enthusiasm amongst those who attended. As a result, the present Officers of the Society, Doug Hart, Tim Dutton, Mike Smith, Dorothy Farrell and myself proceeded with the process of incorporating a State Society. We became officially incorporated on June 11, 1997. Now what?

Our bylaws list the objectives of the Society as:

Promotion of extracorporeal technology, high standards of care and professionalism in perfusion practice.

Encourage education and exchange of ideas and techniques

I am asking each of you to help fulfill these goals. As a first step, let’s all attend our annual Society meeting, March 9. This is certainly a great opportunity for all perfusionists, members and nonmembers, to discuss their ideas about how to develop the role of the Connecticut Society of Perfusion.

I recall an idea floated at the first meeting, for a statewide per diem/locum tenens pool. This could be a network for assisting perfusion depts. in our area when workloads increase or manpower shortages arise.

In the area of education, perhaps we could form a Journal Club to meet two or three times a year. This could serve as an excellent forum for discussing perfusion issues and techniques. We might have the Quinnipiac students make some presentations for group discussion.

Of course the issue of licensure of perfusionists in Connecticut is an important topic. In light of legislative initiatives in other states, is this something Connecticut perfusionists need or want?

Finally, election of new officers is on the agenda for the upcoming meeting. Those of you who wish to become more involved in the Society are encouraged to submit a willingness to serve form, or, to nominate a colleague whom you feel will be an asset to the Society.

Please join us in March and be proactive in Your State Society. It’s an opportunity to express your views and opinions and, to discuss the issues facing all perfusionists. If nothing else, it’s always a pleasure to meet with old friends and gossip a little. I look forward to seeing you there.

Yours respectfully,

Randy J. Push, BS, CCP, CCT

President, Conn. Society of Perfusion

Financial Report for the Period of June 30, 1997 to January 30, 1998

Staring Balance (6/30/97) 662.69

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Income Dues - 600.00

Grant - 500.00

Expenses Bank Service Charges 21.00

Stamps and Envelopes 37.18

Final Balance (1/30/98) 1704.51

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Respectfully submitted,

Michael J. Smith, CSP Treasurer

The following table indicates the CSP membership by category and the percentage of each group represented:

Please Support your State Society by filling out the enclosed membership application form. The annual dues for regular and corporate members are currently $30.00