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Change is the Only Constant
It is a pleasure to convey my Wishes on Perfusion week to all of you. We have come a long way from
the first open heart surgery in May 1953 by Dr.Gibbon in 1953 and thus paving the way for a new
profession called Perfusion. So much developments have taken place since then . From Bubblers to
membrane, Intra Aortic Balloon Pumps, Hemofiltration from Conventional to Modified. There is
explosion of real time Perfusion monitoring where we now know the brain Perfusion(NIRS), Tissue
oxygen requirements and delivery. We are able to perform Heart and Lung Transplants, Assist the
failing ventricles with Ventricular assist devices and long term ECMO supports. From shortage of
skilled Perfusionist in the 70s and 80s to surplus Perfusionists with lack of job opportunities in the
millennial age. So how do we make ourselves relevant ?
Change is the only Constant and everything around us change over a period of time gradually .
We fail to notice this change. This has happened to Giant companies and Personalities. Nokia was
once the largest company in mobile phones. Kodak was the largest photographic company
producing cameras and film roles. General Motors was the biggest company in the world. But all
these have vanished from the market because they did not notice the change. Nokia failed to
foresee the arrival of smart phones, Kodak the arrival of digital cameras and General Motors the
efficiency and cost effectiveness of the Japanese car companies.
We the Perfusion Fraternity are also in a similar situation as mentioned above. Technology is taking
away CABGs and Aortic Valve surgeries from us. We need to learn to survive fromworking only in OT
to Intensive care unit by training ourselves on ECMO management, Mobile ECMOs and assisting in
the implantation of Ventricular Assist devices. Apart from our routine surgery based work we need
to up skill ourselves as VAD Coordinators , Transplant Coordinators and intensive care
management. We also need to learn Data Management as they say Data is the new oil. All Artificial
Intelligence and Machine Learning will depend on our Data collection. The line for one single task is
blurring and we need to multi task to survive.
I call upon all the young upcoming perfusionist s to explore the new possibilities and accept change
and adapt according to the present needs. You are already good in computers and mobile phones. It
will not be difficult for you to learn new skills. “ Tough Times never lasts but Tough People Do”” and
it is not the strongest and fittest who survive but those who adapt to changes. YOU BE THE
CHANGE. Once again a Happy Perfusion week - A week to introspect on what lies ahead.
Warm Regards
P.V.S.Prakash
General Secretary ISECT
Mr. P. V. S. Prakash