Page 19 - ANZCP Gazette MAY 2014

perfusion boxes to sift through, not to mention having to set up a heart-lung machine from scratch that I’d never seen before, with two local Rwandan guys that I was meant to train! Eventually we were ready to proceed with the first case. But of course, it couldn’t have just been just another routine case, could it? Just prior to cannulation, trouble with the oxygenator required a change-out. Talk about pressure! Nevertheless, the trip was a great experience. Removed from my comfort zone, I was required to work with a different team, forced to think outside the box and adapt to diverse conditions while overcoming stress. Ultimately, I believe this experience has made me a better perfusionist.
“Rwandan perfusionist I had to train and I on bypass in Rwanda”
Last year was an exciting year for our department, with the acquirement of a new CardioHelp ECMO machine. It was something we needed for a while so I decided to organise a fundraiser in an attempt to raise some of the money to purchase the machine. Although originally planning a small raffle, the event somehow evolved into a full blown trivia night with live auctions, monster raffles, a band, and over 120 attendees! We raised almost $20,000 which far exceeded our expectations! It’s wonderful to see how generous people can be, coming together and digging deep to support such a great cause. We’ve all since completed our training with the CardioHelp system and have found the most noticeable differences to be the reduced priming time and the portability of the unit.
I had a full year of work before the new ABCP perfusion course was re-introduced. It was great to have experience before diving into the course work, as I was able to apply the theoretical knowledge to practical training already gained. In early March this year, another two students and I underwent our final exams. It was a demanding last few months for me, trying to complete modules, studying, working and still trying to maintain somewhat of a normal life outside of work! It has all paid off though, I passed (phew)! I feel lucky to be amongst the first cohort of students to complete the new Board endorsed course. I would like to express thanks to those who devoted their own time writing modules and constructing the framework for a great course. Hopefully I will also be able to play a role in contributing to the course in the future. I would like to finish off by thanking my colleagues here at the Prince of Wales and Sydney Children’s Hospital, not only for showing me the ropes but for always being available to answer questions. They have been an amazing support network that I definitely could not have done without.
“My visit to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney”
“Scrubbed in theatre here at POWH”
MAY 2014 | www.anzcp.org
17