About Us

AmSECTMISSION

The mission of AmSECT is to foster improved patient care and safety by providing for the continuing education and professional needs of the extracorporeal circulation technology community.

JOIN AMSECT MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

OurVISION

Our vision defines the future we are working toward and the impact we seek to have on the perfusion profession worldwide.

Uniting perfusionists around the nation, connecting perfusionists around the globe.

OurVALUES

These values guide how AmSECT serves its members, advances the profession, and makes decisions in support of patient care.

Clinical clarity through professional integrity and compassion
We uphold ethical, evidence-based practice and approach our work with professionalism, accountability, and care.
Patient safety first
The safety and well-being of patients are the foundation of everything we do.
Strategic progress through servant leadership
We lead by serving—supporting our members, volunteers, and partners with purpose and responsibility.
An inclusive extracorporeal technology network for life-long learners
We foster a welcoming, collaborative community committed to continuous education and professional growth.
Learning from the past, focusing on the present, preparing for the future
We honor our history while adapting and innovating to meet the evolving needs of the profession.

2,000+ Members

AmSECT represents a vibrant network of more than 2,000 perfusion professionals dedicated to advancing the field of extracorporeal technology and improving patient outcomes. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise, our members continue to shape the future of perfusion and uphold the highest standards of patient care.

17 Committees

AmSECT’s 17 committees are the driving force behind our mission, leading initiatives that shape standards, enhance education, and promote patient safety. From clinical practice and ethics to education, research, and international collaboration, each committee provides members with meaningful opportunities to contribute their expertise and strengthen the profession.

Global Presence

With members in more than 25 countries, AmSECT’s influence extends far beyond the United States. Our collaborations and events engage professionals from regions such as Canada, Japan, India, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and beyond — building a worldwide community committed to advancing extracorporeal technology and improving patient outcomes through shared knowledge and research.

Leader in Education

As a recognized leader in continuing education, AmSECT offers a robust portfolio of learning opportunities — from webinars and certification review courses to international conferences and journal publications. Our programs are designed to empower professionals at every stage of their careers, ensuring that excellence in extracorporeal technology continues to evolve and thrive.

AmSECTGOALS

National support of licensure through government relations
Development of professional standards for perfusion
Enhancement of perfusion scope of practice
Development of continuing education programs on the national level
Support of educational programs for entering perfusionists
Scientific dissemination of knowledge through the publication of information in the indexed Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology
Distribution of current information through publication of the quarterly newsletter AmSECToday

AmSECTLEADERSHIP

PresidentWilliam Scott Snider
MHA CCP LP

President-ElectGregory A. Mork
BA LP CCP FPP

TreasurerRenee L. Axdorff-Dickey
CCP MBA

SecretaryKirti P. Patel
MPS MPH CCP LP FAACP

Zone 1 DirectorJustin Sleasman
MS CCP FPP CES-A

Zone 1 DirectorEd Harman
MS CCP FPP MBA

Zone 2 DirectorDouglas Zavadil
MPS CCP FPP

Zone 2 DirectorShahna Helmick
CCP

Zone 3 DirectorDorothy Holt
BS CCP FPP

Zone 3 DirectorNicole Michaud
MS CCP CPBMT LCP

Zone 4 DirectorIsaac Chinnappan
MS CCP LCP CPBMT CPBMS CES-A FPP FAACP

Zone 4 DirectorKrysta Gleeson Parker
DBA MS CCP FPP

Student Board Liaison
Student Council President
2025 - 2026Abby Dalton

AmSECTHISTORY

The American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology was founded in 1964 with the belief that members of the then-new allied health field could best serve their profession by sharing their knowledge and experiences.

Steady growth was the keynote of AmSECT, as the ranks of Perfusionists expanded with the increasing demand for open-heart surgery. During the past decade, changes in lifestyle and improvements in the treatment of cardiac disease have resulted in Perfusionists facing the challenge of identifying new opportunities and expanding their practices in perioperative blood management, wound healing, ventricular assistance, and expanded uses of extracorporeal circulation.

1964

AmSECT Founded

The American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology was founded to support the emerging profession of perfusion.

1967

Launch of AmSECT News, the organization’s first newsletter; Bennett Mitchell coins the term “perfusionist"

1972-1978

1972: Administration of the first AmSECT certification examination
1974: Approval of AmSECT’s Minimum Standards for Education Programs; Establishment of the Gibbon Award
1975: Publication of the official job description for the Extracorporeal Technologist; American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) established
1977: The American Medical Association recognizes Extracorporeal Technology as an Allied Health profession
1978: Formation of the Joint Review Committee on Perfusion Education (JRC-PE)

1981

Establishment of the AmSECT Government Relations Committee

1990-1995

1990: Publication of foundational practice documents, including the Pre-Bypass Checklist
1991: Scope of Practice
1995: Guidelines for Perfusion Practice; Formation of the Perfusion Training Program Directors’ Council

2007-2012

2007: Establishment of the International Consortium for Evidence-Based Perfusion (ICEBP)
2012: AmSECT celebrates its 50th anniversary

Present