PK Patel Perfusion Education Excellence Award

Celebrating Exceptional Dedication to Perfusion Education

Congratulations to our 2026 Recipient!

Ed Darling, MS, CCP

Congratulations to Ed Darling, MS, CCP, on being named the recipient of the PK Patel Scholarship. An Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Perfusion at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Ed is recognized for his innovative, simulation-based teaching and strong commitment to mentoring future perfusionists.

This award honors educators who exemplify outstanding expertise, professionalism, adaptability, and meaningful student engagement. Selected through recognition by perfusion students and inspired by the legacy of Priyavadan K. (PK) Patel, this honor reflects the lasting impact Ed has made through his dedication to advancing perfusion education.

The PK Patel Perfusion Education Excellence Award honors a perfusionist who has gone above and beyond in educating and mentoring perfusion students. This award pays tribute to the legacy of Priyavadan K (PK) Patel, who deeply valued the role of education in shaping the next generation of professionals.

Recipients of this award exemplify:

Expertise in subject matter
Professionalism in practice
Commitment to student engagement
Adaptability in teaching
Clear and effective communication

Award Details

Prize: $1,000 honorarium
Membership: Complimentary AmSECT membership
Application Deadline (Phase 1): September 8, 2025
Recognition: Commemorative plaque
Complimentary registration for one AmSECT conference, to be used once within three years of the award

Phase 1: Nomination Form

Deadline: September 8, 2025

Eligible nominators:

Current students (within the last year) at CAAHEP-accredited perfusion programs or programs in candidacy

Nominee requirements:

Must be an active educator (Clinical Preceptor or Academic Instructor)
Actively teaching or precepting during the year prior to the award
Officially affiliated with a CAAHEP-accredited program or program in candidacy
Active CCP

Form fields:

Nominee First & Last Name
Institution/Hospital Name
Nominee Email
A minimum 500-character response addressing:
- What makes the nominee a great educator?
- An example of when they went above and beyond
- Something you learned from them that you continue to use
- How they create a strong learning environment
- What sets them apart from other preceptors

Phase 2: Finalist Form

Deadline: January 11, 2026

Once finalists are selected, additional input will be gathered.

Eligible nominators:

All perfusionists or perfusion students who have professionally interacted with the finalist

Form requirements:

Minimum of 2 sentences responding to at least one of the following:
- Describe your experience working with the nominee, highlighting their character
- Share their strongest qualities as a preceptor or instructor
- Explain how they’ve impacted your clinical practice

Honor the Legacy of PK Patel

Help us recognize the educators shaping the future of perfusion. Submit your nomination today and celebrate those making a lasting difference!