During a complicated heart valve procedure in Massachusetts General Hospital’s Division of Cardiac Surgery, the operating room is abuzz with activity, with nearly a dozen medical professionals surrounding the patient.
“The surgeon is the team leader,” says cardiac surgeon Serguei Melnitchouk, MD, MPH, co-director of Mass General’s Heart Valve Program. “But it takes the combined efforts of scrub techs, circulators, nurses, anesthesiologists and perfusionists — performing complex tasks under enormous pressure — to ensure every patient has the best possible outcome.”
As part of Mass General Brigham’s mission as a teaching hospital, Dr. Melnitchouk says one of his priorities has been to provide opportunities for team members to learn the newest methods of care delivery, advance their careers and improve the care patients receive. Now, thanks to the Richard Snyder and Mary Keller Endowed Career Advancement Fund for Cardiac Surgical Support Teams, any member of the cardiac surgical support team will be eligible to receive some educational support.
“I am so grateful for the level of care I received from Dr. Melnitchouk and the medical team,” Dr. Snyder says. “My wife and I want to encourage others to match our gift to ensure everyone on the team has the opportunity to pursue more advanced training.”
Supporting the Advancement of Every Member of the Team
When the gift is matched, this fund will provide financial relief for tuition aid to surgical support staff at every stage in their career, whether they are seeking support for continuing medical education credits, or assuming a small or large course load based on their individual circumstances and professional pursuits.
“Our culture at Mass General values collaboration and teamwork, with a deep appreciation and commitment to the needs of our patients and each other,” says Vivian Donahue, RN, nursing director of the Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit. “This extraordinary gift recognizes the contributions of every team member across the three phases cardiac surgical care.” Those phases include the operating/procedure room, the intensive care unit and the step-down unit (the final stage before a patient can go home).
“The critical care staff are compassionate and accomplished individuals from all walks of life,” Ms. Donahue says. “Every member of our teams — from patient care associates through nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants — shares a commitment to caring for others at a very vulnerable time.
“I have seen operations associates, patient care associates and many others be inspired by their experiences with our patients and want to do more,” she adds. “The Career Advancement Fund makes it possible for anyone in our unit to access specialized training that will improve the care our patients receive.”
“We are so grateful to the Snyder family for raising awareness of the need for tuition aid to make this training possible.”
Professional Development: A Priority
Patients travel from across New England and the country to receive the expert care provided by the cardiac surgical teams at Mass General Brigham, with 1,863 new Cardiac Surgery patients seen at Mass General alone in 2024.
“Our commitment to professional development ensures our patients receive the very best care while building strong, highly skilled teams,” says Thoralf A. Sundt, MD, director of the Mass General Brigham Cardiac Surgery Clinical Service.
The Career Advancement Fund for Cardiac Surgical Support Teams could defray the cost of continuing medical education credits needed by nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants, coursework required for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or requirements to achieve a certificate as a qualified scrub technician. A selection committee comprised of cardiac surgery faculty and staff will review applications.
“We are so grateful to the Snyder family for raising awareness of the need for tuition aid to make this training possible,” says Dr. Melnitchouk.
To make a gift to support this matching grant, contact us.
