The Ladies of OnPump
Mellissa S. Duarte, CCP
Cardiovascular perfusionist at NYP – Weill Cornell Medical Center in NYC. She earned her Master Cardiovascular Perfusion Science from Medical University of South Carolina.
Tiffany Van Dyke, CCP
The whimsical wonder-worker of pediatric perfusion, paving the way of new pastures as she leads the expansion project of Texas Children's Hospital from Houston to the heart of Austin, Texas.
Mellissa S. Duarte, CCP
Mellissa S. Duarte, CCP is an adult cardiovascular perfusionist. The Watson to Tiff’s Sherlock whose passion is for pediatrics. Now that’s not to say that Mell didn’t enjoy dipping her toes into the world that is Pedi Perfusion, but she’s found her passion with the kids at heart disguised as adults in society.
She earned her Master Cardiovascular Perfusion Science from Medical University of South Carolina. Before entering MUSC, Mell spent a year interning at NYP Columbia Medical Center with their perfusion team where she got to see Oz behind the curtain (so to speak). The team there had a profound impact on the trajectory of her career and she is forever grateful to the OG crew that guided her forward.
Mell knew early on that she wanted to give back to her profession as much as it has given her, and she found a niche in volunteering through AmSECT. Over the years Mell has sat on the International Consortium of Evidence Based Perfusion (ICEBP), International Conference Planning Committee for three years, and served as the Chair of the Bylaws Committee. As well as having been the head of the Student Council and as the Board of Directors Student Liaison.
Mell has authored articles for AMSECToday Magazine and presented at various medical conferences. She primarily focuses on the adult patient population. Now, alongside Tiffany, they co-host the new perfusion podcast On Pump where they interview mavericks in the field paving the way for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
When Mell isn’t dreaming up another perfusion related question to tackle in the field, she can be found enjoying the beach, scheming up some adventure in the outback with no cell service, being transported in her next read, or enjoying a new workout class.
Tiffany Van Dyke, CCP
Tiffany, the whimsical wonder-worker of pediatric perfusion, paving the way of new pastures as she leads the expansion project of Texas Children's Hospital from Houston to the heart of Austin, Texas. Tiffany's journey to this illustrious position began with her Master's Degree in Medical Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Perfusion Sciences, where she honed her perfusion skills at the University of Arizona and graduated in 2012. It probably only took you reading the first sentence to realize that Tiffany is profoundly influenced by the magical realm of pediatrics and the imaginative mindset of the youth she blesses with circulatory support behind the heart-lung machine. So, let us proceed!
Her career boasts stints at renowned heart havens like the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and the star-studded Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Yet, one of Tiffany's most enchanting adventures unfolded on a medical mission trip in Brazil's underserved hinterlands, where she sprinkled the fairy dust of healing with Children's HeartLink, forever etching her name in the hearts of those she touched.
But Tiffany's love for perfusion doesn't stop at the hospital doors. She has penned tales of triumph in journals and cast spells of knowledge at global gatherings, all while moonlighting as a research wizard on various perfusion committees. Now, she and her esteemed co-host, Mell have conjured up something special - a magical podcast called "On Pump," where the secrets of their perfusion craft are unveiled.
Beyond her wizardry, Tiffany lets her adventurous spirit soar. Whether scaling treacherous peaks or immersing herself in Mother Nature's enchanted forest, she finds her sanctuary amidst the whispering leaves and babbling brooks, forever fueling her creative powers.
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