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Robert LaPierre Memorial Cardiac Surgery Mission Trip Grant

 

The Massachusetts Society of Perfusion (MSP) is proud to announce the establishment of the Robert LaPierre Memorial Cardiac Surgery Mission Trip Grant. This annual grant will be awarded to a perfusionist offering their expertise as part of a team traveling internationally for life saving cardiac surgery.  Many participants on these missions are volunteers who are responsible for paying their own travel and lodging expenses. This award is offered to offset some of these costs.

 

A list of charitable organizations that involved in cardiac surgery missions can be found on the AmSECT website on the Perfusion without Borders page:

 

Grant amount: $1500

 

Criteria:

 

  • Applicant must be a practicing clinical perfusionist certified by the ABCP.

 

  • Qualified applicants who practice in Massachusetts (and surrounding states) will receive first consideration.

 

  • It is recommended that the recipient present their trip experience at the MSP conference following their trip. If the recipient is willing to travel to the MSP conference from out of the area, the MSP will compensate travel expenses up to $500 with submission of receipts.

 

  • It is recommended that the applicant be committed to an international cardiac surgery mission trip to travel prior to the next MSP conference (generally held in the Spring)

 

  • The grant must be used for the purpose of travel and /or mission trip related expenses. This includes airfare, hotel accommodations, and charges for passport and immunizations.

 

  • The recipient is eligible for the grant every five years.

 

  • If the mission trip is cancelled, the grant should be returned. If rescheduled, the grant can be and reapplied for the following year.

 

  • All complete applications will be reviewed by the MSP board of directors and a recipient will be named May 1st.

 

  • Deadline for submitting an application for this year's grant is April 15, 2024.  

 

If you qualify,click on this link to fill out the application form

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About Bob LaPierre

This grant is named in honor of Robert LaPierre, who passed away in December 2009 after being stricken ill while vacationing with his family in St. Maarten. Bob worked as a perfusionist at Children’s Hospital Boston for 23 years, with 4 years as Chief of the Department. He was a leader in the field of pediatric perfusion, authoring several book chapters and scientific articles, and serving as a clinical instructor for Northeastern University Perfusion program.

 

Bob was involved in numerous medical missions to different countries, including

China, Bratislava, Mexico, and Ghana.

Our goal in presenting this grant is to encourage perfusionists to get involved with international medical mission work.

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