Donald R. Kimble Lab
Throughout Don’s life he excelled in many endeavors that garnered his interest. After graduating from the Physical Therapy program at the University of Utah, he chose to focus his efforts on patients recovering from open heart surgery. During that time, he developed close relationships with some of the most renowned cardiovascular surgeons in Salt Lake. Those relationships led him to focus his attention on extracorporeal perfusion, a profession which had recently begun evolving locally. It was a life changing decision which he wholeheartedly embraced and a career in which he became exceptional. He went on to develop a reputation for excellence, performing heart-lung bypass and chemotherapy infusions until he retired. Don was a pioneer in perfusion and highly regarded as outstanding in the career field, furthering the legacy of the profession. He passed away in 2011 and will be forever remembered, not only for his success professionally, but also as the remarkable son, husband, father and friend that he was. Don will also be regarded as one of the fathers of perfusion in the Salt Lake Valley and as an excellent teacher and mentor.
In a continuing effort to acknowledge and honor Don’s memory and contributions to the field of perfusion, The Donald R. Kimble Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion Laboratory, has been established. This lab is made possible in great measure through the ongoing and generous support of Don’s wife, Paula. This innovative lab will provide a unique environment for the next generations of perfusionists to train and prepare for careers in the cardiovascular perfusion profession, and as a space for teaching and learning – something that was near and dear to Don’s heart.
Students will be trained in extracorporeal techniques and procedures using innovative technology including: heart lung machines, bypass disposables, cell savers, ECMO, ACT, HIPEC, etc. All simulations will be completed using the BIOMED Simulation Califia 3.0 high fidelity bypass simulator system. This system incorporates the best cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy software in the field.
Our goal is to make this lab a space for professions of all kinds to come together and learn the proper techniques for care of the cardiovascular patient. Collaborative learning between perfusionists, perfusion students, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, surgical technologists, and medical personnel is key to successful patient outcomes.