David Holt, program director for clinical perfusion at the University of Nebraska Medical Center will discuss the mystery, science and art of the heart-lung machine at the next Omaha Science Café at 7 p.m., May 7 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.
A UNMC educator and practitioner in the field, Holt will discuss how the mechanical technology supporting life in many hospital cardiac procedures was born of necessity, evolved from trial and error, and even today continues a rapid technological evolution.
“There is mystery in applications that have been newly discovered in the decades since its relatively recent birth. Even the fundamentals, which are as rigid as could be imagined, have an artistic eloquence to those specially trained to manage it,” Holt said.
Holt is a licensed perfusionist in the state of Nebraska and has practiced and taught clinical perfusion for more than three decades. He is certified by the International Board of Clinical Technologies, is a master perfusionist recognized by the state of Missouri and a licensed adult educator in Ohio.
Holt has a bachelor’s degree in allied medicine circulation technology and a master’s degree in adult education and technology in education, both from The Ohio State University. He owned Hemetech Inc., a blood services company incorporated in Ohio, which services institutions from Omaha to the east coast.
Science Cafés involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older), and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period.
Pizza will be provided by The Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for the first 50 people. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.
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