Course Overview:
The Foundations course is the first in a 3-part developmental series for ECMO professionals looking for training along their ECMO /Shock/ECLS Program Coordinator career journey. The Foundations course provides basic training and sets out to create a solid foundation for ECMO specialists as they step into coordinator and program-leadership roles. The course pairs self-directed pre-work with two live virtual sessions and two in-person days built around hands-on wet-lab practice. The course is not endorsed by ESLO. The content is designed to align with ELSO guidance — the ELSO ECLS Center Certification framework, the ELSO individual certifications (E-AEC / E-NPEC), and the ELSO 2025 Narrative Guideline on Training and Continuing Education — and leans throughout on the ELSO four-stage simulation cycle (briefing → simulation → debriefing → assessment) so that learners practice not only performing each skill but teaching and debriefing it as future instructors.
Target Participant:
Class size: 12–15. This activity is intended for active ECMO specialists (RNs, RTs, perfusionists, APPs) entering coordinator roles with a minimum of two years of critical-care experience. Once registered, participants are expected to complete 7 pre-work modules and the ELSO Data Entry Exam (certificate of completion due prior to course start date).
Agenda & Format:
Virtual sessions run first to deliver foundational and documentation content; the two in-person days follow for hands-on labs, simulation, and applied scenarios.
Session 1 — Virtual
Leadership Foundations & Program Structure Virtual (live) • 4 hours • Wednesday, October 21 • 13:00 – 17:00 EST |
Time | Activity | Duration |
13:00 – 13:15 | Welcome, objectives, and pre-test review | 15 min |
13:15 – 14:45 | Shock physiology, patient selection, and the circuit–patient relationship | 90 min / 30 Slides |
14:45 – 15:00 | Break | 15 min |
15:00 – 16:00 | ECMO program structure overview — SWOT / GAP analysis activity | 60 min |
16:00 – 16:15 | Break | 15 min |
16:15 – 17:00 | Key-stakeholder networking and influencing without authority | 45 min |
Pillars: People • Training
Session 2 — Virtual
Certification, Staffing & Data Virtual (live) • 4 hours • Wednesday, October 28 • 13:00 – 17:00 EST |
Time | Activity | Duration |
13:00 – 14:00 | ELSO ECLS Center Certification & Award of Excellence breakdown | 60 min |
14:00 – 14:15 | Break | 15 min |
14:15 – 15:15 | Credentialing & training documentation requirements (incl. E-AEC / E-NPEC) | 60 min |
15:15 – 15:30 | Break | 15 min |
15:30 – 16:15 | Staffing structure strategy and opportunities — stakeholder registry | 45 min |
16:15 – 17:00 | ELSO data reporting vs. internal KPI / QI dashboard opportunities | 45 min |
Pillars: People • Documents • Training
Session 3 — In-Person
Circuit Priming Wet-Lab & Operational Readiness In-Person • 8–10 hours • Thursday, November 5 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (incl. breaks & lunch) |
Time | Activity | Duration |
8:00 – 8:45 AM | Operational preparedness focus — framing the coordinator’s day | 45 min |
8:45 – 9:30 AM | Equipment / inventory management — “What’s on your cart?” gap-analysis | 45 min |
9:30 – 9:45 AM | Break | 15 min |
9:45 – 11:45 AM | Crystalloid priming wet-lab, Rotation A — integrated ECLS systems (prime, de-air, hand-off) — hands-on wet-lab | 120 min |
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | Circuit / patient relationship 201 — PMP fiber-bundle dynamics; pressure-flow & pressure drop | 45 min |
12:30 – 1:15 PM | Lunch | 45 min |
1:15 – 3:15 PM | Crystalloid priming wet-lab, Rotation B — component-based systems; briefing & debrief practice as instructor — hands-on wet-lab | 120 min |
3:15 – 3:30 PM | Break | 15 min |
3:30 – 4:15 PM | Identifying a failing circuit vs. an under-supported patient | 45 min |
4:15 – 5:00 PM | Debrief, Q&A, and bridge to Session 4 | 45 min |
Pillars: Equipment • Training • Documents
Session 4 — In-Person
Cannulation, Troubleshooting & Simulation In-Person • 8–10 hours • Friday, October 6 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (incl. breaks & lunch) |
Time | Activity | Duration |
8:00 – 8:45 AM | Cannula selection fundamentals & initiation considerations (briefing) | 45 min |
8:45 – 10:45 AM | Cannula selection & initiation wet-lab — task trainers across configurations — hands-on wet-lab | 120 min |
10:45 – 11:00 AM | Break | 15 min |
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Troubleshooting simulation — emergency scenarios (“Now we’re cannulated”) — hands-on wet-lab | 90 min |
12:30 – 1:15 PM | Lunch | 45 min |
1:15 – 2:00 PM | Reading personalities and conflict styles | 45 min |
2:00 – 3:30 PM | Program capacity sim / tabletop — defining true capacity — hands-on wet-lab | 90 min |
3:30 – 3:45 PM | Break | 15 min |
3:45 – 4:30 PM | Feedback for the vulnerable specialist after crisis moments; closing the loop — “What’s on your cart now?” | 45 min |
4:30 – 5:00 PM | Retention test, evaluations, certificates & next steps | 30 min |
Pillars: People • Equipment • Training
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this activity learners should be able to apply lessons learned to real-world performance in the following domains:
| # | Objective | ELSO Core Curriculum Topics | Alignment |
|---|
| 1 | Describe foundational ECMO physiology, shock states, and the relationship between the patient and circuit.
| ECMO Overview; Circuit Overview; Oxygen Delivery & Uptake; Gas Transfer; Respiratory Failure; Cardiac Failure; Hemodynamic Monitoring (VV & VA) | ELSO Core |
| 2 | Explain the structure, roles, and reporting lines of an ECMO program, including governance and accountability.
|
| Extension |
| 3 | Certification, credentialing, staffing, and data requirements for program readiness |
| Extension |
| 4 | Interpret key ECMO certification, credentialing, staffing, and data requirements relevant to program readiness.
|
| Extension |
| 5 | Apply adult learning and feedback principles to support ECMO training, simulation, and instructor-led education.
|
| Extension |
| 6 | Demonstrate effective stakeholder communication and influence strategies when working without formal authority. |
| Extension |
| 7 | Identify essential elements of ECMO policy and procedure architecture, including documentation structure, evidence support, review cycles, and approvals.
|
| Extension |
| 8 | Assess operational readiness by identifying gaps in equipment, inventory, staffing, and workflow support.
| Circuit Overview; Pump; Membrane Lung & Blender; Other Circuit Components (+ operations layer) | Blended |
| 9 | Distinguish between a failing circuit and an under-supported patient using clinical and operational cues. | Pressure Monitoring; Drainage Insufficiency; Return Obstruction; Recirculation; Differential Oxygenation; Pump Failure; Membrane Lung Dysfunction; Circuit Disruption; Complications Overview | ELSO Core |
| 10 | Demonstrate proper setup, participation, and debriefing behaviors during hands-on ECMO simulation and lab activities.
| Air Embolism; Circuit Disruption; Accidental Decannulation; Coming Off ECMO Emergently (+ simulation/debrief method) | Blended |
| 11 | Apply cannula selection and initiation considerations to scenario-based ECMO cases.
| Cannulas & Tubing; Cannulation; Cannulation Complications; VV & VA Configurations; Initiation of VV & VA ECMO; Patient Selection (VV & VA) | ELSO Core |
| 12 | Use personality and conflict-style concepts to adapt communication and feedback in team-based ECMO situations.
|
| Extension |
| 13 |
Evaluate program capacity scenarios and define true operational capacity based on staffing, resources, and escalation needs.
|
| Extension |
| 14 | Develop an action plan to close readiness gaps and identify stakeholders who need to be informed or involved.
|
| Extension |
Clinical topics drawn from the ELSO Standardized Core Curriculum for Adult ECMO (© Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, 2021). Mapping shown for curriculum-design purposes; does not imply endorsement by ELSO.
Additional details:
Meals: Lite Breakfast and Lunch provided each in-person day.
Attire: Scrubs.
Faculty:
Bob Markie – Cardiovascular & Critical Care Specialist & Senior ECMO/Shock/ECLS Program Development Consultant
Bob Markie is a cardiovascular and critical care specialist with more than 10 years of experience in mechanical circulatory support, ECMO program development, and clinical operations leadership. Before returning to Integration Health, he served as an Advanced Surgical Consultant with Johnson & Johnson Heart Recovery, where he partnered with healthcare systems to expand advanced heart recovery programs, improve patient outcomes, and support physician and surgical teams in complex cardiovascular care initiatives. Previously, Bob held leadership roles at Innovative ECMO Concepts, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, and George Washington University Hospital, where he managed ECMO operations, clinical education, transport coordination, and multidisciplinary critical care teams. Bob is now consulting with ECMO Program Development clients to build and launch new ECMO programs for Integration Health.
Doug Kirk – ECMO Program Coordinator, UF Health Jacksonville
Doug Kirk is the ECMO Program Coordinator at UF Health Jacksonville in Florida. He brings 15 years of experience in respiratory care and ECMO, with credentials including ELSO Adult ECMO Certification, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), and Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS), and he is licensed in Florida and Missouri. Doug has built and relaunched two ECMO programs with a strong focus on financial sustainability, charge capture, billing integrity, and CMS compliance. He has also designed MARS (mobile acute rescue support) program protocols, education, and billing processes, and actively contributes to the ELSO Respiratory Working Group and the ECMO Coordinator Mentorship Group.
Lauren Espeso – Senior Nurse Manager, ECMO & ACSU, AdventHealth Orlando
Lauren Espeso is a critical care nurse and ECMO Specialist at AdventHealth Orlando, in Orlando FL. She serves as the senior nurse manager of ECMO and the Advanced Cardiac Surgical Unit, as well as the Adult ECMO Coordinator. With more than 15 years of critical care experience in Adult Cardiac Surgery, heart/lung failure, MCS and simulation, she led strategic growth of the ECMO program through clinical leadership, program development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Most recently she oversaw the launch of an Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) program and growing her team of over 25 dedicated ECMO Specialists.
Bret Thomas – ECMO Coordinator, Research (Kansas City)
Bret Thomas works as an ECMO Coordinator with Integration Health, a Kansas City–based company that provides ECMO program development, staffing, and support to hospitals. He previously served as a Patient Care Technician at Saint Luke’s Health System before transitioning into the ECMO specialist role with Iintegration Health. His current work focuses on coordinating ECMO services and supporting hospital-based ECMO programs in the Kansas City region.
Sutton Miller – ECMO Coordinator, Research (Kansas City)
Sutton Miller is an ECMO Coordinator with Integration Health in Kansas City, Missouri. He earned his BSN from Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. He began his healthcare career as a Patient Care Technician and later transitioned to a Critical Care RN in the CVICU at Saint Luke’s Health System, where he practiced for more than 10 years. During that time he specialized in the care of cardiac surgery, ECMO, Impella, transplant, and LVAD patients. In his current role, he provides clinical expertise in ECMO priming, initiation, and management while helping lead the Research Medical Center ECMO program. Together with his partner Bret, he coordinates with a logistics team to ensure all ECMO shifts are staffed by Integration Health clinicians from across the country. Their work has led to the development of a shock team that will be launched across the MidAmerica HCA division to more rapidly identify patients in cardiogenic shock and escalate care, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
Jamie Jarzembowski – ECMO Coordinator, HCA Centennial TriStar (Nashville)
Jamie Jarzembowski, BSN, RN, is the ECMO Coordinator for Centennial Heart at TriStar Centennial Medical Center (HCA) in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been in this role since 2020 and has helped lead a program that has supported more than 600 ECMO patients since 2018, including a robust ECPR (extracorporeal CPR) service. Jamie is also known for her personal ECMO survivor story: as a young, otherwise healthy RN, she suffered a massive pulmonary embolism and was emergently cannulated for ECMO, an experience that now informs her work as a patient advocate and educator.
Sylvie Baudart – Lead MSC (MCS) Coordinator, UCSF (San Francisco)
Sylvie Baudart, RN, MS, is the Clinical Lead and Supervisor for Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) and an Advanced Heart Failure nurse coordinator at UCSF Health in San Francisco. She serves as a Professor of Medicine and Director of the UCSF Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center, and is also an Associate Director within the advanced heart failure program. Her clinical and leadership work focuses on managing patients with advanced heart failure, ventricular assist devices (VADs), and other MCS therapies, and she is recognized within UCSF’s nursing excellence initiatives for her role in the MCS program.
Sara Parker – ECMO Trainer & Simulation Educator, Integration Health
Sara Parker, BS, RRT-ACCS, E-AEC, CES-A, is an ECMO Trainer and Simulation Educator with Integration Health. She currently serves as an ECMO Specialist III, traveling to support hospitals with ECMO education, simulation-based training, and program development. Prior to joining Integration Health, she worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and ECMO Specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center, and previously with Innovative ECMO Concepts. Her work focuses on enhancing patient outcomes through specialized ECMO support and high-fidelity simulation education for critical care teams.
Myron Norman – Simulation Coordinator & ECMO Specialist, Integration Health
Myron Norman, BSRT, RRT, CES-A, CES-P, is a Simulation Coordinator and ECMO Specialist with Integration Health (formerly ECMO Advantage). Originally from Alabama, he began his ECMO career in direct patient care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center before advancing into training and simulation leadership. In his current role, he designs and leads ECMO simulation courses, precepts new specialists, and supports hospitals with hands-on training and program development. Myron is known for his passion for mentoring learners and helping them grow from foundational knowledge into confident ECMO caregivers.
Location:
Integration Health Simulation Center
2610 Merchants Walk, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
