Letter to the Editor

The feasibility of a national matching service for perfusion education program applicants

¹ Perfusion Services, UChicago Medicine, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Ste E500, MC5040, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
² Perfusion Education Program, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr, C43-Z GH, Iowa City 52242, IA, USA

^* Corresponding author: blaine.johnson@uchicagomedicine.org

Received: 26 November 2024
Accepted: 13 December 2024

Abstract

The perfusion profession is experiencing rapid advancement, creating an array of new opportunities for professional growth and educational expansion. However, this increase in demand is juxtaposed with a concerning limitation in the availability of positions for prospective students and may leave many qualified applicants without admission. This letter explores how implementing a national matching service alongside a centralized application service could streamline the application process for perfusion education programs in the United States. Over the last two decades, the number of available positions in perfusion education programs has surged significantly. This growth presents new challenges in recruitment due to varying requirements and timelines, often resulting in unstable matches. A national matching service could standardize acceptances, mitigate unfair practices, and enhance applicants’ and program decision-making. By ensuring a fair and efficient system, the national matching service could support the growing need for qualified healthcare perfusionists and promote the perfusion profession’s advancement.