The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) Gulf Coast Chapter

The formation of the local professional organization was the idea of Lynne Jones, Director of Cardiology Services at Twelve Oaks Medical Center in Houston, and Scott Hardin, Cath Lab Manager at Conroe Regional Medical Center in Conroe, Texas. After some discussion, they decided to go forward with the chapter and contacted other cath lab leaders in the Houston area, along with the SICP. The deciding factor in approaching the SICP about affiliation was the fact that it is the leading national organization for invasive professionals. It is important to the Gulf Coast Chapter that the SICP represents all modalities of professionals working in cardiac catheterization laboratories. Why Start a Chapter? The SICP Gulf Coast Chapter was formed due to the following premises: 1. A scarcity of local educational offerings for invasive professionals; 2. Houston area cath labs are predominately in community facilities with 2 or fewer labs. Staffing constraints make it difficult to support the absence of more than 1 staff member at a time, which limits opportunities to attend educational seminars; 3. In today’s economy, hospitals are frequently unable to provide educational monies to allow staff to travel to out-of-town educational seminars; 4. No professional society presence in the Houston area. Getting Started A founding member group was assembled, including: Bob Turner, RT, Cath Lab Manager, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, Baytown, Texas Julie Baran, RN, BSN, Clinical Cath Lab Manager, Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas Lois Hershey, RN, Cath Lab Director, Clear Lake Medical Center, Webster, Texas Dale Hansen RT, CVT, Clinical Supervisor of Cardiology Services, Twelve Oaks Medical Center, Houston, Texas Founding members were chosen because of their commitment to quality patient care and high level of knowledge in the invasive cardiology field. All areas surrounding Houston were included. Work started immediately with the drafting of bylaws, website development, and arrangement for vendor support. The founding members met regularly as progress was made. Roger Siegfried, Past President of the SICP, was very enthusiastic and offered support and encouragement, as well as helping the group through the steps we needed to take to become the first chartered chapter of the SICP. Our Mission/Vision statement supports the National Society Mission. Gulf Coast Chapter Mission/Vision Statement The Gulf Coast Chapter of the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals is a nonprofit organization that promotes and encourages participation of the invasive cardiovascular professional in his/her professional organization. Participation and support of the SICP will serve to enhance the perception of professionalism and high quality of care delivered to patients undergoing procedures in cardiac catheterization laboratories. The Gulf Coast Chapter is committed to providing educational and networking opportunities to all members and cardiovascular professionals and to serve those needs in the regional community. Membership Membership in the Chapter is free. Officers, Committee Members, and voting members must be members of the National Society. Nominal meeting fees are collected to cover incidental costs of chapter operations. All general meetings will award CEUs to the attendees. CEUs Awarded at the First Chapter Meeting The first Chapter meeting was held March 20, 2003. Roger Siegfried attended and presented an overview of the SICP. Cordis Corporation gave an excellent presentation on the efficacy of drug-eluting stents, and 2 CEUs were available to attendees. Future Chapter Plans Future plans for the chapter include: 1. Regular educational presentations that encompass all interests of cardiac catheterization professionals and support the ongoing educational requirements for the RCIS credential 2. A cath lab managers’ retreat to provide a colloquium for the special challenges of cath lab operations 3. Networking forums 4. Promotion of the development of additional chapters Create Your Own Chapter! We encourage others to consider starting a chapter. We truly believe that participation in your professional society enhances performance, pride, and proficiency. Please contact us via our website at: www.gcsicp.com

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