Thomas has worked with heart patients since 1988. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, Class of 1990. He has a BS degree in Exercise Technology with a specialty in Corporate Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets, Squadron 10, class of 1990. In 1995 Thomas obtained his Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Cardiopulmonary Perfusion from The Texas Heart Institute School of Perfusion Technology. He has the privilege of being able to say, he has worked with two pioneers in the world of heart surgery, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey and Dr. Denton Cooley. Thomas credits his mom, Irma DiSalvio, for setting an example that hard work, integrity, and service are virtues of success. He pays his respects to the late Dr. Robert E. Gulde, who gave him his first official job working in a private Cath lab. This clinical experience gave him the opportunity to move to Houston, TX, where he eventually became a Perfusionist. Thomas loves Perfusion. He is honored to work with a such high caliber Perfusion organization that HET is. He is grateful to be in a position, with HET, to give back the Perfusion community through HET’s extensive education program, MediWeb. Thomas has over 27 years of experience in long-term and short-term artificial life support devices. He has experience in heart/lung/liver transplant, major vascular repair, major surgeries on the heart, long-term and short-term heart and lung devices, vascular clot removal, and isolated limb/cavity chemotherapy lavage. He enjoys travel. He is an avid mountain biker, adventure racer, and triathlete. He is currently working towards his black belt in karate.
