Kimberly L. Simms
Atlanta
Summary
Certified Surgical First Assistant with over 20 years of experience in the surgical field. Highly motivated, team-oriented, and compassionate, with extensive expertise in Cardio-Thoracic, Vascular, and Abdominal procedures. Proven track record in organ procurement and preservation, with a commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager, Organ Procurement and Preservation
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
05.2023 - Current
- Oversee all aspects of organ procurement and preservation, ensuring compliance with best practices and regulatory standards
- Lead a multidisciplinary team in organ recovery processes, enhancing operational efficiency and patient care
Surgical Coordinator
Gold Standard Preservation
07.2022 - 05.2023
- Support surgical recovery of organs for transplant, maintaining proficiency in organ preservation techniques and protocols
- Assist OR staff in surgical procedures and ensure proper packaging of organs per UNOS guidelines
Surgical Coordinator
Dedicated Donor Call
03.2022 - 05.2023
- Assisted in the surgical recovery of organs for transplant, including the procurement of heart valves and research organs
- Proficient in transnet and ORS kidney perfusion, and in running flush for liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys
- Collaborated with surgeons during imports and assisted OR staff in room setup, ensuring compliance with UNOS policies
Surgical Coordinator
LifeLink of Georgia
01.2018 - 04.2022
- Facilitated the surgical recovery of organs for transplant while adhering to strict protocols
- Developed proficiency in organ perfusion and collaborated closely with surgical teams to ensure optimal outcomes
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
11.2017 - 01.2019
- Assisted in complex surgical operations, including cardiac procedures such as CABG and valve replacements
- Served as a preceptor for new employees and externs, providing training in surgical procedures and instrumentation management
Certified Surgical First Assistant
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
02.2014 - 11.2017
- Assisted in a variety of surgical operations, focusing on cardiothoracic procedures and providing support to surgical teams
- Acted as a preceptor, mentoring new staff and ensuring high standards of patient care and safety
Surgical Technologist
Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
09.2010 - 05.2015
- Responsible for maintaining sterile environments and assisting with surgical procedures
- Precepted and trained new surgical technologists while ensuring accurate instrument counts and preparation for operations
Education
Certificate -
Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting
Nashville, Tennessee02.2015
Certificate -
Georgia Medical Institute
Atlanta, Georgia10.1995
Skills
- Organ procurement and preservation techniques
- Surgical procedures
- Leadership
- Team collaboration
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff training and development
- Project management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Policy implementation
Certification
- Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
- Certified Transplant Preservationist
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Timeline
Manager, Organ Procurement and Preservation
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
05.2023 - Current
Surgical Coordinator
Gold Standard Preservation
07.2022 - 05.2023
Surgical Coordinator
Dedicated Donor Call
03.2022 - 05.2023
Surgical Coordinator
LifeLink of Georgia
01.2018 - 04.2022
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
11.2017 - 01.2019
Certified Surgical First Assistant
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
02.2014 - 11.2017
Surgical Technologist
Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
09.2010 - 05.2015
Certificate -
Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting
Certificate -
Georgia Medical Institute
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