Sarns Reunion

This is the last posting from my trip down state a couple of weeks ago. The main purpose for the trip was to attend the Sarns reunion. Dick Sarns developed one of the first heart-lung machines in 1960. He designed the innovative equipment to answer the needs of University of Michigan surgeons. Recently the University of Michigan announced the Dick Sarns Innovation Fellowship at its new Medical Innovation Center. A pioneer in biomedical engineering, Dick Sarns' groundbreaking technologies have improved surgical outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.

After 50 years, Sarns equipment is the most noted and widely used product of its kind. The Sarns' machine was used by Dr. Christian Barnard when he performed the first human heart transplant in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1967. In 1999 Terumo Corporation acquired Sarns Corporation from 3M, but Dick Sarns continues to develop new, life-transforming technologies at his latest venture, NuStep, Inc. Well over 100,000 people benefit from the NuStep recumbent cross-trainer every day. Some of the NuStep equipment can be seen in use during the Biggest Looser TV show.

I worked at Sarns from 1980 through 1987. There is no question that I could not be doing what I do now if it were not for the great opportunities that I had while working at Sarns. I had many positions there that included technical writing, market research, public relations, sales training, operating room simulator manager, and product manager. There were nearly 300 people at the reunion. The feeling in the room was mutual. We know now that it was truly a special experience working for Dick and Norma Sarns.