Two paths to perfusion: Meet Danielle and Robert

At Northwell Health, our team members are dedicated to the well-being of our patients and the communities we serve. Our perfusionists are an integral part of patient care before and during surgery with responsibilities that include monitoring, preparing and operating extracorporeal circulation equipment. Learn more about Danielle and Robert’s career paths to becoming perfusionists at Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital (NSUH).

From respiratory therapist to perfusionist, meet Danielle

Danielle Castellano began her career with Northwell in 2018 as a respiratory therapist. She worked in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) where she became interested in perfusion. In 2023, Danielle was accepted into a master’s program for cardiovascular sciences in perfusion medicine. While attending classes and clinical rotations, Danielle continued working per diem as a respiratory therapist at Huntington Hospital.

In 2025, she graduated from the program and began working as a full-time cardiovascular perfusionist at NSUH. “Northwell’s emphasis on professional growth helped guide my transition into a perfusionist role and my continued growth within the organization,” said Danielle. As a perfusionist, Danielle operates the heart-lung bypass machine during cardiac surgeries, temporarily taking over a patient’s heart and lung functions to create a bloodless surgical field. She monitors and manages physiological parameters, including blood flow, blood pressure and oxygenation. Danielle also collaborates with surgical teams to anticipate surgery needs, respond to changes and manages extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for patients requiring advanced cardiac or respiratory support.

From laboratory accessioner to perfusionist, meet Robert

In 2016, Robert Lorandini began his career at Northwell as a laboratory accessioner where he received, verified and prepared patient samples for testing. With the help of Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program, Robert was able to work in the laboratory and simultaneously complete his prerequisites for perfusion school. “Northwell’s investment in my studies along with strong mentorship from my leaders and team members helped me transition into a career in perfusion,” said Robert. While in school to become a perfusionist, Robert began a perfusion clinical rotation at NSUH in 2018, which helped him build foundational skills and confidence in the cardiac operating room.

In 2019, Robert completed school and started working as a staff perfusionist at NSUH. Currently, he manages cardiopulmonary bypass and supports complex cardiac procedures in collaboration with the surgical team. In 2021, Robert began working in a student coordinator role, where he mentors and guides perfusion students while also working as a perfusionist himself.

Through educational and professional opportunities offered at Northwell, our team members, like Danielle and Robert, feel supported to grow in their careers while contributing to our mission of providing outstanding care for our patients.

Discover a career well cared for in perfusion at Northwell Health today.