The Surgical Assistant Podcast

In this episode John and Kelly discuss some of the most common positions for the surgical patient. They also discuss some of the specific devices and techniques for safely positioning a patient. Once you understand the principle behind safe positioning it allows you to be as creative as you need. Trenguard: https://www.steris.com/healthcare/products/surgical-table-accessories/trendelenburg-positio...

Kelly and John Discuss some of the available professional educational resources for Surgical Assistants. Kelly and John also share what resources they have and use. They discuss textbooks, conferences, podcasts, as well as other educational resources.00:00 "Scrubbing Up on Educational Resources"00:13 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Overview of Professional Resources00:57 Conferences: A Mus...

In this episode Kelly and John discuss the importance of reviewing the Patient's H&P before surgery. 00:00 Episode 10 H&P 00:09 Introduction and Greetings 00:36 Upcoming Conference Announcement 02:05 Importance of Attending Conferences 03:58 Introduction to Patient History and Physical (H&P) 04:45 Key Elements of H&P for Surgical Assistants 06:00 Challenges and Best Practices in Re...

In this Episode John and Kelly are joined by Jason Bonvito, CSA, to discuss the post mastectomy patient and the different options available for reconstruction. Jason shares his experience, insights as well as tips and tricks. This is the second in a three part series. 00:00 Introduction to the Surgical Assistant Podcast 00:37 Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy 01:22 Expert Insights with Jason...

John and Kelly in part 1 of a 3 part podcast series on the breast discuss some of the diagnosis criteria and what it means for the Surgical Assistant. They also discuss positioning, equipment, as well as relevant anatomy. Stay tuned for part 2 which will cover post mastectomy reconstruction with a special guest. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:17 Overview of Breast Surgery Series 02:20 Breast...

In this episode Kelly and I talk about C-sections. Where it originated, Why we do them, and how you can help. We also share a story or two from our experience. We also give you some tips and tricks. 00:00 Introduction to the Surgical Assistant Podcast 00:25 Personal Experiences with C-Sections 02:06 The Emotional Impact of C-Sections 03:59 History of C-Sections 07:17 Global Statistics on C-Section...

In this Episode Kelly and I discuss some of the situations and dynamics that can occur in the Operating Room. We share some experiences and maybe a little wisdom. 00:00 Introduction to the Surgical Assistant Podcast 00:19 Meet Your Hosts: John and Kelly 00:32 Today's Topic: Dynamics in the Operating Room 00:57 Staff Roles in the Operating Room 17:01 The Role of the Surgical First Assistant 29:23 C...

In this episode Kelly and I discuss the personal decision to work in the scrub after becoming a Surgical Assistant. We also talk about working in a Dual Role. 00:00 Welcome to the Surgical Assistant Podcast 00:32 Upcoming Conference Announcements 02:26 Importance of Professional Involvement 05:27 Controversial Topic Introduction 07:29 Primary Responsibilities of CSTs 09:32 Differences Between CSTs...

In this podcast Kelly and I talk about surgery starting before the use of anesthetics up to the discovery of Ether for use in surgery. We talk about the three barriers to modern surgery. WE mention the Fathers of modern surgery people like Joseph Lister, Robert Liston, and William Halsted. We even mention an interesting link to "Jack the Ripper". 00:00 The Surgical Assistant Podcast Episode: 4 The...

In this episode Kelly and I talk with Shannon Smith the lab director of Meridian institute of Surgical Assisting. We also talk with Candice Spencer who is the externship coordinator. We discuss Meridian's program of Surgical Assisting, the prerequisites, cost, surgical skills lab, and the certification exam. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:32 Meet Shannon Smith: Lab Director 01:36 Meet Candac...

In this episode Kelly and I talk about becoming a Surgical First Assistant. The education, programs, clinicals and eventually testing and licensure if applicable. 00:00 Welcome to the Surgical Assistant Podcast 00:21 Introduction of Hosts and Episode Topic 00:32 Pathway to Becoming a First Assistant 01:09 Importance of Clinical Experience 02:59 Educational Programs and Resources 03:55 Finding the...

In this Episode Kelly and I give a brief background of ourselves and how we became Surgical Assistants. We also talk about how you can become a surgical Assistant. We discuss why we created this podcast and what the is the purpose.