Awakened Anesthetist

If you are a CAA or AA student you likely already know this amount of money is common as a full- time CAA. And, if you knew about the profession while in undergrad or earlier it is also likely that you know starting your CAA career in your mid 20s is totally possible. Our profession's ability to make 6 figures this early without going to medical school has always been our "wow" fact...

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am  and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate the privileges in my life while also wanting mor...

If you are an AA student and loved hearing the knowledge bombs dropped in Sabena's episode #40 ,  then you will really love this student focused episode. Have you ever wondered how it would feel to take your developing skills to an entirely new environment? Experience the stress and the thrill of autonomy? Embark on a mission of hope, healing, and education? Today, we peak behind the curtain...

Navigating the intricate world of medical mission work can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never sat down with a CAA who has gone on one. That all changes with this episode. Sabena Kachwalla, CAA has been on nearly 20 clinical and educational medical missions and shares with us her practical insights, including the need for supervision, licensure, and the costs associated with missions. O...

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am  and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate the privileges in my life while also wanting mor...

As the program director for the Case Western Reserve University-DC Anesthesiologist Assistant program and a fervent advocate for the CAA profession, Shane's story is one of exploration, personal growth, and the power of a tiny 3x5 card. We explore Shane's fascinating path from aspiring med student to influential figure in the rapidly expanding field of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistan...

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am  and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate the privileges in my life while also wanting mor...

In 2021 Lindsey Diaz was the first CAA to join a large private practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Even before she set foot in the operating room she was fighting false narratives and stigma about CAAs but she made it her mission to prove her worth and win over her CRNA colleagues and staff. Then, just months after her job started, in Lindsey’s words, she “accidentally” became president of New Mexic...

Nevada bill AB 270 was signed into law on June 9th, 2023 thereby giving CAAs legal status to practice anesthesia in the state of Nevada. Pause for cheering! In this season 3 premiere you will meet 3 CAAs, Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee, and Joey Parrish who each played a unique role in passing the bill. You will get a behind the scenes look at what it really takes to pass CAA legislation. If yo...

Season 3 begins September 1st with a new PROCESS interview. I can't wait to share it! Drop me a quick voice note! Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter -  for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers. Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube! Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com   or on IG @ awakenedanesthetist

Mindfulness is for everyone, yes, even CAAs. Though, it can be helpful to see mindfulness as a muscle that needs to be strengthened with practice. The body scan is a very common mindfulness practice, especially in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ( MBSR ). This short body scan was created with a beginner in mind. It can be daunting to start yet another "thing" so think of this simply a...

Jen Donoso is a uniquely non traditional CAA. In addition to entering AA school at 35, Jen is a military wife, mom of two and former respiratory therapist of 15 years. Jen's story has so many twists and turns that military families will immediately relate to, and if you are unfamiliar with that lifestyle you will be awed by Jen's perseverance. Jen also shares the reasoning behind foundin...

Our human bodies are designed to tackle hard moments and then return to a physiologic baseline. Unfortunately, CAAs tend to have an overwhelmed baseline and lots of hard moments. In this episode I share 4 evidence based habits that encourage your body to return to a calm physiologic baseline even in the midst of chaos.  I hope these short mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished, encourage...

This is the 3rd and final installment in the 3- part AA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing AA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA.  Bill Ding, SAA is the chief student in the 2023 graduating class of CWRU-Cleveland MSA program. He is also an international student from Shanghai, China. If you are an i...

This is the 2nd installment in a 3- part AA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing AA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA. These live impromptu interviews occurred during the 2023 AAAA conference in Dallas, TX. Thank you to all the AA students who humored me and said, "Yes" to this interview. I...

Did you know that 10-15% of anesthesia providers will suffer from a substance use disorder over the course of their career? This suggests 1 in 10 CAAs. The power of hearing a true and vulnerable story from someone whom you can identify with is unmatched. It can reveal things that you never could have seen otherwise. I hope Jack and Jodi's story of their own struggle with substance use disorde...

April is National Addiction Awareness month.  Did you realize that as a CAA you are at an increased risk of having a substance use disorder (SUD)? Unfortunately,  10-15% of anesthesia providers will suffer from a SUD during their career. Join me in embracing our common humanity with those in our anesthesia community who are struggling with substance use disorders.  Drop me a quick voice note! Stay...

Jenn Stever, CAA is the 2023 President of the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants). She graduated from the Emory CAA program in 2006 and currently lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. Hear her personal journey to become our AAAA President in this BONUS [PROCESS] episode. Connect with Jenn at President@anesthetist.org   Resources mentioned in this episode: Map of CAA states Louisi...

In this short mindfulness episodes, Charlie Chase, CAA shares a personal voice note he made for himself circa 2017. He was taking pre-reqs to enter CAA school and never wanted to forget his "why", especially during the hard times.  I hope it leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. Drop me a quick voi...

This is the first of 3 new episodes in a CAA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing CAA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA.  In this first interview I spoke with newly graduated Charlie Chase, CAA. Charlie graduated from the University of MO Master of Science in Anesthesia program in May of 2022 and is...

This practice will help you recognize your innate resilience. Whether you just got fired, called out or diagnosed. You are capable of handling more than you give yourself credit for.  I hope these short mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. Drop me a quick voice note! Stay Connected by su...

You probably have heard whisperings of anesthesia groups being bought out or replaced by agency over night. These stories could be chalked up to urban legends except for the fact that sometimes they actually happen. In the third and final installment of my full-time to part-time story, hear how I was fired, how it felt, and what I did next. New to the Awakened Anesthetist podcast? First get caught...

I hope these short mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape.  @ 9:25 Mindful breathing begins Additional Resources What is EMDR? The No-Nonsense Meditation Book: A Scientist's Guide to the Power of Meditation Why practice mindfulness?  Dr. Rick Hanson talks Mindfulness on his Being Well...

If you don’t completely understand what "working locums" means as a CAA. Or, if you are a CAA and unsure if it's even a possibility in your future, this episode is for you. Jenny and John Nolan take us behind the scenes of their lives and careers. One is a CAA who has made locums work their full time income and the other runs a successful locums agency. They very candidly break down...

I hope this fun 5ish episode leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community this holiday/4th quarter season. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. Additional Resources: Join Lindywell and receive $20 off HERE Meal subscription services I have used before include Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Green Chef, Sunfresh, Home Chef Drop me a quick voice note! Stay Conn...