First Case Podcast

Learning how to scrub isn't as simple as just watching a few cases and picking it up as you go—at least, not if we're committed to keeping our patients safe. In this week's episode of First Case , we dive into the complexities of learning to scrub, whether you're starting from scratch in a formal surgical tech program, getting on-the-job training, or you're a nurse suddenly being asked to scrub in...

We desperately want our ORs to be efficient. So do our surgeons. So why does it feel like productive engagement and communication is often easier said than done? As daunting as it may sometimes seem, engaging with our surgeons is crucial to improving efficiency, communication, and collaboration in the OR. In this episode of First Case, we're joined by orthopedic surgeon and DOCSI CMO Dr. Pearce Mc...

On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional who finds calm, clarity, and a spark of creativity behind the lathe. For him, woodturning is more than just a hobby—it's a release, a reset, and a reminder that even a simple block of wood can become something beautiful with time, focus, and the right tools. Tune in to hear how Joseph Martin's...

Staffing shortages and burnout have left many ORs struggling to stay efficient — but what if there was a simple solution that gave you time back while also protecting your sterile field? In today's First Case Vendor Spotlight™ , we're going to learn all about this time and staff saving solution with Laurel Stebbins, Clinical Manager, and Alex Navlet, Clinical Consultant, with TIDI Products,  along...

In this week's Article On-the-Go, Lindsey Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares a humorous glimpse into her experiences as a nurse on call in the CVOR. Known among her colleagues for her "black cloud" reputation, Lindsey recounts rushing into ECMO emergencies in the middle of the night, sometimes in pajamas or flip flops, with no time to spare and lives on the line. She captures the organized chaos of sett...

It's here! Season 16 of the First Case podcast  has officially dropped! We're kicking off the season with a raw and relatable conversation all about the questions we  don't always feel comfortable asking in the OR — but need to. In this episode, we'll dive into the daily uncertainties that even seasoned professionals face and how to navigate those "I have no idea what I'm doing" moments with humil...

On this episode of StreetClothes , we talk to a healthcare professional who spends her time away from the hospital chasing trails and wide-open views. Whether she's trekking solo through Iceland or tackling steep paths with friends, this adventurer finds peace wherever her hiking boots take her. Tune in to hear how Brenna Doran embraces the calm and clarity of the outdoors—one step, one trail, and...

In this week's edition of Articles on the Go,  Chris Blevins, CST, FAST, draws a creative parallel between the strategic world of football and the high-stakes environment of the operating room. Just like a zone defense on the field, infection prevention in surgery relies on teamwork, precision, communication, and adaptability. From the offensive line to the surgical team, every player has a critic...

When it comes to patient safety, we scrutinize  every  instrument—but how often do we scrutinize the water used to clean them? In today's First Case Vendor Spotlight TM , we're addressing that critical, yet often overlooked, factor in our surgical and sterile processing outcome - water quality. Joining us is Jeffrey Paquet, CEO of VERDA Water Quality Systems, a leader in developing comprehensive w...

On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional whose passion for two wheels brings freedom, focus, and a whole lot of fuel to life outside the hospital. From the thrill of the throttle to the quietness of the long ride, this rider has discovered that nothing clears the mind quite like a full tank and the open road. Tune in to hear how Jenni...

Surgical smoke isn't just unpleasant—it's dangerous. In our latest First Case: Articles on the Go episode, we shed light on the harmful particles released during common surgical procedures—and the risks they pose to perioperative professionals. Despite decades of research confirming the presence of carcinogens, mutagens, and infectious material in surgical smoke, consistent regulation and protecti...

On this episode of our StreetClothes podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who find comfort, creativity, and a little pinch of calm in the art of baking. Whether it's homemade bagels, a failed bundt cake, or family traditions passed down through generations, these self-taught bakers have each discovered their own flavor of joy in the kitchen. Tune in to hear how Vanessa Frank & C...

Surgical fires remain a serious—yet preventable—risk in the operating room. One critical safety measure? Adhering to the recommended dry times for alcohol-based prep solutions. In this episode of First Case: Articles on the Go , we examine the evidence behind dry time protocols, their role in preventing OR fires and surgical site infections, and the importance of following manufacturer guidelines....

Autopsy tech Amanda Krygier joins us in the First Case season finale to pull back the curtain on a rarely discussed, deeply meaningful part of patient care - postmortem care. From collecting organs and evidence to comforting grieving families with answers, Amanda shares how compassion continues— even after life ends.  In this episode, we explore: 🧠 What autopsy techs actually do ⚖️ How they handl...

What happens when the patient on your OR table is an inmate —or a victim of violent crime? 👮‍♂️  This week, we sit down with David Bowman, f aculty with the School of Legal Studies at South College in Tennessee, to explore the legal, ethical, and emotional challenges of treating these patients. From chain of custody to managing personal bias, this episode is a must-listen for every perioperative...

On this episode of the StreetClothes podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional whose passion project is generating some serious buzz in his own backyard! With 31 hives and counting, this busy bee has discovered the joy—minus the occasional sting—and the liquid gold rewards of working with nature's busiest pollinators. Tune in to hear how Cody Troutt's adventures in beekeeping bring the...

In this week's episode of First Case , perioperative consultant Vangie Dennis joins us to explore how generational differences impact patient care. From Traditionalists to Gen Z, each group brings unique values, communication styles, and expectations into the surgical setting. Learn how to tailor your approach, improve patient engagement, and avoid common missteps across the generational spectrum....

In this week's episode of First Case, we sit down with JD Buchert, Director of Workforce Safety at Parkland Health in Dallas, TX, to discuss the unique challenges transgender patients face as they navigate the healthcare setting. Did you know that over 70% of transgender individuals turn to emergency departments for care, often due to discrimination or harassment in other medical spaces? In this p...

On this episode 4 of the StreetClothes podcast, we talk to Lindsay Brown, a Minnesota clinician who has a passion project unlike any other! Not only does she know where babies come from (every child's eternal question), she also knows how clinical expertise beautifully combines with nurturing care during life's very first moments.  Tune in to hear how Linds's work as a doula brings comfort and adv...

Delivering truly patient-centered care requires cultural awareness and sensitivity. In this week's episode of  First Case , Charlie Lin, Nurse Practitioner and First Assist at Stanford Children's Pediatric Otolaryngology, shares key considerations for providing culturally competent surgical care to Asian patients. Learn how to recognize cultural differences, navigate family dynamics, and enhance c...

In this week's episode, we're changing our focus, and seeing the operating room through the eyes of the patient. Becca Kinney —a former sterile processing technician, medical sales representative, and now entrepreneur—joins us to share her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor. With a clinical background and firsthand experience undergoing multiple surgeries, Becca offers a unique and deepl...

On this episode 3 of our brand new StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who have a passion project that's far from fowl play! Not only have they created their own backyard flock of feathered friends, they've also cracked the code for beating those sky-high egg prices! Tune in to hear how Sean Weir & Stacey Gielen became known as the "Chicken Tenders"...

In this week's article, we're diving into the power of purposeful teaching with "Intentionality in Surgical Technology Instruction" originally written by First Case co-host Chris Blevins, CST, FAST. From creating hands-on, realistic lab experiences to flipping the classroom for deeper engagement, this episode highlights how surgical technology educators can shape confident, competent future CSTs t...

Implicit bias - it's unconscious, it's uncomfortable, and it affects patient care more than we may realize. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Darlene Murdock, Staff Nurse at Memorial Hermann Hospital, to explore how our own hidden biases can lead to unequal treatment, impact patient outcomes, and create barriers to compassionate care. Darlene shares real-life stories, eye-opening stats, a...