Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA student or simply exploring a career in medicine, this guide equips you with the insights you need to understand the CAA profession.

In Part 2 we unravel the lesser-known complexities of this unique profession, painting a candid picture that challenges its conventional allure. Not to worry, we also explore the many good reasons why you should become a CAA. This is an honest deep dive you won't find anywhere else. 

Helpful Resources:

• American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) -the CAA profession's national governing board
• AAAA statement on "What is a CAA" 
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) on CAAs
• Looking for Day in the Life CAA content? find it HERE and HERE
• "What is a CAA?" YouTube video (produced by AAAA 2015) 

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

Complete your required CAA CME credits with courses designed specifically for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Visit cmeforcaas.com and use the code CME15 to receive 15% off any CME purchase.

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

In this joint PROCESS episode, 2024 DEI AAAA scholarship winners, Ellen Fleurival and Tekiah McClary, share their unique paths to become Anesthesiologist Assistant students. Together, we uncover the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced, navigating through the demands of AA school while breaking barriers in a predominantly homogenous field. Ellen and Tekiah reflect on their motivations, their resilience, and the broader themes of under representation. From overcoming application barriers to the significance of outreach efforts, their experiences underscore the power of individual actions in fostering meaningful change.

Follow Ellen IG
Follow Tekiah IG

Key Acronyms

• DEI- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
• HBCU- Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• AAAA- American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
• CAA- Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
• SAA- Student Anesthesiologist Assistant

Key Links

• Health Professions Readiness Education Program (HealthPREP) @ Emory Univ.
• Email the 2024 DEI Committee Chair to get involved [email protected]
• Join the AAAA (must be AAAA member to apply for DEI scholarship)
• DONATE NOW DEI Scholarship - AAAA
• LEARN MORE DEI Scholarship Requirements
• APPLY for the DEI Scholarship 2025 (application open thru mid December 2024)

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

Complete your required CAA CME credits with courses designed specifically for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Visit cmeforcaas.com and use the code CME15 to receive 15% off any CME purchase.

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

In this episode, the 2024 AAAA DEI Committee chair, Arielle, and I, dive into the goals and selection process for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion AAAA scholarship. This scholarship is designed to create a more inclusive CAA community by valuing each applicant's unique story. With criteria that emphasize student involvement and contributions to diversity, the scholarship seeks to ensure representation and prevent bias. 
Consider this your sneak peek into the upcoming PROCESS episode featuring the 2024 DEI scholarship winners, Ellen and Tekiah. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by Arielle's impactful work and continue supporting diversity within the anesthesia field.
 

Key Acronyms

• DEI- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
• AAAA- American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
• CAA- Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
• SAA- Student Anesthesiologist Assistant

Key Links

• Email the 2024 DEI Committee Chair to get involved [email protected]
• Join the AAAA (must be AAAA member to apply for DEI scholarship)
• DONATE NOW DEI Scholarship - AAAA
• LEARN MORE DEI Scholarship Requirements
• APPLY for the DEI Scholarship 2025 (application open thru mid December 2024)

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

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

Gain the confidence to make decisions aligned with your true desires and embrace a compassionate approach to life. We'll explore how mindfulness can help break the cycle of equating worth with productivity, fostering inherent worthiness and resilience. I'll also share my personal experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder, illustrating how mindfulness has been pivotal in managing anxiety and building resilience. Whether you're a seasoned CAA* or an aspiring student, learn about the unique potential within our community to harness mindfulness for overall well-being. 

*several times I misspoke and left off Certified Anesthesiologist ASSISTANT. This was not intentional.

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

Complete your required CAA CME credits with courses designed specifically for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Visit cmeforcaas.com and use the code CME15 to receive 15% off any CME purchase.

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

Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA student or simply exploring a career in medicine, this guide equips you with the insights you need to understand the CAA profession.

In Part 1 we dive into the foundation of what it means to be a CAA. I'll clarify common lingo, highlight the distinctions between CAAs and other anesthesia professionals, and provide vital information for those prepping for AA school interviews. By the end of this episode, you'll not only grasp the basics but also appreciate the nuanced and vital position we hold within the anesthesia care team and the broader medical community. 

Helpful Resources:

• American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) -the CAA profession's national governing board
• AAAA statement on "What is a CAA" 
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) on CAAs
• Looking for Day in the Life CAA content? find it HERE and HERE
• "What is a CAA?" YouTube video (produced by AAAA 2015) 

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

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

Discover how Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants President, Sarah Brown, paved the way for CAAs in Washington State. Hear her PROCESS from Georgia to Seattle, balancing career & family, and breaking legislative barriers in this 2024 CAA victory.

Do you want CAAs licensed in all 50 states? Then you should
1. Join the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Donate to the AAAA Legislative Fund
3. Listen to ep. 35 [PROCESS] The Stars Align in Nevada ft. CAAs Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee and Joey Parrish

Do you want to work in Washington state? Then you should
1. Donate to the WAAA (Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Join the WAAA
3. Read the WA AA bill SB5184

Do you have the desire to open a new state? Then you should
Email the AAAA Legislative Committee Chair, Brie Seekford, CAA

and just for fun: Pic of WA Governor signing the CAA bill into law ft. Sarah and her 5 day old baby!

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

Complete your required CAA CME credits with courses designed specifically for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Visit cmeforcaas.com and use the code CME15 to receive 15% off any CME purchase.

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

If you missed the viral video mentioned in this episode you can watch (or rewatch) it HERE ~credit @CAALifestyle

In this Season 4 premiere I share how going viral in May 2024 changed my life. I give you all the juicy details and my final take away is something you won't expect. I FINALLY learned a big lesson, once and for all.

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

Complete your required CAA CME credits with courses designed specifically for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Visit cmeforcaas.com and use the code CME15 to receive 15% off any CME purchase.

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

Join me for my first LIVE podcast interview featuring our 2024 AAAA President, Danny Mesaros. This episode was recorded in April 2024 in front of an intimate audience at the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) conference in Orlando, FL. During this candid conversation Danny discusses the demands of his presidency and what he envisions for the future of our profession.  He also addresses the haters. A must-listen for any aspiring or practicing CAA!

Season 4 of Awakened Anesthetist Podcast is launching on Friday, September 13th, and I’m thrilled to share the episodes I’ve been working on this summer. This season, we’ll dive into what it means to be a healthy and thriving Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, and for those of you curious about the profession, I’ll be giving you an insider’s look each month. Of course, I’ll continue the fan-favorite PROCESS episodes, expanding our vision of what’s possible for CAAs. I’m excited to see what we can build together this season. Talk soon!

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

Complete your required CAA CME credits with courses designed specifically for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Visit cmeforcaas.com and use the code CME15 to receive 15% off any CME purchase.

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

Season 4 is launching on Friday, September 13th, and I’m thrilled to share the episodes I’ve been working on this summer. This season, we’ll dive into what it means to be a healthy and thriving Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, and for those of you curious about the profession, I’ll be giving you an insider’s look each month. Of course, I’ll continue the fan-favorite PROCESS episodes, expanding our vision of what’s possible for CAAs. I’m excited to see what we can build together this season. Talk soon!

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

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

Hello from my summer break! I am in the midst of a mindfulness teacher training through Dharma Moon and Tibet House and was challenged by my 1:1 teacher to lead a group practice on the pod. Unfortunately, I realized (after edits) that I forgot to tell you what to do with your eyes! For this practice you want to keep your eyes open, and softly gazing down. If you have never tried a mindfulness practice with eyes open (like me up until 4 weeks ago), I want to validate that it can be uncomfortable but also worth the effort. The goal is to narrow the gap between your meditating life and your regular life with eyes open. 

I hope you enjoy this episode and find it helpful to learn about mindfulness from a fellow practicing CAA. Mindfulness has saved me in so many ways and has brought so many good things into my life. I can't wait to share more!

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

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