First Case Podcast

On this episode 2 of the StreetClothes podcast, we talk to a well-known voice in the medical device space about bending strings and making his guitar "talk." If you're like many Americans, you've probably got a guitar in a closet somewhere. Some of you may even use your guitar as a much-needed tool to unwind your mind after a crazy day at the hospital. Whether you're a "picker" or a "grinner", if you appreciate the power of music to deeply impact people, you'll find a lot of value in this episode.

Tune in to hear how and why Kevin Brown jams out when he's outside of scrubs...

If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show to share it with the world!

#StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

On this episode 1 of our brand new, human-interest "StreetClothes" podcast series, we talk to a clinician who moonlights as a personal chef in between his travel assignments. Don't listen to this interview on an empty stomach as the smell, taste, and passion for food is strong from beginning to end. But like any good recipe, even this story has a little twist — this personal chef isn't whipping up meals for the rich and famous.

Tune in to hear this wonderful story about what Vinny Stancarone does outside of scrubs.

If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show to share it with the world!

#StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

The AORN Expo is not just another conference—it's an immersive, high-energy event packed with education, networking, and hands-on learning opportunities! As thousands of perioperative professionals prepare to gather in historic Boston from April 5–8, 2025, making the most of this experience requires some strategic planning.

Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned Expo veteran, these ten tips will help you navigate the busy schedule, maximize learning opportunities, and ensure an unforgettable experience. From utilizing the Expo app to networking with industry leaders, voting in AORN elections, and staying comfortable throughout the event, we've got you covered.

Ready to make the most of AORN Expo 2025? Let's dive in!

#operatingroom #perioperative #ornurse #perioperativenurse #aornexpo

Ever think about how clean your stethoscope really is? 🤔 On this special release episode of First Case, we're teaming up with Transmission Control to tackle a hidden but serious infection risk—stethoscope hygiene!

Join us as we chat with Scott Mader, CEO & Founder of AseptiScope, about how stethoscopes can become overlooked vectors for infection and what we can do to fix it.

Spoiler: You might want to clean your stethoscope after this episode! 😷

#operatingroom #ornurse #nurse #surgery #infectionprevention

Season 14 is a wrap! And while we wait for Season 15, we're bringing you an audio version of an interview we did with Stella Yau during Perioperative Nurses Week!

In this interview, we're talking with Stella Yau about her experience as a perioperative nurse in the US Navy. As she tells her story, you'll hear about nursing school education in the United States, about the additional responsibilities for nursing students in an ROTC Program, you'll learn what it was like for her as nurse serving in the Navy, and how she has used her experiences to influence her career now as a civilian perioperative nurse.

🚨 SEASON 14 FINALE! 🚨

What happens before a surgeon steps into the OR? How do we know they're actually qualified to perform a procedure? 🤔

In the Season 14 finale of #FirstCase, we're pulling back the curtain on credentialing and privileging with Nyleen Flores, Chief Administrative Officer at Lake Oconee Orthopedics. She's diving deep into the gatekeeping process that protects patient safety—and trust us, there's a lot you probably don't know!

🎙️ Tune in as we discuss: ✅ The real process behind vetting surgeons and staff ✅ Why OR teams should question who is performing a case ✅ How credentialing can prevent medical disasters before they happen

This conversation will change the way you see surgical care. Don't miss it! 🎧

#SurgicalSafety #PatientSafety #PerioperativeNursing #HealthcarePodcast #OperatingRoom

Suture is something every OR professional encounters daily, yet many of us were never properly taught how much about them. Why is suture sizing so confusing? What's the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, and when should each be used?

In this episode of First Case, we're diving deep into the world of suture, breaking down monofilament vs. multifilament options, discussing how suture coatings impact healing, and uncovering common mistakes that could affect patient outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned perioperative professional or just starting out, this conversation will give you the confidence to navigate suture selection like a pro. Tune in now!

#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #surgery #perioperative

Trendelenburg is a common position in the OR, but are we truly positioning patients safely? In this episode of First Case, we welcome back David Gomez, nurse anesthetist and CEO of Infinitus Medical, to uncover the risks, misconceptions, and best practices for safe Trendelenburg positioning.

In today's episode we'll discuss:

🔹 Why degree and duration matter more than you think 🔹 The hidden dangers of extreme angles and prolonged positioning 🔹 Common injuries - compartment syndrome, brachial plexus damage, and skin shearing 🔹 How to advocate for safer practices despite OR hierarchies 🔹 The role of proper positioning devices and what to avoid

Join us as David shares real-world stories, research-backed insights, and practical solutions.

#operatingroom #ornurse #trendelenburg #crna #scrubtech #surgery #patientpositioning

Positioning patients in the OR isn't just about access to the surgical site—it's about preventing serious injuries. From nerve damage and tissue ischemia to long-term functional impairment, improper positioning can have devastating consequences. But with the right knowledge and attention to detail, many of these injuries are completely preventable.

Tune in as Chris and Melanie break down the risks, the science behind positioning injuries, and the steps you can take to keep your patients safe. Don't miss it! 🎧

#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #patientpositioning #podcast #perioperative

Are all of the PPE rules we have in the OR really necessary? Joining us this week to uncover the purpose behind the rules and guidelines is Jill Holdsworth, Infection Prevention Manager at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia.

Tune in as Jill breaks down the basics of PPE and its critical role in the OR. We'll discuss common PPE items and unpack the reasons WHY our PPE is essential for patient and staff safety. And of course, we'll tackle the ever-controversial bouffant-over-scrub-cap debate! Don't miss this informative episode!