In this episode, John and Kelly interview Rob Blackstone, Program Director of the newly established Surgical First Assistant program at the College of Western Idaho. The discussion covers key aspects of the program, including admission prerequisites, laboratory training, tuition costs, and the structure of the clinical internship.

In this episode Kelly and John discuss traveling and give a few tips and tricks on finding an assignment. They also discuss how to find housing as well as some other pointers for finding your first assignment.

In this anesthesia part 1 episode Kelly and John begin with some practical pointers, tips, and tricks.

In this episode John and Kelly talk about the 2025 Joint NSAA/ASA spring Conference in Dallas, TX. They describe the preconference workshops as well as updates about both organizations. The creation of the American Academy of Surgical Assistants. Then give an overview of the presentations as well as legislative updates.

In this episode Kelly and John discuss and compare the idea of being a "Jack of all Trades" as a Surgical Assistant or having a broad skill base. Is it better to specialize in one surgical discipline or have a broad skill set over many of the common surgical specialties.

In this special episode for Surgical Assistant week John and Kelly interview the ASA President Fred Fisher. Learn about the history of Surgical Assisting as well what the profession was like in the early days. Also, hear Fred's advice for new Surgical Assistants. Learn what "Surgeonese" is and why it is so important for new Surgical Assistants to learn it!

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-position-accessories/trenguard-trendelenburg-patient-restraint

Pink Pad system:

https://xodusmedical.com/PinkPad

TrenMAX:

https://www.impmedical.com/positioning-products/trenmax-trendelenburg-positioning-gel-sheet/

Safe-T-Secure:

https://www.impmedical.com/positioning-products/trenmax-trendelenburg-positioning-gel-sheet/

Nu Blue foam Wingpad:

https://www.soulemedical.com/trendelenburg-positioners

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 Must-Attend for Surgical Assistants03:33 Highlighting Specific Conferences06:44 The Value of Networking and CEUs14:12 Leveraging Reps for Educational Opportunities18:37 Textbooks: An Old-School Resource23:21 Exploring Netter's Anatomy and Surgical Resources24:57 Orthopedic Surgical Guides and Tax Deductions26:30 Podcasts for Surgical Assistants27:53 Behind the Knife and Other Educational Podcasts31:05 YouTube Channels and Online Resources36:46 Interactive Anatomical Apps from Emory University39:52 Conferences and Professional Development43:27 New Textbook for Surgical Assistants44:38 Final Thoughts and EncouragementNSAA/ASA Conference Linkhttps://asa-nsaa.org/index.php/about/Blumgart's Surgery of the liver, Biliary Tract, and Pancreashttps://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780323697842?role=studentSurgical Assisting textbookhttps://www.mhprofessional.com/the-practice-and-principles-of-surgical-assisting-9781264264377-usaSchwartz's Textbook of Surgeryhttps://www.mhprofessional.com/schwartz-s-principles-of-surgery-absite-and-board-review-11th-edition-9781260469752-usaSurgical Recallhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/surgical-recall-lorne-blackbourne/1118618720Advanced Surgical Recallhttps://www.abebooks.com/9780683008340/Advanced-Surgical-Recall-Blackbourne-Fleischer-068300834X/plpCampbell's Operative Orthopedicshttps://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/campbells-operative-orthopaedics-4-volume-set-9780323672177.html?refSrc=68335&nosto=nosto-page-product3Netter's Anatomyhttps://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/netter-atlas-of-human-anatomy-classic-regional-approach-hardcover-9780323793735.html?srsltid=AfmBOooLF3giuB-lFnLiYt2B2YaewCUSRyRrjRcgfNvdUEiJD5Tyc_-oNetter's PRNhttps://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/netters-surgical-anatomy-review-prn-9780323447270.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqKJB0d9CLhBkI-k4xncAquFBZu-PFraaDBUiDyfZUFtKKFPxIcHoppenfeld's Surgical Approaches in Orthopedicshttps://shop.lww.com/Surgical-Exposures-in-Orthopaedics--The-Anatomic-Approach/p/9781975168797?srsltid=AfmBOoovQeVsMs0Cv8QI4VSjd2Nz_gpdtqtwIpbroWXtAIo7bMcNmTAaZollinger's Atlas of Surgical Operationshttps://www.abebooks.com/9780071797559/Zollingers-Atlas-Surgical-Operations-Tenth-0071797556/plpSurgery 101 Podcasthttps://surgery101.org/podcast/Curious Clinicians https://curiousclinicians.com/Husky Orthopedics Grand Roundshttps://www.youtube.com/user/HuskyOrthopaedicsRobotic Surgery Collaborationhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1522777931338325/

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 Reviewing H&P

08:55 Assessing the Patient Pre-Operatively

17:59 Understanding Surgical History and Its Implications

24:08 Medications and Their Impact on Surgery

33:26 Discussing Patient History and Communication with Surgeons

34:38 Physical Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis

35:46 Importance of Knowing Patient's Age and Body Habitus

36:42 Making Informed Decisions During Surgery

40:54 Understanding and Reviewing Lab Values

46:07 Contraindications and Patient Medications

53:34 The Role of Allergies in Patient Care

58:03 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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 Bon Vito

02:45 Understanding Mastectomy and Reconstruction Options

11:11 The Importance of Blood Perfusion in Reconstruction

18:01 Flap Techniques in Breast Reconstruction

31:55 Direct to Implant (DTI) Reconstruction

34:33 Sterile Techniques and Hemostasis

35:41 Choosing the Right Implant

37:13 Spy Technology in Mastectomy

41:36 ADM Preparation and Implantation

46:04 The Role of a First Assistant

54:09 Patient Positioning and Safety

57:41 Preoperative and Postoperative Care

01:06:16 Understanding Seroma and Healing Challenges

01:06:49 Recent Advances in Surgical Techniques

01:07:04 Patient Activity and Healing

01:07:26 Complications and Management

01:07:57 Dressing and Post-Op Care

01:12:01 Tissue Expanders and ADM

01:21:12 Patient Expectations and Psychological Impact

01:23:33 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up