This podcast is for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, AA students, and anyone hoping to become one. As a CAA, I know how difficult it can be to find guidance that truly reflects our unique perspective. I created Awakened Anesthetist to be the supportive community of CAAs I needed on my own journey. Every month, I feature CAA expanders in what I call my PROCESS interview series. I also create solo episodes that weave in themes of wellness, self-discovery, and mindful growth - offering in ...
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Anesthesiologist Assistant Podcasts
Learn what Locum Tenens is really like from our healthcare providers and their recruiters.
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Interviews with authors of articles from JAMA Surgery. JAMA Surgery is an international peer-reviewed journal that promotes the art and science of surgery by publishing relevant peer-reviewed research to assist the surgeon in optimizing patient care. JAMA Surgery also serves as a forum for the discussion of issues pertinent to surgery, such as the education and training of the surgical workforce, quality improvement, and the ethics and economics of healthcare delivery.
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During this mid summer break check-in I announce the launch of CAA Matters, the first comprehensive professional development and wellness curriculum designed specifically for the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant profession. After years of development, I'm piloting the program with 4 NSU AA programs and expanding offerings to both AA programs an…
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Interview with Annabelle Jones, MD, MPH, and Seth A. Berkowitz, MD, MPH, authors of Food Insecurity in US Surgical Patients: Findings From the National Health Interview Survey. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Food Insecurity in US Surgical Patients
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Familiarity of the Surgeon-Anesthesiologist Dyad and Major Morbidity After High-Risk Elective Surgery
16:50
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16:50Interview with Julie Hallet, MD, MSc, author of Familiarity of the Surgeon-Anesthesiologist Dyad and Major Morbidity After High-Risk Elective Surgery. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Familiarity of the Surgeon-Anesthesiologist Dyad and Major Morbidity After High-Risk Elective Surgery Association of Familiarity of the Surgeon-Anesthes…
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LIVE Season 4 Finale @ AAAA 2025: [PROCESS] The AAAA Presidency and a Life by Design with Nicole Moore, CAA
55:15
55:15
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55:15Nicole Moore, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and 2025 AAAA* President, shares her journey from discovering the CAA profession through a Google search to becoming a pivotal leader in CAA advocacy and education. *American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants In this LIVE Season 4 Finale recorded @ AAAA 2025 you will hear how Nicole: Balances …
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Comprehensive Review of Foley Catheter Management
17:58
17:58
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17:58Interview with Anne P. Cameron, MD and Glenn T. Werneburg, MD, PhD, authors of Foley Catheter Management: A Review. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Foley Catheter Management
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The Life of a Locum Hospitalist During National Physicians Week
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18:43
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18:43In this special episode for National Physicians Week, we sit down with one of our incredible locum hospitalist doctors to discuss his unique experiences working as a locum and the essential role he plays in patient care. From his journey into medicine to the impact of locum work on healthcare teams, Dr. Mohammed shares insights into what it’s like …
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Molecular Testing and Targeted Therapies in Hepatobiliary Cancers
12:47
12:47
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12:47Interview with Timothy M. Pawlik, MD, PhD, MPH, MTS, MBA, author of Molecular Testing and Targeted Therapies in Hepatobiliary Cancers: A Review. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Molecular Testing and Targeted Therapies in Hepatobiliary Cancers
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Want a New Job? A Deep Dive with LocumTenens.com
40:49
40:49
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40:49Are you a CAA looking for a new job? Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down again with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down the exact process to land your dream job. In this episode we discuss: common fears surrounding locums…
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[PROCESS] Listening to Life's Whispers: A Journey of Passion and Persistence ft. Yulanda Greene, CAA
50:58
50:58
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50:58Step into the world of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants with Yulanda Greene as she shares her remarkable PROCESS to become a prominent CAA educator and leader. As the 2025 president of the Georgia Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, Yulanda passionately advocates for the profession while offering insight into the challenges and rewards of …
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Celebrating CAA Week – A Conversation with an Anesthesiologist Assistant
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13:15In this special episode for CAA Week, we sit down with Patrick F., a dedicated Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA), to explore the dynamic and vital role AAs play in anesthesia care. Join us as we chat about the day-to-day responsibilities of an AA, the passion behind choosing this profession, and the rewarding impact AA's make in the healthcare field.…
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Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Obesity
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13:28
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13:28Interview with Marko Kraljević, MD, and Ralph Peterli, MD, authors of Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Obesity: The SM-BOSS Randomized Clinical Trial. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Laparoscopic Sleeve Gas…
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Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 4 How Much Do CAAs Make?
58:31
58:31
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58:31Curious 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 …
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A CRNA's Journey To Flexibility and Freedom
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19:32
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19:32In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned CRNA, Stacey T., to dive into her unique experience working locums. She shares the ins and outs of traveling and how the flexibility of locums has shaped her career and personal life. Tune in for a candid conversation about Stacey's experience in the locums world and what she loves about working with CCL…
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2025 Life Update: Embracing Intentional Breaks for Fulfillment
26:10
26:10
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26:10Reflecting on recent experiences, I share how taking an intentional break has rejuvenated my commitment to living life by my design. From unexpected snow days to exciting new projects like CAA Matters, this episode emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care in both personal and professional realms. In this episode I talk about: • Personal u…
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Association Between Surgeon Stress and Major Surgical Complications
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11:08
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11:08Interview with Jake Awtry, MD, and Antoine Duclos, MD, PhD, authors of Association Between Surgeon Stress and Major Surgical Complications. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Association Between Surgeon Stress and Major Surgical Complications
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Use of Biologic and Biosynthetic Mesh for Ventral Hernia Repair in Current Practice
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15:03
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15:03Interview with Ryan Howard, MD, MS, and Dana Telem, MD, MPH, authors of Use of Biologic and Biosynthetic Mesh for Ventral Hernia Repair in Current Practice. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Use of Biologic and Biosynthetic Mesh for Ventral Hernia Repair in Current Practice
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[PROCESS] Her Untold Path to Empowerment and Influence ft. Chabely Rodrigez, CAA
55:48
55:48
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55:48Get to know Chabely Rodriguez, a trailblazing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and social media influencer. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, Chabely's story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. Her story highlights not just the allure of financial stability, but also the profound impact of connecting with underrepresent…
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Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 3 Where Can CAAs Work?
35:38
35:38
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35:38Curious 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 …
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REPLAY: 5ish Holiday Hacks for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant
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22:32
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22:32Originally aired December 2022. I hope this fun 5ish episode leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community this holiday/4th quarter season. You (still) deserve to feel good behind the drape. Additional Resources: Try out Lindywell at home Pilates for Free Meal subscription services I have used before include H…
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Long-Term Outcomes of Early Surgery vs Endoscopy First in Chronic Pancreatitis
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15:02Interview with Marja A. Boermeester, MD, PhD, and Charlotte L. Van Veldhuisen, MD, authors of Long-Term Outcomes of Early Surgery vs Endoscopy First in Chronic Pancreatitis: Follow-Up Analysis of the ESCAPE Randomized Clinical Trial. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Long-Term Outcomes of Early Surgery vs Endoscopy First in Chronic Pan…
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Embracing Resilience: Self-Compassion Meditation for CAAs
22:21
22:21
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22:21Join me for a 10-minute meditation, designed to fit into your busy day whether you're on a work break or commuting, learn how to embrace your natural source of resilience. Meditation begins around 4:33 This isn't just about managing stress; it's about nurturing an inner resilience that's often overlooked. By allowing positive qualities to infiltrat…
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Revolutionizing CAA Careers: Exploring Locums Work with LocumTenens.com
29:13
29:13
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29:13Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down exactly what "working locums" means for CAAs, and what you need to have in place before considering a locums position. LocumTenens.com has recen…
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UPDATE: Trailblazing the CAA Licensure Movement in Nevada ft. Stephanie Zunini, CAA
27:35
27:35
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27:35This is an update to Stephanie Zunini's original PROCESS episode 35 released September 1st, 2023. We catch up with Stephanie more than a year later to discuss the arduous process required to actually practice in a new state after passing a CAA licensure bill. Stephanie's experience in Nevada highlights the emotional and physical toll of this long, …
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Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 2 Why You Should NOT be a CAA
28:12
28:12
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28:12Curious 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 …
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Part 2 of 2. Building a Diverse Future in the CAA Profession PROCESS ft. DEI AAAA Scholarship Winners, Ellen Fleurival, SAA and Tekiah McClary, SAA
52:26
52:26
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52:26In 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 a…
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Part 1 of 2. Building a Diverse Future in the CAA Profession ft. DEI AAAA Committee Chair, Arielle Knafel-Bellian, CAA
20:32
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20:32In 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…
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Thriving Through Mindfulness as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant
24:49
24:49
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24:49Gain 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 mind…
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Traumatic Brain Injury and Unemployment and Personal Income Loss
20:23
20:23
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20:23Interview with Christopher D. Witiw, MD, and Armaan K. Malhotra, MD, authors of Traumatic Brain Injury and Unemployment and Personal Income Loss. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Unemployment and Personal Income Loss After Traumatic Brain Injury
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Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants: Pt. 1 What is a CAA?
18:49
18:49
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18:49Curious 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 …
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Join us for an inspiring interview with a locum FNP, Stefanie B. Listen along as she shares her unique journey and experiences as a locum provider, offering valuable insights and perspectives.By Cross Country Locums
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[PROCESS] Breaking Barriers in The Evergreen State ft. Sarah Brown, CAA
1:08:18
1:08:18
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1:08:18Discover 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 Aca…
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An Update on the Survival of the First 50 Face Transplants Worldwide
11:25
11:25
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11:25Interview with Pauliina Homsy, MD, PhD, and Patrik Lassus, MD, PhD, An Update on the Survival of the First 50 Face Transplants Worldwide. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: An Update on the Survival of the First 50 Face Transplants Worldwide
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Going Viral Changed My Life (but not how you expect)
28:09
28:09
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28:09If 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! …
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LIVE REPLAY: On Leadership, Professional Growth and the Naysayers ft. AAAA 2024 President Danny Mesaros, CAA
46:44
46:44
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46:44Join 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 envi…
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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 co…
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Restrictive Strategy vs Usual Care for Cholecystectomy in Patients With Gallstones and Abdominal Pain
13:16
13:16
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13:16Interview with Philip R. de Reuver, MD, PhD, and Daan J. Comes, MD, authors of Restrictive Strategy vs Usual Care for Cholecystectomy in Patients With Gallstones and Abdominal Pain: 5-Year Follow-Up of the SECURE Randomized Clinical Trial. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Restrictive Strategy vs Usual Care for Cholecystectomy in Patie…
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It's National Locum Tenens Week! Let's Celebrate
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16:01
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16:01We appreciate Dr. McGeary joining us this week for National Locum Tenens week to share her experience as a locums Pediatrician. We enjoyed hearing her 'why' on becoming a Physician and why locums has been one of the best decisions she's made.By Cross Country Locums
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Pregnancy and Parenthood Among US Surgical Residents
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17:24
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17:24Interview with Erika L. Rangel, MD, MS, and Lauren M. Janczewski, MD, MS, authors of Pregnancy and Parenthood Among US Surgical Residents. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Pregnancy and Parenthood Among US Surgical Residents
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a little update + CAA mindfulness practice
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22:11
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22:11Hello 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 gazin…
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Variation in Postoperative Outcomes Across Hospital Star Ratings
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15:16
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15:16Interview with Adrian Diaz, MD, MPH, and Andrew M. Ibrahim, MD, MSc, authors of Variation in Postoperative Outcomes Across Federally Designated Hospital Star Ratings. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Variation in Postoperative Outcomes Across Federally Designated Hospital Star Ratings
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Breast Cancer Risk After Bariatric Surgery and Influence of Insulin Levels
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11:04
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11:04Interview with Felipe M. Kristensson, MD, and Magdalena Taube, PhD, author of Breast Cancer Risk After Bariatric Surgery and Influence of Insulin Levels: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Breast Cancer Risk After Bariatric Surgery and Influence of Insulin Levels…
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Season 3 Finale: Reflections and Interviews LIVE from AAAA 2024
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55:55In the Season 3 finale of Awakened Anesthetist Podcast wander with me through the buzzing AAAA 2024 conference halls and catch my takeaways after I return home. You'll get to eavesdrop on spontaneous chats with CAAs from all points along the journey. From the student who shares the resilience needed to thrive in the OR, to a practicing CAA's insigh…
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Oral Antibiotics vs IV and Oral Antibiotics for Uncomplicated Appendicitis
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16:24
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16:24Interview with Paulina Salminen, MD, PhD, and Jussi Haijanen, MD, PhD, authors of Three-Year Outcomes of Oral Antibiotics vs Intravenous and Oral Antibiotics for Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis: A Secondary Analysis of the APPAC II Randomized Clinical Trial. Hosted by Amalia L. Cochran, MD. Related Content: Three-Year Outcomes of Oral Antibiotics …
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As a CAA I know you have faced many make or break moments. But, how did you make it through? When I reflect on my near 2 decades as a CAA and all the challenges I have overcome, I can see a framework develop as my "pre-game" ritual if you will. Of course your hard thing is not always about professional challenges- weddings, babies, coming out journ…
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Celebrating National Physicians Week with a philanthropic MD, Dr. Taylor
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27:42
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27:42Join us as we sit down with Dr. Taylor, an Emergency Medicine Physician and Air Force Flight Surgeon, who shares his passion for medicine and the patients he serves. Dr. Taylor is the creator of Physicians for Wishes, which provides vacations for families struggling with severe illnesses. To learn more about this initiative, check out his YouTube c…
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Morbidity After Mechanical Bowel Preparation and Oral Antibiotics Prior to Rectal Resection
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10:20
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10:20Interview with Laura Koskenvuo, MD, PhD, and Ville Sallinen, MD, PhD, authors Morbidity After Mechanical Bowel Preparation and Oral Antibiotics Prior to Rectal Resection: The MOBILE2 Randomized Clinical Trial. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Morbidity After Mechanical Bowel Preparation and Oral Antibiotics Prior to Rectal Resection…
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Finding Balance and Overcoming Addiction: A Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant's Journey ft. Kelsey Koehler
1:04:58
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1:04:58Kelsey Koehler, CAA bravely shares the darker moments of her life, including a personal struggle with alcohol that led to 2 DUIs a week apart. Her story is a beacon for CAAs, illuminating the stark reality of substance misuse in our community. Her proactive approach to recovery and commitment to transparency with the Missouri state medical board an…
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Intraoperative Wound Irrigation for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection After Laparotomy
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14:32Interview with Daniel Reim, MD, and Tara Catharina Mueller, MD, authors Intraoperative Wound Irrigation for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection After Laparotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial by CHIR-Net. Hosted by Amalia Cochran, MD. Related Content: Intraoperative Wound Irrigation for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection After Laparotomy…
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BONUS: Mastering AA School Admissions: Expert Advice for Aspiring Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
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20:11Happy CAA Week 2024 to all my fellow CAAs, AA students and those who hope to be one soon! As a special gift to this community I am answering your most frequently asked questions- spoiler* they are always about the AA admissions process! This is not my area of expertise, so I asked my latest PROCESS guest, Sarah Whitfield, to stick around after her …
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[PROCESS] Embracing Career Transitions ft. Aspiring CAA founder Sarah Whitfield, CAA
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46:32
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46:32Sarah Whitfield is a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, full time faculty instructor, blogger, wife, mother and entrepreneur. Sarah's story from her initial veterinary ambitions to her leadership in the anesthesiologist assistant field, illustrates that the road to career satisfaction isn't always a straight line. In this episode we explore the …
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