A sarcastic whisper describing the tools used in the operating room changed everything. Meet Alyssa Ellis, the Certified Surgical Technologist and First Assistant whose educational videos have captured the attention of surgeons, students, and curious patients alike. With her trademark straightforward delivery and deep expertise, Alyssa pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you're under anesthesia.

Find Alyssa @beyondassisting on all social medial platforms and check out her website https://www.beyondassisting.com/ for more information!
After 16 years spanning nearly every surgical specialty, Alyssa brings unparalleled perspective to what makes an operating room function. Her journey began unexpectedly - working retail jobs as a young mother, she enrolled in surgical tech school on a friend's suggestion. When those friends quit two weeks later, her determination to finish what she started launched a remarkable career that would touch countless patients' lives.
Throughout our conversation, Alyssa shares invaluable insights about the true dynamics of surgical teamwork. She explains how four essential roles (surgeon, anesthesiologist, RN circulator, and surgical tech) form the foundation of every procedure, while revealing the critical importance of communication, respect, and knowing when to admit what you don't know. Her philosophy - that acknowledging limitations is a strength, not a weakness - stands as a powerful lesson for anyone in healthcare.
What makes Alyssa's story particularly compelling is her commitment to education and improvement. After years of documenting surgeons' preferences, optimizing workflows, and mentoring colleagues, she's now building a comprehensive platform to share her knowledge with the world. Her mission to reignite passion in healthcare comes at a crucial moment when burnout and disillusionment challenge the field.
Whether you're a pre-health student considering surgical specialties, a healthcare professional looking to understand OR dynamics, or simply someone curious about what happens during surgery, this episode offers rare and valuable perspective. Subscribe now and join us for more conversations with the remarkable people shaping modern medicine.

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