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/