First Case Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Beyond the Cut: The Hidden Influence of Implicit Bias Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Implicit bias - it's unconscious, it's uncomfortable, and it affects patient care more than we may realize.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Darlene Murdock, Staff Nurse at Memorial Hermann Hospital, to explore how our own hidden biases can lead to unequal treatment, impact patient outcomes, and create barriers to compassionate care. Darlene shares real-life stories, eye-opening stats, and actionable steps to help us become more self-aware and patient-focused in the OR and beyond. Tune in now to take the first step toward understanding your own implicit bias!

#operatingroom #perioperative #perioperativenurse #implicitbias #surgicaltechnologist #scrubtech #podcast

Optimizing OR Workflows: The Power of Standardization and Custom Kitting Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you combine collaboration, efficiency, and standardization in the OR with strategic relationships and data-driven decision-making? You have a success story of operational transformation! Join us in this First Case Vendor Spotlight™ with Randy Subramany, Director of Supply Chain at New York Presbyterian, as we uncover the process that revolutionized procedural supply management.

New York Presbyterian, with its expansive network of 10 acute care centers and over 450 locations, collaborated with Cardinal Health™ Presource® Solutions to tackle inefficiencies in procedural supply standardization. The result? A streamlined custom kitting program that reduced redundant SKUs, minimized waste, and significantly improved clinician satisfaction. As a result, the organization eliminated unnecessary variation while enhancing patient care.

Throughout the discussion, Randy highlights the critical role of supply chain leaders in driving value-based care, reducing waste, and optimizing workflows. He shares insights into how Cardinal Health™ Presource® has been an essential component in this process, providing robust data analysis, standardization tools, and hands-on collaboration to ensure seamless implementation.

From reducing case setup times to improving emergency preparedness, this episode sheds light on how custom kitting solutions can transform perioperative efficiency. If you're looking to streamline supply chain processes, enhance clinician experience, and ultimately improve patient outcomes, Cardinal Health™ Presource® Procedural Pack Solutions is ready to help.

Reach out to your Cardinal Health Presource® representative to explore tailored kitting solutions that meet your OR's needs, or request more information on their website.

#FirstCase #CardinalHealth #VendorSpotlight #OperatingRoom #Efficiency #Workflows #SupplyChain #PatientCare #CustomSurgicalKits

Beyond the Cut: Recognizing & Respecting Patient Diversity Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Season 15 premiere of First Case! We're kicking off this season with guest JD Buchert, and diving into the importance of understanding our patients beyond their procedures.

In this episode, we explore the importance of seeing patients as individuals rather than just cases. Our conversation covers the role of culturally competent care, how personal experiences and backgrounds shape patient interactions, and the need for improved communication and empathy in the perioperative setting. We'll also discuss how unconscious bias can impact care and what we can do to foster a more inclusive and patient-centered approach.

Join us as we uncover strategies for building trust, enhancing patient interactions, and ensuring every patient feels seen, heard, and respected. This is a conversation that can transform how we care for those who entrust us with their health, so don't miss it!

#operatingroom #perioperativenurse #perioperative #surgicaltech #scrubtech #podcast

StreetClothes: The Guitarist Apr 06, 2025

Show notes

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

StreetClothes: The Personal Chef Apr 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

Get Ready for AORN Expo 2025! Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

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

The Dirty Truth About Stethoscopes: An Overlooked Infection Risk Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

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

Perioperative Nursing Around the World: OR Nursing in the US Navy Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

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.

But, Why? Privileges, Credentials, & Why They Matter Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

🚨 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

But, Why? Suture 101 - Understanding the Essentials Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

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

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