First Case Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Operation Collaboration: Pharmacy - Medication Safety in Motion Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the 'black door' between the OR and pharmacy? 👀💊

In this week's First Case interview, we sit down with Zahara, an experienced inpatient pharmacist from San Diego, to uncover the unseen work that keeps surgical care safe and moving. From medication shortages and regulatory compliance to constant audits, refills, and real-time problem solving, Zahara shares how pharmacy and the OR intersect every single day, and why better communication can remove barriers and protect patients on both sides of the red line.

#operatingroom #ornurse #pharmacy #scrub #scrubtech

Operation Collaboration: The Lab - Partners in Precision Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

This week our Operation: Collaboration season continues with a deep dive into the often-unseen world of the Lab. In this episode, former laboratory associate supervisor turned OR nurse Anna Goodman bridges both sides of the specimen cup, breaking down cultures versus permanents, demystifying frozen sections, and explaining how real-time communication between the OR, pathology, and blood bank can directly shape surgical decisions and patient outcomes. From "deli slicer" histology humor to the critical role of accurate labeling and coordination, this conversation highlights just how intertwined every department is when it comes to delivering safe, timely care.

#operatingroom #ornurse #surgery #laboratory #scrubtech #nurse

Operation Collaboration: Sterile Processing - The Foundation of Surgical Readiness Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Sterile processing doesn't run on magic, despite what we may sometimes think. In today's interview, we're joined by Angela Benson, a sterile processing education specialist, to talk about what really happens to our instruments long before they ever reach the back table.

From decontamination and assembly to sterilization, documentation, and case cart build, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the complex, detail-driven work that makes surgery possible. We also dive into common points of miscommunication, misconceptions about SPD, and how simple things, like better communication, pre-treatment, and mutual respect, can make a huge difference for teams on both sides of the red line.

#operatingroom #ornurse #sterileprocessing #scrubtech #surgery

Scope of Innovation: Single-Use Solutions for Surgical Success Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Perfect imaging every time. No repairs. No reprocessing. Could single-use arthroscopes be the answer? On this special Beyond Clean, First Case, Power Supply, and Transmission Control Vendor Spotlight™ co-release episode, we're joined by Rich McKillop, CEO of Pristine Surgical, to explore how their Summit™ 4K Single-Use Arthroscope is redefining what efficiency looks like in the OR. Learn how this single-use solution delivers consistent 4K image clarity while eliminating the time, labor, and costs associated with scope reprocessing and repairs. Through smart, cloud-connected technology that delivers real-time data and case analytics, discover how Pristine Surgical can help your department optimize workflows, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes!

Learn more about Pristine Surgical's single-use arthroscopy solutions by visiting pristinesurgical.com. To access the cost savings calculator, schedule a demonstration, or learn more about Pristine Connect®, email info@pristinesurgical.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

Operation Collaboration: Radiology - Visualizing Surgical Success Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

Radiology is one of those departments that we rely on every single day in the OR, but don't always stop to think about how much coordination is required for our two departments to work together. In this second episode of Operation: Collaboration, we sit down with April Hughes, a radiologic technologist, to explore how radiology supports surgical care before, during, and after the procedure.

From juggling limited C-arms and tracking constantly changing schedules to the importance of real-time communication between departments, this conversation is a reminder that safe, efficient surgical care truly depends on teamwork beyond the red line. Tune in to learn more!

#operatingroom #ornurse #radiology #scrubtech #radtech #nurse #surgery

Cancelled Flight vs Cancelled Case Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

What does a canceled flight have in common with a canceled surgical case? More than you might think.

In today's article, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR shares a personal travel story that unexpectedly reframed how she thinks about case cancellations by seeing them through the patient's perspective. Through delays, rebookings, confusion, and loss of control, she draws a powerful parallel between airline disruptions and the very real emotional, financial, and logistical impact a canceled case can have on patients and their families.

This article is a timely reminder that while a cancellation may feel like a brief pause or even a coffee break for staff, it can be a major disruption for the patient. Clear communication, empathy, and transparency matter more than we sometimes realize.

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Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen, audio format. Think audio book, meets busy Operating Room professional!

#FirstCase #Podcast #OperatingRoom #Surgery #ArticlesOnTheGo #ornurse #scrubtech

Operation Collaboration: Supply Chain - The Art and Science of Having What You Need Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

We're kicking off Season 18 of First Case with a topic that impacts every single case we run, but doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves: supply chain. In this season premiere, we're joined by Gary Skinner of Discover S3 Consulting to talk about what really happens behind the scenes to make surgery possible.

From onboarding new surgeons and managing backorders to building trust, improving communication, managing expectations, and keeping the mission focused on the patient, this conversation makes one thing clear: when supply chain and the OR aren't aligned, everyone feels it. If you've ever scrambled for missing supplies, dealt with last-minute surprises, or wondered how these gaps could be avoided, this episode is for you.

#operatingroom #supplychain #surgery #ornurse #nurse #scrubtech

Christmas Eve in the OR Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

In this playful poem, Melanie highlights the hard work of those in the operating room, especially during the holiday season, and reminds us all that what we do every single day makes a difference in the lives of our patients.

Happy Holidays!

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Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen, audio format. Think audio book, meets busy Operating Room professional!

#FirstCase #Podcast #OperatingRoom #Surgery #ArticlesOnTheGo #Christmas

Thriving Through Uncertainty: Modern Approaches to Change Management Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Happy Holidays! As we celebrate the season, we're giving you a special bonus episode of First Case featuring Phyllis Quinlan, RN, President and CEO of MFW Consultants. In this timely conversation, Phyllis shares powerful insights on navigating persistent uncertainty, reframing "change" as growth and evolution, and leading teams with empathy, clarity, and solidarity during unprecedented times.

As we close out the year and look ahead to what's next, this episode offers practical wisdom for leaders and perioperative professionals facing ongoing change without losing sight of their mission or purpose.

#operatingroom #ornurse #nurse #scrubtech #podcast

Top 10: Orthopedic Surgery Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Orthopedics is one of the busiest, and most equipment-intensive, service lines in health care. In this First Case Articles on the Go episode, Lindsay Joyce and Melanie Perry break down the Top 10 (plus one) foundational things every perioperative professional should know about working in orthopedic surgery. From nerve blocks and imaging to implants, positioning, labs, and dressings, this episode focuses on the universal essentials that set teams up for safe, efficient, and successful orthopedic cases.

🎧 Listen in for practical insights that help make orthopedics feel more manageable and a lot less intimidating.

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Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to listen, audio format. Think audio book, meets busy Operating Room professional!

#FirstCase #Podcast #OperatingRoom #Surgery #ArticlesOnTheGo #ornurse #scrubtech #orthopedics

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