Awakened Anesthetist

In 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 insight into work-life balance and financials. We're throwing out the rules of propriety and candidly discussing salaries, transcripts and schedules, because transparency is a cornerstone of this podcast and my work as a CAA. Awakened Anesthetist will return Fall 2024 with all new episodes, new CAA voices and new ways to use your CAA career to build a life you love. Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

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 journeys, first days, last days, and everything in between. CAAs are uniquely pursuing their best lived lives and that generally means we are leaning into discomfort and out of the status quo. As I near my next big thing (speaking at the AAAA 2024) I am reflecting on the routines and mindset shifts that have supported me through all the BIG moments of my adulthood. In my 4-part framework I discuss my unique mindset around preparation, the finesse of practice, my "trust and letting go" phase, and the power of my confidence boosting ritual. While this framework doesn't guarantee the exact outcome I desire it always allows me to do my best and I hope it does the same for you! Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Kelsey 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 and her own support circle exemplify the profound strength it takes to rebuild a life. In our candid discussion, we move beyond Kelsey's individual story to address mental health in healthcare, unraveling the critical need for empathy and connection among CAA colleagues. This episode stands as an invitation to the medical community, especially our fellow CAAs, to embrace vulnerability, foster a culture of openness, and extend a hand to those silently battling personal demons. Kelsey's story will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever faced—or could face—the daunting intersection of personal hardship and professional responsibility. Join us as we lay bare the struggles that unite us and the strength we can find in each other. Connect with Kelsey @Kelsey.jantsch@yahoo.com IG @kelseyjo333 Need support? Find AA meeting near you (Alcoholics Anonymous) Find NA meeting near you (Narcotics Anonymous) Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Happy 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 episode and record this BONUS episode. We dive deep into the AA school admissions process and give you the insider knowledge you won't find anywhere else. Sarah has been a practicing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant since 2018. She currently sits on the AA admissions committee for South University (Savannah campus) where she helps hand select each incoming student. She shares her expertise about the AA school admissions process and so much more on her new website AspiringCAA.com. I highly recommend her website if you are interested in learning more about the CAA profession. Now go do something nice for yourself this week! Download the answers to ALL your most FAQ. HERE CAA Week 2024 Done Well @awakenedanesthetist Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Sarah 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 nuances of Sarah's life between clinical practice, teaching, and guiding future CAAs with her mentorship platform, Aspiring CAA. Sarah's journey is a beacon of inspiration, a reminder that our professional lives can be as dynamic and fulfilling as we dare to make them. Resources mentioned: Bill Ding PROCESSAspiringCAA.comLinkedin Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

In this first PROCESS interview of 2024, I sit down with the extraordinary Mark Leonard, whose career leap from the UK's Anesthesia Associate to an American Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant is nothing short of inspirational. Mark candidly shares his insider knowledge on his significant roles within the CAA profession, from his hands-on clinical work to spearheading simulation program development and teaching regional anesthesia to CAAs. This episode isn't just Mark's personal story; it's a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the anesthesia field or anyone contemplating a big life change. Mark encourages all CAAs to find their unique path to support and strengthen our rapidly growing community, remembering that sharing knowledge is just as important as acquiring it. This conversation is a testament to that belief. So, tune in for an enlightening exploration of the paths that shape our professional lives and the communal bonds that fortify them. What did they say? KEY: Resources Mentioned: Ultrasoundexperts.orgConnect with Mark @ ML2268@nova.edu Mark Leonard FB @ezmuzic on IG Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

One of the main themes of my adult life has been learning to release my strangle hold on what I am "meant to do" when it is clear the thing is not meant for me right now. In summary- learning to have some trust and patience! My still small voice (aka my intuition) has been repeating the same message over and over again for years-"nothing meant for you will pass you by." In 2024 I am taking the aligned action to listen to that voice more clearly. This episode is also an invitation to you. An invitation to embark on your own self-discovery, growth, and manifestation journey. What's waiting for you just on the other side? Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Imagine standing at what you thought would be the pinnacle of your career and being hit with the feeling that "this isn't it". Kathryn Farrell, a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) moves beyond the confines of her first professional aspiration, her second, and now her third in a journey to find her true passion. Kathryn candidly shares her fascinating evolution from aspiring dermatologist, unfulfilled CAA turned 1099 anesthetist, and now founder of the anesthesia staffing platform, Scopa Health. As Kathryn's story unfolds, it echoes the importance of starting anew in career, seeking fulfillment, and permission to craft a life by design, not default. Resources mentioned: Scopa Healthkathryn@scopahealth.comIG Live reminderU.S. Healthcare Facing a Staffing CrisisJoin To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

If you are a CAA or AA student you likely already know this amount of money is common as a full- time CAA. And, if you knew about the profession while in undergrad or earlier it is also likely that you know starting your CAA career in your mid 20s is totally possible. Our profession's ability to make 6 figures this early without going to medical school has always been our "wow" factor, for better or for worse. In this episode you will hear the behind the scenes of one CAA's television debut and how she is using this exact hook to create a wider understanding of what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant. Resources Mentioned: videoarticleYouTube CAALifestyle IGpersonal IGJoin To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate the privileges in my life while also wanting more; how the birth of my gratitude practice reoriented my brain towards the present moment and how a brave step into therapy challenged and healed my limiting beliefs. As a CAA, I know how important it is to share the messy middle- the why and the how- as well as the end result. That is how we learn in the OR and in life. After listening I hope you feel a sense of empowerment that you too can discover the life uniquely meant for you, whatever that may be. Resources Mentioned: Find a Therapist Near You Awakened Anesthetist EAP resource for CAAs Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

If you are an AA student and loved hearing the knowledge bombs dropped in Sabena's episode #40, then you will really love this student focused episode. Have you ever wondered how it would feel to take your developing skills to an entirely new environment? Experience the stress and the thrill of autonomy? Embark on a mission of hope, healing, and education? Today, we peak behind the curtain of two brave 2nd year AA students from the CWRU- Austin AA program as they recount the ups and downs of their recent medical mission trip to Uganda. Pic of the anesthesia circuit Michael mentioned HERE. Medical Mission Agencies with CAA history: https://mmomusa.org/ https://www.medicalmissionsfoundation.org/ Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Navigating the intricate world of medical mission work can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never sat down with a CAA who has gone on one. That all changes with this episode. Sabena Kachwalla, CAA has been on nearly 20 clinical and educational medical missions and shares with us her practical insights, including the need for supervision, licensure, and the costs associated with missions. Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we delve into her personal experiences administering anesthesia in third-world countries. Her vivid stories will inspire and empower all CAAs and AA students who want to take their own medical mission trip. And even bigger, Sabena's PROCESS episode allows all CAAs to see to believe what's possible when you follow the path uniquely meant for you. More questions for Sabena? Email Sabena skachwalla@nova.edu Medical Mission Agencies with CAA history: https://mmomusa.org/ https://www.medicalmissionsfoundation.org/ Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate the privileges in my life while also wanting more; how the birth of my gratitude practice reoriented my brain towards the present moment and how a brave step into therapy challenged and healed my limiting beliefs. As a CAA, I know how important it is to share the messy middle- the why and the how- as well as the end result. That is how we learn in the OR and in life. After listening I hope you feel a sense of empowerment that you too can discover the life uniquely meant for you, whatever that may be. Resources Mentioned: Gratitude: His and HersGratitude for the Busy CAA Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

As the program director for the Case Western Reserve University-DC Anesthesiologist Assistant program and a fervent advocate for the CAA profession, Shane's story is one of exploration, personal growth, and the power of a tiny 3x5 card. We explore Shane's fascinating path from aspiring med student to influential figure in the rapidly expanding field of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. If you are a CAA practitioner, AA student, or simply curious about this rapidly growing profession, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Shane @ shane.angus@case.edu Glossary of very confusing acronyms: Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate the privileges in my life while also wanting more; how the birth of my gratitude practice reoriented my brain towards the present moment and how a brave step into therapy challenged and healed my limiting beliefs. As a CAA, I know how important it is to share the messy middle- the why and the how- as well as the end result. That is how we learn in the OR and in life. After listening I hope you feel a sense of empowerment that you too can discover the life uniquely meant for you, whatever that may be. Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

In 2021 Lindsey Diaz was the first CAA to join a large private practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Even before she set foot in the operating room she was fighting false narratives and stigma about CAAs but she made it her mission to prove her worth and win over her CRNA colleagues and staff. Then, just months after her job started, in Lindsey’s words, she “accidentally” became president of New Mexico Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants during one of the CAA profession's biggest legislative battles of the decade. Lindsey led the NMAAA to pass Senate Bill 35 securing CAA practice throughout the state of New Mexico and securing her future in the state. Lindsey shares a vulnerable front row seat to how it really feels when you stand up in a room full of people who are rooting against you and fight back. Connect with Lindsey via the CAA Discord channel or by email. Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Nevada bill AB 270 was signed into law on June 9th, 2023 thereby giving CAAs legal status to practice anesthesia in the state of Nevada. Pause for cheering! In this season 3 premiere you will meet 3 CAAs, Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee, and Joey Parrish who each played a unique role in passing the bill. You will get a behind the scenes look at what it really takes to pass CAA legislation. If you take one thing away from this episode it should be that any CAA can do what Stephanie, Joey and Jada did (and they really hope you do)! Learn more about the CAA legislative process by watching others CAA legislative testimonials Find more information on the Nevada Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants HERE. Follow NVAAA on IG and give them your congrats! Want to connect with our guests? Stephanie Zunini @ info@nv-aaa.org Joey Parrish @ joeyparrish6@gmail.com Jada Wabanimkee @ jwilly143@gmail.com Inspired to make change? Donate to the AAAA legislative fund HERE and contact the AAAA Director of Government Affairs Brian Flynn via bflynn@anesthetist.org Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Season 3 begins September 1st with a new PROCESS interview. I can't wait to share it! Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Mindfulness is for everyone, yes, even CAAs. Though, it can be helpful to see mindfulness as a muscle that needs to be strengthened with practice. The body scan is a very common mindfulness practice, especially in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This short body scan was created with a beginner in mind. It can be daunting to start yet another "thing" so think of this simply as something you are exploring. No perfection required. I hope this short mindfulness episode leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. Mindfulness practice begins @ 4:28 Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist

Jen Donoso is a uniquely non traditional CAA. In addition to entering AA school at 35, Jen is a military wife, mom of two and former respiratory therapist of 15 years. Jen's story has so many twists and turns that military families will immediately relate to, and if you are unfamiliar with that lifestyle you will be awed by Jen's perseverance. Jen also shares the reasoning behind founding the much needed AA educational resource platform, Anesthesia OneSource. How to Connect with Jen? @etco2_jen Anesthesia OneSource.comanesthesiaonesourceUse Promo code AAPODCAST for 15% off checklists on Anesthesia OneSource.com, valid thru summer 2023 Join To Be Magnetic neural manifestation Use promo code AAPODCAST15 for 15% off annual or monthly Pathway membership not quite ready? Free Clarity WorkshopListen to Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist