First Case
Clock in, scrub up, and join us behind the red line. We are First Case – an operating room podcast bringing you exciting interviews, engaging discussions, and innovative solutions that are changing the way patients receive surgical care. Each episode we talk to frontline staff, perioperative leadership, and nursing entrepreneurs from across the country as they share their stories, experience and expertise on an industry we love.
From the back table to the board room, from wheels in to wheels out. — we tackle the real-life issues affecting the OR. Whether you’re tuning in for surgical service education or inspiration, we’re glad you’re here. And now, it’s time to roll back, and start the First Case…
Episodes
The Dirty Truth About Stethoscopes: An Overlooked Infection Risk
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
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
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
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
But, Why? The Truth About Trendelenburg
Trendelenburg is a common position in the OR, but are we truly positioning patients safely? In this episode of First Case, we welcome back David Gomez, nurse anesthetist and CEO of Infinitus Medical, to uncover the risks, misconceptions, and best practices for safe Trendelenburg positioning.
In today’s episode we’ll discuss:
Why degree and duration matter more than you think The hidden dangers of extreme angles and prolonged positioning Common injuries – compartment syndrome, brachial plexus damage, and skin shearing How to advocate for safer practices despite OR hierarchies The role of proper positioning devices and what to avoid
Join us as David shares real-world stories, research-backed insights, and practical solutions.
#operatingroom #ornurse #trendelenburg #crna #scrubtech #surgery #patientpositioning
But, Why? Avoiding Positioning Pitfalls
Positioning patients in the OR isn’t just about access to the surgical site—it’s about preventing serious injuries. From nerve damage and tissue ischemia to long-term functional impairment, improper positioning can have devastating consequences. But with the right knowledge and attention to detail, many of these injuries are completely preventable.
Tune in as Chris and Melanie break down the risks, the science behind positioning injuries, and the steps you can take to keep your patients safe. Don’t miss it!
#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #patientpositioning #podcast #perioperative
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