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 ...
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Even though their tools and equipment touch nearly every surgical patient in the world, how much do you really know about the people, processes, and products used in the Sterile Processing industry? Beyond Clean offers a creative look into the inner workings of a healthcare industry surrounded by challenges, disrupted by change, and committed to getting it right -- every instrument, every time. The team at Beyond Clean will bring on some of the biggest names in surgical instrument reprocessi ...
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Process Better: Navigating Instrument Damage: Care, Handling, & Quality
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32:46Instrument damage is more than just a headache—it’s costly, disruptive, and far more common than most realize. So, how can we prevent it before it even happens? In Episode 2 of our “Process Better” series, Tory Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager at Medline, joins us to explore the most common causes of instrument damage across surgical workflows— …
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Are You Sinking Your Own Decon Ship? The Icebergs of Sink Workflows
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39:45Three bays, two basins, or one compliance nightmare? When it comes to your decontam sinks, the wrong setup doesn't just slow you down – it can send your entire workflow underwater! On this episode of Beyond Clean's Planet Decontam, Jessie Lopez joins us to break down why the proper sink setup can make or break your entire reprocessing cycle. From m…
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Beyond the Cut: Cultivating Cultural Competence
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43:19Delivering truly patient-centered care requires cultural awareness and sensitivity. In this week's episode of First Case, Charlie Lin, Nurse Practitioner and First Assist at Stanford Children’s Pediatric Otolaryngology, shares key considerations for providing culturally competent surgical care to Asian patients. Learn how to recognize cultural diff…
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Everything’s bigger in Texas—and that’s especially true in the Texas Medical Center, where the pace never slows and the pressure is always on! In this episode of Everything is Cleaner in Texas, hosts Hank Balch and Dusty Glass sit down with Anna Castillo-Gutierrez for a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work inside one of the most complex…
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Beyond Clean Canada: The Power of Industry Disruption
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33:01What started as a podcast quickly became a global platform for Sterile Processing education—and in our Season 1 finale, we’re sitting down with the man behind the mic, the #OriginalCleanFreak himself, Hank Balch. As the Co-Founder and President of Beyond Clean, Hank takes us behind the scenes of how one idea—offering free, accessible Sterile Proces…
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Process Better: Better Point-of-Use Cleaning: Together We Win
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33:31Point-of-use cleaning is one of the most critical—and most often missed—steps in the reprocessing cycle. So, how do we build workflows that keep this step front and center? In this premiere episode of our exclusive new podcast series “Process Better,” Tory Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager at Medline, helps us redefine what effective point-of-use…
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Planet Decontam: The IFU Memory Maze: Is Decontamination IFU Compliance Achievable?
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38:37Picture it: You’re standing in decontam, 10 case carts deep, trying to track down the right IFU—and the OR rushes in with a STAT turnaround tray. In this moment, memory, speed, and accuracy collide—and compliance is put to the test! On this week’s episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Decontam, Art Babiy joins us to tackle the real-world challenges hidd…
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Beyond the Cut: Through the Eyes of the Patient
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40:03In this week's episode, we're changing our focus, and seeing the operating room through the eyes of the patient. Becca Kinney—a former sterile processing technician, medical sales representative, and now entrepreneur—joins us to share her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor. With a clinical background and firsthand experience undergoing mu…
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On this episode 3 of our brand new StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who have a passion project that's far from fowl play! Not only have they created their own backyard flock of feathered friends, they've also cracked the code for beating those sky-high egg prices! Tune in to hear how Sean Weir & S…
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On this episode 3 of our brand new StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who have a passion project that's far from fowl play! Not only have they created their own backyard flock of feathered friends, they've also cracked the code for beating those sky-high egg prices! Tune in to hear how Sean Weir & S…
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Everything is Cleaner in Texas: Don't Mess with Texas: The Big Vision for Chapter Education
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47:59Y’all ready for this? We’re kicking off our brand-new podcast series, "Everything is Cleaner in Texas," sponsored by STERIS IMS, with a big, bold look at the future of chapter education in the Lone Star State! In this premiere episode, hosts Hank Balch and Dusty Glass team up to share the vision behind Houston’s newly relaunched chapter—and the pow…
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Beyond Clean Canada: Inside the Role of a Vendor Rep
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25:08It’s 6 a.m.—the trays are sterilized, the patient is prepped, and the vendor rep is on the way! In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Adam Redmond, Vendor Rep from CONMED Corporation, to explore the critical role vendor reps play in supporting surgical teams—and the MDR professionals who make it all possible. From late-night deliv…
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Intentionality in Surgical Technology Instruction
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4:23In this week's article, we're diving into the power of purposeful teaching with “Intentionality in Surgical Technology Instruction” originally written by First Case co-host Chris Blevins, CST, FAST. From creating hands-on, realistic lab experiences to flipping the classroom for deeper engagement, this episode highlights how surgical technology educ…
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Planet Decontam: Cut & Dry: The Black & White of Endoscope Drying
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43:03Think your endoscopes are actually dry? You might want to take a second look! On this Season 28 premiere episode of Beyond Clean's “Planet Decontam,” we're joined by Jill Berends, Clinical Trainer at Ambu, to explore why moisture remains one of the biggest threats to effective high-level disinfection. From forced air-drying requirements to the chal…
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Beyond the Cut: The Hidden Influence of Implicit Bias
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37:11Implicit 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. Darl…
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Optimizing OR Workflows: The Power of Standardization and Custom Kitting
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44:54What 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 t…
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Beyond Clean Canada: Stronger Together: Building MDR & OR Relationships That Last
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41:57The best patient outcomes start with the strongest teams -- but how do we build them? In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Becky White and Pam Hunter, two powerhouse MDR leaders, to talk about what it takes to build and maintain meaningful relationships between MDR and OR teams. From their work with MDRANS and CAMDR to collaborat…
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Beyond the Cut: Recognizing & Respecting Patient Diversity
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32:30Welcome 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…
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Safe & Sterile Endoscopes - Engaging the Future: Clinical Implications of Sterile Endoscopes
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28:01Hey, #CleanFreaks -- are you ready to uncover what’s next in endoscope reprocessing? In this exciting series finale episode of "Safe & Sterile Endoscopes," Dr. Ivan Salgo, Chief Medical Officer & Vice President at ASP, joins us to pull back the curtain on the game-changing technologies reshaping our approach to endoscope sterility! From conquering …
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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 hospi…
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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 hospi…
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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 l…
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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 l…
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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-t…
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Beyond Clean Canada: Beyond Borders: Building Sterile Processing Systems That Last
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27:44Sterile Processing professionals around the world show up every day with passion, resilience, and commitment to #FightingDirty! But what happens when they don’t have access to the tools and education they need? In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Christina Fast—global safe surgery advocate and founder of the Sterile Processing E…
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What's Holding You Back: Pushing Through Limiting Mindsets for Professional Growth
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41:56
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41:56While we wait for Season 15 to begin, here's a throwback to a great episode from Season 6! Let's be real. There's a lot of..."stuff" that can hold us back. Even stuff we aren't aware of. Today’s interview with Lindsay Brown, VP of Sales and Marketing at Beyond Clean, will be an exploration of common limiting mindsets that prevent personal and profe…
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Safe & Sterile Endoscopes - The Next Chapter: The Regulatory & Guideline Shifts Surrounding Endoscopes
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30:58
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30:58As industry standards and guidelines evolve, are your department’s workflows keeping up? In this week’s new episode from our “Safe and Sterile Endoscopes” series, Stacy Johnson and Melanie Marshall, Clinical Education Consultants at ASP, join us to break down the latest regulatory requirements, including AAMI ST91, and their impact on endoscope rep…
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Beyond Clean Canada: Reduce, Reuse, & Reprocess
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27:17Sterile wrap is designed for one-time use—but what happens after it leaves the OR? In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Andy Straisfeld, sustainability advocate and President and CEO of MEA Health, to talk about the future of recycling in healthcare. From turning MDR and OR waste into park benches, plastic lumber, and even tiny h…
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In Good Company: Highlighting the Benefits of Professional Organizations
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43:35While we wait for Season 15 to begin, here's a throwback to a great episode from Season 6! Have you ever thought about joining a professional organization? Is there any value or benefit to joining? In this Season 6 episode of “Success in Scrubs,” we speak with Stella Yau, BSN, RN, CNOR, about the benefits of professional organizations. Go beyond si…
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Safe & Sterile Endoscopes - Together We Win: Clinical Collaboration Driving Best Practices
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29:17
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29:17What does it take to build a winning endoscope reprocessing program? Teamwork! In Episode 4 of our “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes” series, Julie Gorog, Clinical Education Consultant at ASP, reveals why bridging departmental gaps is essential for advancing patient safety. From crafting effective competency programs to enhancing quality assurance practic…
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Beyond Clean Canada: Beyond the Cycle: Every Load Monitoring for Patient Safety
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22:22
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22:22Sterility assurance isn’t just another checkbox in our workflows—it’s a commitment to excellence! In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re breaking down the critical steps of equipment, exposure, pack, and load monitoring—where errors can happen and how to prevent them. With high turnover rates in MDR departments, Leeanne Ismail, Clinical Spec…
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Laying A Solid Foundation: Defining Professional Development
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39:29
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39:29While we wait for Season 15 to begin, here's a throwback to a great episode from Season 6! This season, we’re tackling the topic of professional growth and development. What does that look like for perioperative professionals? Is there a certain path we’re supposed to follow? Is there more to professional growth than getting CEs? Join us as Jamie T…
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Safe & Sterile Endoscopes - The Struggle for Safety: Endoscope Reprocessing Challenges
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28:29What are the biggest roadblocks for safe and effective endoscope reprocessing? From biofilm buildup to the challenges of cleaning hard-to-reach channels, we’re pulling back the curtain on the hidden obstacles that make endoscopes some of the most complex devices to reprocess! In this week’s new episode from our “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes” series, B…
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Beyond Clean Canada: The True Cost of an Error
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17:53Sterile Processing isn’t just about cleaning instruments—it’s about making the right decisions at every step. In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we sit down with Brandon Rawn from Stryker Canada to discuss his passion for reducing errors in medical device reprocessing. Drawing from his background in public healthcare, pharmaceutical manufactur…
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The Dirty Truth About Stethoscopes: An Overlooked Infection Risk
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33:49Ever 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 an…
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Safe & Sterile Endoscopes - Inside the Idea: Endoscope Design, Functionality & Reprocessing
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31:44From the drawing board to the operating room, every detail in endoscope design matters! In Episode 2 of our new podcast series “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes,” ASP’s Khoi Pham and Tamara Beehler join us for an insider’s look at the science behind endoscope design, functionality, and innovation. From cutting-edge materials to automated systems, they rev…
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On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Make it Stick," with our Healthcare Storage Expert™, Dustin Patterson. To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com Do you know a…
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Beyond Clean Canada: The Safety Standard: Where Policy Meets Practice
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29:46What does it take to create the gold standard in medical device reprocessing? Kicking off the first-ever episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Colleen Landers —a trailblazer in medical device reprocessing, an award-winning CSA leader, and an advocate for patient safety. With decades of experience shaping national and international standar…
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Safe & Sterile Endoscopes - In the Beginning: History of Endoscopes
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33:22Buckle up, #EndoscopeEnthusiasts! We're kicking off our exclusive new podcast series, "Safe & Sterile Endoscopes," sponsored by ASP, with an exciting look at the history and innovation of modern endoscopes. This week, Dr. Klaus Mergener, a GI physician and internationally recognized expert in gastroenterology and endoscopy, takes us back to where i…
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Perioperative Nursing Around the World: OR Nursing in the US Navy
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24:37Season 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 Un…
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Environmental Impact of Healthcare Disinfection | Expert Series On-The-Go
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2:29On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Environmental Impact of Healthcare Disinfection," with our UV Disinfection Expert™, Daan Hoek. To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondclea…
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Planet Surgery: Buzzing, Beeps, & Biomed Magic in the OR
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44:19When a critical device fails mid-surgery, there's only one team to call… Biomed! This week, we’re joined by the Bearded Biomed himself, Chace Torres, as he reveals why keeping ORs running smoothly takes more than just maintaining equipment - it requires quick thinking, technical expertise, and partnerships that span all surgical teams. From prevent…
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But, Why? Privileges, Credentials, & Why They Matter
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39:33🚨 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 gate…
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Who is Responsible for Water Quality in Your Facility? | Expert Series On-The-Go
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2:45On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Who is Responsible for Water Quality in Your Facility?" with our Water Quality Expert™, Jeffrey Paquet. To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.b…
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Dual Processing Power: When Efficiency Meets Compliance
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34:14Struggling to keep pace with your facility's growing ultrasound probe demands? On this week's Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight™, we speak with Marci Tucker and Eric Einwalter from CIVCO Medical Solutions about their cutting-edge solutions in ultrasound probe high-level disinfection. Learn how CIVCO's ASTRA automated reprocessing system helps departmen…
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Planet Surgery: The Practice of Medicine: Learning from the First Cut
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38:48There's a reason they call it the practice of medicine—and every instrument tells part of the story! In this week's episode of Beyond Clean Season 27, pediatric surgeon Dr. Erik Pearson joins us to share why surgical success depends on more than just a surgeon’s skill—it requires a strong partnership with SPD. From training with specific tools to a…
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But, Why? Suture 101 - Understanding the Essentials
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32:55Suture 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 mono…
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On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Let's Get To It!" with our Healthcare Storage Expert™, Dustin Patterson. To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com Do you know…
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Planet Surgery: The Other Red Hat: Surgery Trials Through the Eyes of Our Vendors
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39:12When advocating for SPD becomes more important than selling products, you know there's a bigger story to tell! Join Territory Manager Jeremy Adler on this week's episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Surgery as he reveals why building strong partnerships between vendors and Sterile Processing is the key to making every surgery possible. From successful …
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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 durati…
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