This podcast is for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, AA students, and anyone hoping to become one. As a CAA, I know how difficult it can be to find guidance that truly reflects our unique perspective. I created Awakened Anesthetist to be the supportive community of CAAs I needed on my own journey. Every month, I feature CAA expanders in what I call my PROCESS interview series. I also create solo episodes that weave in themes of wellness, self-discovery, and mindful growth - offering in ...
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During this mid summer break check-in I announce the launch of CAA Matters, the first comprehensive professional development and wellness curriculum designed specifically for the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant profession. After years of development, I'm piloting the program with 4 NSU AA programs and expanding offerings to both AA programs an…
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LIVE Season 4 Finale @ AAAA 2025: [PROCESS] The AAAA Presidency and a Life by Design with Nicole Moore, CAA
55:15
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55:15Nicole Moore, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and 2025 AAAA* President, shares her journey from discovering the CAA profession through a Google search to becoming a pivotal leader in CAA advocacy and education. *American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants In this LIVE Season 4 Finale recorded @ AAAA 2025 you will hear how Nicole: Balances …
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Want a New Job? A Deep Dive with LocumTenens.com
40:49
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40:49Are you a CAA looking for a new job? Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down again with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down the exact process to land your dream job. In this episode we discuss: common fears surrounding locums…
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[PROCESS] Listening to Life's Whispers: A Journey of Passion and Persistence ft. Yulanda Greene, CAA
50:58
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50:58Step into the world of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants with Yulanda Greene as she shares her remarkable PROCESS to become a prominent CAA educator and leader. As the 2025 president of the Georgia Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, Yulanda passionately advocates for the profession while offering insight into the challenges and rewards of …
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Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 4 How Much Do CAAs Make?
58:31
58:31
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58:31Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how …
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2025 Life Update: Embracing Intentional Breaks for Fulfillment
26:10
26:10
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26:10Reflecting on recent experiences, I share how taking an intentional break has rejuvenated my commitment to living life by my design. From unexpected snow days to exciting new projects like CAA Matters, this episode emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care in both personal and professional realms. In this episode I talk about: • Personal u…
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[PROCESS] Her Untold Path to Empowerment and Influence ft. Chabely Rodrigez, CAA
55:48
55:48
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55:48Get to know Chabely Rodriguez, a trailblazing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and social media influencer. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, Chabely's story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. Her story highlights not just the allure of financial stability, but also the profound impact of connecting with underrepresent…
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Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 3 Where Can CAAs Work?
35:38
35:38
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35:38Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how …
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REPLAY: 5ish Holiday Hacks for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant
22:32
22:32
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22:32Originally aired December 2022. I hope this fun 5ish episode leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community this holiday/4th quarter season. You (still) deserve to feel good behind the drape. Additional Resources: Try out Lindywell at home Pilates for Free Meal subscription services I have used before include H…
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Embracing Resilience: Self-Compassion Meditation for CAAs
22:21
22:21
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22:21Join me for a 10-minute meditation, designed to fit into your busy day whether you're on a work break or commuting, learn how to embrace your natural source of resilience. Meditation begins around 4:33 This isn't just about managing stress; it's about nurturing an inner resilience that's often overlooked. By allowing positive qualities to infiltrat…
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Revolutionizing CAA Careers: Exploring Locums Work with LocumTenens.com
29:13
29:13
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29:13Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down exactly what "working locums" means for CAAs, and what you need to have in place before considering a locums position. LocumTenens.com has recen…
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UPDATE: Trailblazing the CAA Licensure Movement in Nevada ft. Stephanie Zunini, CAA
27:35
27:35
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27:35This is an update to Stephanie Zunini's original PROCESS episode 35 released September 1st, 2023. We catch up with Stephanie more than a year later to discuss the arduous process required to actually practice in a new state after passing a CAA licensure bill. Stephanie's experience in Nevada highlights the emotional and physical toll of this long, …
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Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 2 Why You Should NOT be a CAA
28:12
28:12
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28:12Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how …
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Part 2 of 2. Building a Diverse Future in the CAA Profession PROCESS ft. DEI AAAA Scholarship Winners, Ellen Fleurival, SAA and Tekiah McClary, SAA
52:26
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52:26In this joint PROCESS episode, 2024 DEI AAAA scholarship winners, Ellen Fleurival and Tekiah McClary, share their unique paths to become Anesthesiologist Assistant students. Together, we uncover the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced, navigating through the demands of AA school while breaking barriers in a predominantly homogenous field. Ellen a…
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Part 1 of 2. Building a Diverse Future in the CAA Profession ft. DEI AAAA Committee Chair, Arielle Knafel-Bellian, CAA
20:32
20:32
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20:32In this episode, the 2024 AAAA DEI Committee chair, Arielle, and I, dive into the goals and selection process for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion AAAA scholarship. This scholarship is designed to create a more inclusive CAA community by valuing each applicant's unique story. With criteria that emphasize student involvement and contributions to…
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Thriving Through Mindfulness as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant
24:49
24:49
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24:49Gain the confidence to make decisions aligned with your true desires and embrace a compassionate approach to life. We'll explore how mindfulness can help break the cycle of equating worth with productivity, fostering inherent worthiness and resilience. I'll also share my personal experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder, illustrating how mind…
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Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants: Pt. 1 What is a CAA?
18:49
18:49
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18:49Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how …
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[PROCESS] Breaking Barriers in The Evergreen State ft. Sarah Brown, CAA
1:08:18
1:08:18
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1:08:18Discover how Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants President, Sarah Brown, paved the way for CAAs in Washington State. Hear her PROCESS from Georgia to Seattle, balancing career & family, and breaking legislative barriers in this 2024 CAA victory. Do you want CAAs licensed in all 50 states? Then you should 1. Join the AAAA (American Aca…
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Going Viral Changed My Life (but not how you expect)
28:09
28:09
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28:09If you missed the viral video mentioned in this episode you can watch (or rewatch) it HERE ~credit @CAALifestyle In this Season 4 premiere I share how going viral in May 2024 changed my life. I give you all the juicy details and my final take away is something you won't expect. I FINALLY learned a big lesson, once and for all. You can now text me! …
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LIVE REPLAY: On Leadership, Professional Growth and the Naysayers ft. AAAA 2024 President Danny Mesaros, CAA
46:44
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46:44Join me for my first LIVE podcast interview featuring our 2024 AAAA President, Danny Mesaros. This episode was recorded in April 2024 in front of an intimate audience at the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) conference in Orlando, FL. During this candid conversation Danny discusses the demands of his presidency and what he envi…
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Season 4 is launching on Friday, September 13th, and I’m thrilled to share the episodes I’ve been working on this summer. This season, we’ll dive into what it means to be a healthy and thriving Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, and for those of you curious about the profession, I’ll be giving you an insider’s look each month. Of course, I’ll co…
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a little update + CAA mindfulness practice
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22:11Hello from my summer break! I am in the midst of a mindfulness teacher training through Dharma Moon and Tibet House and was challenged by my 1:1 teacher to lead a group practice on the pod. Unfortunately, I realized (after edits) that I forgot to tell you what to do with your eyes! For this practice you want to keep your eyes open, and softly gazin…
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Season 3 Finale: Reflections and Interviews LIVE from AAAA 2024
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55:55In 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 insigh…
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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 journ…
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Finding Balance and Overcoming Addiction: A Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant's Journey ft. Kelsey Koehler
1:04:58
1:04:58
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1:04:58Kelsey 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 an…
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BONUS: Mastering AA School Admissions: Expert Advice for Aspiring Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
20:11
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20:11Happy 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 …
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[PROCESS] Embracing Career Transitions ft. Aspiring CAA founder Sarah Whitfield, CAA
46:32
46:32
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46:32Sarah 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 …
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Transatlantic Tales of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant ft. Mark Leonard, CAA
1:27:39
1:27:39
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1:27:39In 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…
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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 …
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[PROCESS] Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant to Tech Startup Founder: Kathryn Farrell's Permission to Find What's Missing
1:08:27
1:08:27
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1:08:27Imagine 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 …
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BTS: 28-year-old Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant makes over $210K ft. Chabely Rodrigez
30:10
30:10
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30:10If 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 sc…
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SERIES: Part 3. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Going to Therapy
36:14
36:14
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36:14My 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…
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BONUS [PROCESS] Student Stories: A Medical Missions Journey to Uganda
43:32
43:32
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43:32If 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 ed…
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[PROCESS] Exploring Medical Missions as a CAA with Sabena Kachwalla, CAA
1:00:06
1:00:06
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1:00:06Navigating 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, li…
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SERIES: Part 2. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Gratitude
21:30
21:30
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21:30My 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…
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[PROCESS] Exploring the Expanding Field of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants with Shane Angus, CAA
51:10
51:10
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51:10As 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 fiel…
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NEW SERIES: Part 1. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Wanting More
30:36
30:36
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30:36My 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…
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[PROCESS] Lindsey Diaz, CAA on fear, anger and her right to practice in New Mexico
47:48
47:48
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47:48In 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…
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[PROCESS] The Stars Align in Nevada ft. CAAs Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee and Joey Parrish
1:07:34
1:07:34
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1:07:34Nevada 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 w…
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Season 3 begins September 1st with a new PROCESS interview. I can't wait to share it! You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions Sign up to learn how you can join the first Pre-AA cohort of CAA Matters and get a rare head start in AA school. Learn More +Check out my Pre-AA Highlight on IG Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Ne…
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Short Body Scan for Beginners: 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant
13:41
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13:41Mindfulness 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 ano…
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[PROCESS] Epitome of Perseverance: Military Wife Finds Career Fulfillment ft. Jen Donoso, CAA
47:43
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47:43Jen 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 …
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4 Habits to Beat Overwhelm- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy CAA
11:57
11:57
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11:57Our human bodies are designed to tackle hard moments and then return to a physiologic baseline. Unfortunately, CAAs tend to have an overwhelmed baseline and lots of hard moments. In this episode I share 4 evidence based habits that encourage your body to return to a calm physiologic baseline even in the midst of chaos. I hope these short mindfulnes…
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[PROCESS] Navigating AA School as an International Student with Bill Ding, SAA
44:14
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44:14This is the 3rd and final installment in the 3- part AA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing AA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA. Bill Ding, SAA is the chief student in the 2023 graduating class of CWRU-Cleveland MSA program. He is also an internatio…
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This is the 2nd installment in a 3- part AA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing AA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA. These live impromptu interviews occurred during the 2023 AAAA conference in Dallas, TX. Thank you to all the AA students who humored…
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[PROCESS] Real Stories of Substance Use Disorders in Anesthesia Providers
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13:10Did you know that 10-15% of anesthesia providers will suffer from a substance use disorder over the course of their career? This suggests 1 in 10 CAAs. The power of hearing a true and vulnerable story from someone whom you can identify with is unmatched. It can reveal things that you never could have seen otherwise. I hope Jack and Jodi's story of …
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April is Addiction Awareness month-5ish Mins for the Busy CAA
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9:50April is National Addiction Awareness month. Did you realize that as a CAA you are at an increased risk of having a substance use disorder (SUD)? Unfortunately, 10-15% of anesthesia providers will suffer from a SUD during their career. Join me in embracing our common humanity with those in our anesthesia community who are struggling with substance …
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[PROCESS] The Person Behind the 2023 AAAA Presidency ft. Jenn Stever, CAA
48:13
48:13
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48:13Jenn Stever, CAA is the 2023 President of the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants). She graduated from the Emory CAA program in 2006 and currently lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. Hear her personal journey to become our AAAA President in this BONUS [PROCESS] episode. Connect with Jenn at [email protected] Resources men…
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Remembering your "why"- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (Student)
9:02
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9:02In this short mindfulness episodes, Charlie Chase, CAA shares a personal voice note he made for himself circa 2017. He was taking pre-reqs to enter CAA school and never wanted to forget his "why", especially during the hard times. I hope it leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel goo…
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[PROCESS] Finding a Good Fit as a New Grad Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant with Charlie Chase, CAA
43:22
43:22
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43:22This is the first of 3 new episodes in a CAA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing CAA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA. In this first interview I spoke with newly graduated Charlie Chase, CAA. Charlie graduated from the University of MO Master of Sci…
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