Advertise on podcast: First Case Podcast

A new season of First Case is on the way! In the meantime, we're featuring a few episodes from our friends at Beyond Clean and Power Supply. Tune in today! From the OR to SPD, those contaminated instruments are on the move, and so are pathogens! In this Season 2 premiere of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Nicholas Day are joined by Rebecca Lauber, Kendall Ashe, Adam Okada, and Crystal Heishman to break down what really happens when soiled instruments leave the OR and make their journey to decontam. From point-of-use pre-treatment and biofilm build-up to OSHA requirements and AAMI standards, this crew digs into what it really means to move biohazards safely through your facility. Because soil transport isn't just about getting instruments from A to B -- it's about protecting everyone they pass along the way! A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #FirstCase #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

A new season of First Case is on the way! In the meantime, we're featuring a few episodes from our friends at Beyond Clean and Power Supply. Tune in today! When case information, vendor requirements, and compliance data live in separate systems, even a small gap can create major delays. In Episode 2 of "Operate in Harmony," Brendan Shaw from ReadySet and Jay McDonald from Green Security join us to explore how connected technology can bring greater clarity to the people, products, and processes supporting every surgical case. From linking EHR, ERP, scheduling, and vendor credentialing systems to reducing duplicate work and identifying missing requirements before the day of surgery, this conversation reveals how real-time visibility can help teams stay compliant, prepared, and ahead of costly disruptions. Tune in today to discover how connected technology can help your team spend less time chasing information and more time focusing on patient care. A special thanks to our sponsor, ReadySet, for making this series possible. #FirstCase #PowerSupply #ReadySet #OperateInHarmony #HealthcareSupplyChain #Vendor #Clinical #Operational #Partnership #BestPractices #Technology

A new season of First Case is on the way! In the meantime, we're featuring a few episodes from our friends at Beyond Clean and Power Supply. Tune in today! Not all UV technologies are created equal, and for supply chain teams, knowing the difference leads to better purchasing decisions. In this episode of "Evidence Over Expense," Dr. Sarah Simmons, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC, and Juan Gonzalez from Xenex help cut through the confusion and explain what healthcare organizations should really be looking for before investing in UV technology. From FDA authorization and product safety to service, support, and long-term usability, this conversation gives supply chain teams a clear path to smarter decision-making. If your team is evaluating UV technology, this episode will help you ask the right questions, avoid the wrong assumptions, and look beyond the price tag to what truly drives value. BONUS CONTENT: Be sure to download the free Supply Chain UV Checklist Tool to help your team ask the right questions and make more informed purchasing decisions. Click here to download: https://9231499.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9231499/Power%20Supply/Podcast/Xenex%20Bonus%20Content%20-%20Episode2.pdf A special thanks to our sponsor, Xenex, for making this series possible. #FirstCase #PowerSupply #Xenex #HealthcareSupplyChain #InfectionPrevention #ValueAnalysis #EvidenceOverExpense #UVTechnology #Podcast

A new season of First Case is on the way! In the meantime, we're featuring a few episodes from our friends at Beyond Clean and Power Supply. Tune in today! Black specks may be small, but the tension they create between departments can be anything but. In this episode of "What the Speck?," Alex Miseirvitch from Aesculap® joins us to talk about one of the most overlooked challenges in solving the black speck mystery—finger-pointing. When trays are rejected and surgeries are delayed, the pressure to find someone responsible can quickly overshadow the real goal: protecting patients and solving the issue together. Alex shares lessons from the field on how teams can move past blame and work together to find real solutions. Because when everyone is focused on proving who's right, it becomes a lot harder to solve what's actually wrong. Tune in today! A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #FirstCase #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

A new season of First Case is coming soon! Until then, we're bringing some Season 11 favorites back for another listen. Bob Marley once said, "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." Everyone can recognize the power that music has. We're drawn to it emotionally and spiritually, but we can also be affected by it physiologically. In today's interview with Dr. Alice Cash, CEO & Founder, Surgical Serenity Solutions,  we're going to uncover the many ways that music can benefit surgical patients. As a clinical musicologist and researcher, Dr. Alice has been studying the effects of music on the surgical patient for many years. Join us as Dr. Alice teaches us about the many benefits of music, how music can affect surgical patients, and discover how music can reduce postoperative pain. #operatingroom #surgery #opioidcrisis #opioids #music #musictherapy #perioperative #ornurse #scrubtech  #painmanagement

A new season of First Case is coming soon! Until then, we're bringing some Season 11 favorites back for another listen. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Pathways are changing the surgical experience for our patients. Our surgical patients are experiencing shorter lengths of stay, decreased postoperative pain, a more rapid return of bowel function, and decreased readmission rates. Joining us today to provide more insight into the implementation and benefits of ERAS pathways is Kim Duggan, Senior Director and ERAS Specialist at Pacira Biosciences. Tune in to hear Kim's personal experience establishing ERAS pathways at her facility, learn what barriers she faced, and how she succeeded. We'll also learn more about one of the non-opioid medications commonly used to provide long-term pain relief for our surgical patients. Tune in for more! #operatingroom #surgery #opioidcrisis #opioids #opioidsparingsurgery #perioperative #ornurse #scrubtech #ERASPathway #painmanagement

A new season of First Case is coming soon! Until then, we're bringing some Season 11 favorites back for another listen.  Are you ready for Season 11 to begin??  In this season, we're "Going Beyond Opioids" and focusing on the opioid crisis and alternative pain management methods. And we're kicking it off with none other than Orthopedic Surgeon and Opioid Sparing Advocate, Dr. Scott Sigman! Tune in as Dr. Sigman shares his personal experiences and insights into the devastating effects of the opioid crisis and find out what sparked his passion for opioid sparing techniques. Plus, learn with us as Dr. Sigman discusses the transformative impact of opioid-sparing techniques in practice. Don't miss this powerful discussion that challenges the status quo in pain management! #operatingroom #surgery #opioidcrisis #opioids #opioidsparingsurgery #perioperative #ornurse #scrubtech

All season long, we've been breaking down the silos between the OR and Infection Prevention teams. So where do we go from here? In this "Silo-Free Surgery" season finale episode, Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce are joined by Maureen Spencer and Peter Graves to talk about what it takes to turn collaboration into action. They discuss why effective SSI prevention means looking beyond policies and bundles to observe what's really happening before, during, and after surgery. From outdated policies and overlooked environmental risks to direct observation and surgical stewardship, Maureen and Peter challenge teams to bring the right people to the table and take shared ownership of safer surgical care. The season may be ending, but the work of breaking down silos is just getting started. Tune in today! Thanks for tuning in to "Silo-Free Surgery!" We'll see you soon for another season of the First Case and Transmission Control podcasts. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #SafeSurgery #Collaboration #SSIPrevention #Policies

When something doesn't look right in the OR, do you have the confidence to speak up? In this episode of "Silo-Free Surgery," Garrett Hollembeak sits down with certified surgical technologist, educator, and infection preventionist Julia Jackson to talk about the role surgical conscience plays in protecting patients and preventing surgical site infections. From protecting the sterile field to slowing down for a meaningful timeout and questioning something that doesn't look right, Julia shares why doing the right thing in the moment matters, even when it isn't always easy. If you've ever hesitated to speak up in the OR, this episode is a powerful reminder of why your voice matters. Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PatientSafety #Timeout #SpeakingUp #SurgicalConscience

The OR sees one thing. Infection Prevention reports another. So who's right? In this episode of "Silo-Free Surgery," hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Trey Morrow are joined by infection prevention expert Emily Barnard to tackle one of the trickier parts of SSI surveillance: PATOS, or "present at time of surgery." Emily breaks down the difference between clinical and surveillance definitions, why the right documentation matters, and how seemingly small details in the operative note can make all the difference in accurate SSI reporting. From wound classification to the very specific language behind PATOS criteria, this conversation shows why OR and IP teams need a shared understanding of what they're seeing and documenting. If PATOS has ever caused confusion in your facility, this conversation is for you! Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PATOS #SurgicalSafety #Documentation #Reporting

Every surgical procedure depends on a reliable barrier between clinicians and patients, but is every glove designed to deliver the same level of protection? On this week's First Case Vendor Spotlight™, Rachel Dalton, MSN, RN, CPPS, Global Manager of Medical Affairs at Cardinal Health™, discusses how the Protexis™ Surgical Glove Portfolio is helping OR teams stay ahead of evolving best practices around glove changing, double-gloving, and latex-free surgical environments. With features like Neu-Thera™ coating, independent thumb design, and interlocking beaded cuffs, the Protexis™ Portfolio helps support comfort, dexterity, and reliable protection throughout every procedure. From product innovation to hands-on clinical support, discover how Cardinal Health™ is helping OR teams build confidence in every layer of protection. Interested in bringing the Protexis™ Surgical Gloves Portfolio to your facility? Connect with your Cardinal Health™ sales representative or visit their website to request free samples, access CE courses, white papers, additional resources, and more. Plus, be sure to check out their previous Vendor Spotlight™ episodes featuring the Protexis™ Portfolio for even more insights. Tune in today! Tune in to previous Vendor Spotlight™ episodes here: Fits Like a Glove: The Performance & Protection of Latex-Free Gloves – Listen Here! Caring for the Hands that Heal: Identifying the Impact of High-Quality Surgical Gloves - Listen Here!

Every day, healthcare teams rely on IFUs to get the job done. But how often do we stop to think about how they actually come together? In this week's special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Alpa Patel to take a closer look at why manufacturers' instructions for use play such an important role in preventing surgical site infections. Drawing on decades of experience in reprocessing validation, Alpa explains how IFUs are developed, why they don't always fit real clinical workflows, and what manufacturers can learn from the frontline teams using them every day. If you've ever found yourself asking, "Why does the IFU say that?" or "Who writes these things?" this episode has the answers! Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #IFU #SSI #Prevention #Validation #InstrumentReprocessing #Workflows

The pace may be different, but the goal is exactly the same: delivering safe surgical care. In this week's special season co-release episode, we talk with Carlene Smith about what surgical site infection prevention looks like in ambulatory surgery centers. As someone who's worked in Sterile Processing, Infection Prevention, and the OR, Carlene shares her unique perspective on the challenges ASC teams face every day. From balancing limited resources and shared responsibilities to identifying small gaps before they become bigger problems, she discusses how ASC teams can stay proactive while keeping patient safety at the center of every workflow. No matter where surgical care happens, this conversation is a reminder that infection prevention starts with strong teamwork. Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #AmbulatorySurgeryCenter #ASC

Could the biggest opportunities to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) be the ones you've stopped noticing? In this week's special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Crystal Heishman for a conversation about seeing SSI prevention through a different lens. With experience spanning Infection Prevention, Sterile Processing, and the Operating Room, Crystal shares how stronger collaboration can help teams identify risks before they affect patient safety. She explains why spending time in the OR, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding workflows builds trust, uncovers hidden opportunities for improvement, and helps teams focus on process deviations -- not "gotcha" moments. If stronger collaboration starts with stronger conversations, this episode offers practical ideas you can take back to your next huddle. Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #Trust #ProcessImprovement #Podcast

What keeps you up at night when it comes to preventing surgical site infections (SSIs)? In this week's special season co-release episode, Jeremy Gibson-Roark returns to join hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce for a conversation about moving from reactive investigations to proactive prevention. Together, they explore why infection prevention plans should be living documents, how stronger collaboration between OR and IP teams uncovers risks before they become problems, and why some of the best ideas come from simply asking frontline teams the right questions. If preventing SSIs starts with working together, this conversation shows how stronger partnerships can lead to safer patient care! If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, tune in here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/firstcase/TC_Ep5_1.mp3 Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #Prevention #Education #Podcast