Awakened Anesthetist – Details, episodes & analysis

Curious 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 much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA student or simply exploring a career in medicine, this guide equips you with the insights you need to understand the CAA profession.

In Part 1 we dive into the foundation of what it means to be a CAA. I'll clarify common lingo, highlight the distinctions between CAAs and other anesthesia professionals, and provide vital information for those prepping for AA school interviews. By the end of this episode, you'll not only grasp the basics but also appreciate the nuanced and vital position we hold within the anesthesia care team and the broader medical community. 

Helpful Resources:

• American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) -the CAA profession's national governing board
• AAAA statement on "What is a CAA" 
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) on CAAs
• Looking for Day in the Life CAA content? find it HERE and HERE
• "What is a CAA?" YouTube video (produced by AAAA 2015) 

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Discover 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 Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Donate to the AAAA Legislative Fund
3. Listen to ep. 35 [PROCESS] The Stars Align in Nevada ft. CAAs Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee and Joey Parrish

Do you want to work in Washington state? Then you should
1. Donate to the WAAA (Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Join the WAAA
3. Read the WA AA bill SB5184

Do you have the desire to open a new state? Then you should
Email the AAAA Legislative Committee Chair, Brie Seekford, CAA

and just for fun: Pic of WA Governor signing the CAA bill into law ft. Sarah and her 5 day old baby!

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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 PROCESS Season 2 episode #31
• AspiringCAA.com
• Connect with Sarah via Linkedin

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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:

• ODP (Operating Department Practitioner- UK)
• AA (Anesthesia Associates- current name for CAAs in UK)
• CAA (Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant- USA)
• ANAESTHETISTS (UK- Anesthesia Doctor)
• ACT (Anesthesia Care Team)
• LAST (Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity)
• TAP (Transversus Abdominis Plane block)
• GA (General Anesthesia)
• NCCAA (National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
• NOVA/NSU (Nova Southeastern University- AA Program)

Resources Mentioned:

• @anesthesiaanonymous TikTok
• CAALifestyle YouTube
• AnesthesiaSal YouTube
• AnesthesiaOneSource.com
• Ultrasoundexperts.org
• 8 blocks every CAA should know- interscalene, supraclavicular, femoral, adductor canal, popliteal sciatic, TAP, rectus, erector spine plane (ESP)

Connect with Mark @ ML2268@nova.edu
Mark Leonard FB
@ezmuzic on IG

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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 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?

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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:

• Learn more about Scopa Health
• Connect with Kathryn by email kathryn@scopahealth.com
• Set IG Live reminder "Understanding 1099 Work for CAAs"
• Anesthesiology News: U.S. Healthcare Facing a Staffing Crisis

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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:

• Chabely's CNBC Millenial Money video
• Chabely's CNBC Millenial Money article
• Chabely's YouTube CAALifestyle
• CAALifestyle IG
• Chabely's personal IG

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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

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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

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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/

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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/

You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response!

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

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Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist