Airwayve

Airwayve Podcast
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Airwayve is a Canadian anesthesia podcast for medical students led by medical students (Jenny Xinye Hu, Alex Xiang, Josephine Ding) from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

  1. NOV 30

    S5E14 Introduction to Ventilation Settings

    Don’t hold your breath for this one. In this month’s episode, we take a deep dive into ventilation basics and walk through how normal respiratory physiology compares to positive-pressure ventilation in the OR. We break down core settings like FiO₂, tidal volume, respiratory rate, I:E ratio, and PEEP, then explore common ventilation modes and when you might choose each one. To round things out, we apply it all to a real case and talk through how to pick safe and sensible settings for a patient with COPD. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you feel more comfortable at the ventilator during your next anesthesia rotation. Credits Writer: Irene Zhao Editors: Alexander Xiang Resident Editor: Puru Panchal Staff Reviewer: Dr. Overington Support the show

    24 min

  2. OCT 30

    S5E13 Liver Disease

    In this episode of Airwayve, join Manuela and Tariq as they explore the anesthetic considerations for patients with liver disease. We start with a refresher on liver physiology and its vital roles in metabolism, coagulation, and drug clearance, before delving into the pathophysiology of cirrhosis and how it affects perioperative management. From there, we discuss preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative goals, and postoperative care, highlighting key considerations for fluid management, anesthetic drug selection, and hemodynamic stability. To put these concepts into context, we then walk through a clinical case and outline how to apply this framework to a patient with advanced liver disease coming to the OR. Whether you’re preparing for clerkship or want to build a stronger foundation in perioperative medicine, this episode provides a clear and practical approach to managing patients with liver dysfunction. Credits Writer: Manuela Morgan Editors: Alexander Xiang, Jenny Xinye Hu Resident Editor: Ahmed Akhtar Staff Reviewer: Dr. Saeda Nair Support the show

    43 min

  3. SEP 30

    S5E12 Pulmonary Hypertension

    In this episode of Airwayve, Alex and Josephine dive into the challenges of managing pulmonary hypertension in the OR. We begin by reviewing normal pulmonary vascular physiology, then move into the mechanisms and classifications of pulmonary hypertension. From there, we unpack the anesthetic implications, focusing on hemodynamic goals, drug choices, and monitoring strategies. To bring these principles into context, we walk through a clinical scenario and consider how to assess risk, plan an induction, maintain stability throughout surgery, and safely manage emergence in a patient with pulmonary hypertension. Whether you’re preparing for clerkship or aiming to sharpen your understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology, this episode offers a clear and practical guide to navigating pulmonary hypertension in anesthesia. Credits Writer: Tariq Atkin-Jones Senior Editors: Alex Xiang & Jenny Xinye Hu Resident Editor: Dr. Aman Malhotra Staff Editor: Dr. Brent MacLellan Support the show

    39 min

  4. AUG 29

    S5E11 Prone Positioning

    In this episode of Airwayve, join Jenny and Alex as they discuss patients receiving prone positioning in the OR. We first start with the basics- what prone positioning looks like, how patients are safely flipped, and which surgeries require it. From there, we unpack the physiologic changes across cardiac, respiratory, and neurologic systems, and dive into the major complications anesthetists need to anticipate, including peripheral nerve injury, postoperative vision loss, airway challenges, and line access issues. To bring it all together, we walk through a clinical case of a patient undergoing complex spine surgery, applying these principles to real-world anesthetic planning, intraoperative management, and emergence considerations. Whether you’re preparing for your OR rotation or brushing up on perioperative physiology, this episode will give you a clear, structured framework for thinking about anesthetic management in prone positioning. Credits Writers: Alexander Xiang, Jenny Xinye Hu Editors: Alexander Xiang, Jenny Xinye Hu Resident Editor: Dr. Jonathan Wu Staff Reviewer: Dr. Juan Bravo Montilla Support the show

    25 min

  5. JUN 30

    S5E10 Elevated Intracranial Pressure

    In this episode of Airwayve, your hosts Alex and Jenny tackle anaesthetic considerations for patients with elevated intracranial pressure. Join us as we break down the core anatomy and physiology behind ICP, explore common pathologies  and discuss the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies used to manage these complex patients in the OR. From choosing the right induction agents to adjusting ventilation and perfusion targets, this episode is packed with essential pearls for medical students and early learners navigating neurosurgical cases. Stick around for a practice case to see how it all comes together! Whether you’re prepping for your next rotation or brushing up on neuroanesthesia, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Credits: – Writer: Alexander Xiang – Editors: Grace Huang, Winnie Liu – Resident Editor: Dr. Hanna Levy – Staff Reviewer: Dr. Tyler Oswald Support the show

    22 min

  6. MAY 26

    S6E8 Matching into Anesthesia: Post-CaRMS Reflections with Incoming PGY1s

    In this episode, Grace and Winnie sit down with their classmates Sanjum and Irene- newly matched anesthesia residents at McMaster and U of T- to reflect on their journeys to residency. From choosing electives to preparing for interviews, they share practical insights and honest reflections on the CaRMS process, parallel planning and personal growth along the way. Whether you’re gearing up for CaRMS or just curious about the road to anesthesia, this one’s packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss! Disclaimer: the advice shared in this episode is based solely on personal experiences as medical students navigating CaRMS. We are not affiliated with, nor do we represent, the McMaster University residency admissions committee or any other residency program.  Support the show

    45 min

  7. APR 28

    S6E7 Anesthesia Subspecialties: Medical Assistance in Dying with Dr. Middleton

    Join us this month with Airwayve hosts Winnie and Grace, alongside a special guest Dr. Sean Middleton to talk about medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Dr. Middleton is a staff anesthesiologist at Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital.  In addition to his work as an anesthesiologist, he is also involved in providing MAiD. Join us as we discuss his journey into anesthesia, how his background prepared him for work in MAiD, and the personal and professional insights he has gained through this important work. Thank you Dr. Middleton for joining us on this episode. Support the show

    21 min

  8. MAR 20

    S6E6 Anesthesia Subspecialties: Palliative Care with Dr. Wheeler

    Join us this month with Airwayve hosts Winnie and Grace, alongside a special guest Dr. Kathleen Wheeler to talk about palliative care. Dr. Wheeler works as a staff anesthesiologist at Hamilton Health Sciences. She completed a fellowship in palliative care at McMaster University, and actually helped to pilot this program between the Department of Anesthesia and the Division of Palliative Care. She now works as both an anesthesiologist and a palliative care physician. Join us as we discuss what palliative care is, her journey to this unique path, and what she envisions the future involvement of anesthesiologists in palliative care looks like! Thank you Dr. Wheeler for joining us on this episode.  Support the show

    23 min
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About

Airwayve is a Canadian anesthesia podcast for medical students led by medical students (Jenny Xinye Hu, Alex Xiang, Josephine Ding) from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Information

  • Creator
    Airwayve Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Airwayve Podcast
  • Show Website
    Airwayve