First Case Podcast

First Case Podcast

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 out. -- we tackle the real-life issues affecting the OR. Whether you're tuning in for surgical service education or inspiration, we're glad you're here. And now, it's time to roll back, and start the First Case…

  1. 2d ago

    The Right Fit: Protection That Goes Beyond the Glove

    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!

    The Right Fit: Protection That Goes Beyond the Glove

  2. 6d ago

    Silo-Free Surgery: Why Are We Talking About IFUs?

    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

    Silo-Free Surgery: Why Are We Talking About IFUs?

  3. Jul 27

    Silo-Free Surgery: Are ASC's Really the Wild West?

    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

    Silo-Free Surgery: Are ASC's Really the Wild West?

  4. Jul 20

    Silo-Free Surgery: Have We Gone Nose Blind?

    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

    Silo-Free Surgery: Have We Gone Nose Blind?

  5. Jul 13

    Silo-Free Surgery: What SSI Risk Keeps You Up at Night?

    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

    Silo-Free Surgery: What SSI Risk Keeps You Up at Night?

  6. Jul 6

    Silo-Free Surgery: Where Is the Smoking Gun?

    Why is it so difficult to trace a surgical site infection (SSI) back to one clear cause? On this special season co-release episode of First Case and Transmission Control, hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce are joined by Jeremy Gibson-Roark for an honest conversation about what really happens when an SSI investigation begins. Together, they explore why infection investigations are rarely straightforward, how OR, IP, and SP departments each hold a piece of the puzzle, and why breaking down silos is essential to finding meaningful answers. As the first episode of this special collaborative season, this conversation lays the foundation for understanding SSI reduction as a shared responsibility, not something one department can tackle alone. Tune in today! 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 #SSIInvestigation #Podcast

    Silo-Free Surgery: Where Is the Smoking Gun?

  7. Jun 29

    Passing the Mic: Celebrating Melanie Perry's Impact on First Case

    Every great podcast has a voice that brings each conversation to life. Over the past five years, Melanie Perry has been that voice for First Case. In this special release episode of the First Case Podcast, we celebrate Melanie's incredible journey as host, reflecting on the stories, guests, and moments that made this podcast such a valuable resource for the perioperative community. Joined by Justin Poulin and Garrett Hollembeak, Melanie looks back on where it all began, shares what's next in her own journey, and offers a heartfelt thank you to the listeners and colleagues who have been part of it all. As one chapter closes and another begins, join us in celebrating Melanie's lasting impact on First Case and the exciting future ahead for the podcast! #FirstCase #PerioperativeEducation #ThankYouMelanie #Education #Podcast #SpecialRelease

    Passing the Mic: Celebrating Melanie Perry's Impact on First Case

  8. May 25

    Sterile Processing 101: When Things Go Wrong

    Even the best systems have moments when things go wrong. What matters most is how we respond. In the Season 19 finale of Sterile Processing 101, Jen Parrott returns to discuss what happens when things go wrong like wet packs, missing instruments, failed indicators, delays, and breakdowns in the process.  This episode is a powerful reminder that solving problems requires more than urgency. It requires communication, accountability, and a culture focused on improvement instead of blame. Because when the OR and SPD work together, setbacks become opportunities to build safer systems for every patient. Don't miss the final episode of Season 19!   #operatingroom #ornurse #sterileprocessing #scrubtech

    Sterile Processing 101: When Things Go Wrong
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4.6
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

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 out. -- we tackle the real-life issues affecting the OR. Whether you're tuning in for surgical service education or inspiration, we're glad you're here. And now, it's time to roll back, and start the First Case…

Information

  • Creator
    First Case Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    358
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    First Case Media © 2021
  • Show Website
    First Case Podcast

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