Christmas Eve in the OR
First Case Podcast
This week's episode of the First Case "Articles On-The-Go" series is written by Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR. In this playful poem, Melanie highlights the hard work of those in the operating room, especially during the holiday season, and reminds us all that what we do every single day makes a difference in the lives of our patients.
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Thriving Through Uncertainty: Modern Approaches to Change Management
First Case Podcast
Happy Holidays! As we celebrate the season, we're giving you a special bonus episode of First Case featuring Phyllis Quinlan, RN, President and CEO of MFW Consultants. In this timely conversation, Phyllis shares powerful insights on navigating persistent uncertainty, reframing “change” as growth and evolution, and leading teams with empathy, clarity, and solidarity during unprecedented times. As we close out the year and look ahead to what’s next, this episode offers practical wisdom for leaders and perioperative professionals facing ongoing change without losing sight of their mission...
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Top 10: Orthopedic Surgery
First Case Podcast
Orthopedics is one of the busiest, and most equipment-intensive, service lines in health care. In this First Case Articles on the Go episode, Lindsay Joyce and Melanie Perry break down the Top 10 (plus one) foundational things every perioperative professional should know about working in orthopedic surgery. From nerve blocks and imaging to implants, positioning, labs, and dressings, this episode focuses on the universal essentials that set teams up for safe, efficient, and successful orthopedic cases. 🎧 Listen in for practical insights that help make orthopedics feel more manageable and a...
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What is Infection Prevention? Discovering the Role of Infection Preventionists
First Case Podcast
Have you ever wondered just what the Infection Preventionist (IP) was doing when they came into your Operating Room? Well, you’re not alone! In this season premiere of Season 9, we speak to Jill Holdsworth, Manager of Infection Prevention at Emory University Hospital Midtown. In this episode, we’re going to learn about the role of the IP in the hospital, what they’re looking for when they come into the OR, and discover how we can build relationships with our IPs and improve collaboration between our departments. Tune in now! Love our show? Download our First Case mobile app on: 📲...
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Stop, Communicate, and Listen: Mastering the Art of Active Listening
First Case Podcast
While we wait for Season 18, here's a throwback to Season 8! How do our body language, our situational awareness, and our ability to listen play into our ability to communicate? Find out in today’s interview with Kristy Wheeler, RN and OR Nurse Leader! Listening is a critical component of communication, and we can’t communicate effectively if we can’t listen. Developing good listening skills is important for everyone in our department, from frontline staff to leadership. We’ll learn tips for active listening, the importance of body language, and how listening helps improve...
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Top 10: Gynecology
First Case Podcast
Gynecology surgery presents unique challenges that require preparation, precision, and strong clinical awareness. In this new First Case: Articles on the Go episode, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares 10 essential insights every perioperative professional should know before stepping into a GYN case, from preventing nerve injuries and ensuring privacy to managing equipment and verifying complex specimens. If you support gynecology procedures or lead teams who do, this quick, practical rundown is worth your time. Here’s what you need to know to set your team and your patient up for success!
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Your Personalized Self: Understanding the Importance of Self-Advocacy in the Interview Process
First Case Podcast
Season 17 has come to an end, but while we wait for Season 18, here's a throwback to Season 8! What should I include on my resume? What questions should I be asking? Discover the answer to these questions and more in today’s interview with Krista Whiting, VP of healthcare recruitment at Parkwood International. As an experienced healthcare recruiter, Krista offers her years of insight to us as she helps us understand how to succeed during an interview. We’re going to learn how to communicate about ourselves during an interview and how to properly advocate for ourselves. Plus, Krista will...
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Blue Towels, Dirty Loupes, and… Perineal Fallout?!
First Case Podcast
In our season finale of First Case, we unpack two OR practices that many of us have seen (or done!), from adjusting surgical loupes with blue towels to the truly legendary myth of “perineal fallout.” This episode blends humor, history, and evidence-based practice as we talk about why some habits stick, how outdated ideas persist, and what it means to stay lifelong learners in the perioperative space. If you’re ready for a few laughs, a few gasps, and a lot of “lightbulb moments,” join us for the wrap-up of a season dedicated to challenging old ideas and improving how we care for...
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Thanksgiving Top 10
First Case Podcast
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! As we head into the holiday, it’s a good time to reflect on the many things we’re grateful for, both personally and professionally. In the latest First Case Articles on the Go, Melanie highlights a thoughtful (and relatable) Top 10 list of things we appreciate most about working in the operating room. 👉 Take a moment to listen to the full article and consider what you’re most thankful for in your own practice this year! ----- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to...
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The Truth About Instrument Reprocessing Times
First Case Podcast
This week on First Case, we’re joined by Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean to tackle a major perioperative myth: instrument reprocessing is quick and easy. Using real workflow examples and years of SPD leadership experience, Bobby breaks down the full lifecycle of an instrument tray, from decontam to assembly to sterilization, and explains why a safe, compliant turnaround simply can’t be rushed. Tune in to learn more about what really happens in sterile processing, why safe turnaround times matter, and how better OR–SPD collaboration can prevent delays and protect patients. ...
info_outlineBehind every product on the OR shelf is a story of collaboration, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making, not just a surgeon’s request.
This week we sit down with Joe Chua, OR Nurse and Value Analysis Professional from Dallas, Texas, to unpack the complex process of how surgical products make it from idea to implementation.
Together, we'll explore the intersection of clinical practice and supply chain strategy, the importance of communication between teams, and the critical role of value analysis in supporting patient safety and financial stewardship.
If you’ve ever wondered how product decisions are really made in healthcare, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
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