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…

Episodes

July 13, 2026 35 mins

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 be...

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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,...

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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 G...

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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. 

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How much thought do we really give to packaging… until something goes wrong?

In today's interview, we explore the often-overlooked world of storage, shelf life, and event-related sterility with Malinda Elammari, CEO of Crown Point Consulting.

From blue wrap and rigid containers to peel packs and transport practices, this epis...

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How do you know the tray you just opened is truly ready for your patient?

In Episode 6 of Sterile Processing 101, we sit down with Adam Okada to take a closer look at the indicators, tape, filters, and packaging features that communicate critical sterility information before instruments ever reach the field. Join us as we dis...

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In this week's episode, we take a practical look at the science behind sterilization with Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean. From steam cycles to low-temperature, this episode breaks down the different ways instruments are processed and discusses why each method matters.

You're also going to gain a clearer understanding of indicators, sterility assurance, and why st...

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How reliable is the tray you open every day? 

In today's episode, we step into inspection and assembly where cleaned instruments are tested, examined, and built into the trays your OR depends on.

This conversation with Kevin Anderson highlights why tray assembly is about far more than checking off a count sheet. From instrument function testing and ...

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What really happens after your case cart leaves the OR?

To find out, we're diving into decontam to discover the critical next step in the instrument reprocessing lifecycle. From point-of-use treatment to manual and mechanical cleaning, this episode unpacks what it actually takes to get instruments safe, clean, and ready for the next patient.

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What happens to your instruments during the case matters more than you think.

In this interview with Mike Matthews, we break down point-of-use treatment and why sterile processing actually starts in the OR, not decontam.

From biofilm risk to instrument damage, this episode highlights how small actions during a case have big downstream consequences.

This episode challenges the "not my problem" mindset and reinforces a critical truth...

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Welcome to a new season of the First Case podcast - Sterile Processing 101! We're kicking off the season with a conversation that sets the foundation for the entire series and challenges a big misconception:

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺… 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗥.

In this conversation with Jen Parrott, we introduce the full instrument reprocessing lifecycle and e...

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What do the plaque on your teeth, soap scum, and slippery rocks down by the creek all have ...

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March 25, 2026 5 mins

General surgery is where many perioperative nurses begin their OR journey. It's one of the most diverse and foundational specialties in the operating room, touching everything from colorectal and thyroid cases to breast, abdominal, and head & neck procedures.

In this First Case Articles-On-The-Go, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN,...

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How long can pathogens live on a surface? What is the likelihood that we are transferring organisms from surfaces we touch to our patients or to our family members? Joining us today to discuss microbiology and infection prevention is Dr. Wava Truscott, Director of Regulatory Affairs and clinical Education at Shield Technology, Inc. Learn with us as Wava discusses environmental contamination, pathogens th...

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What is the MAUDE Database, and what does it have to do with the Operating Room? Answering this question and connecting the dots for us today is Dr. Larry Muscarella, PhD, Presid...

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Organ procurement and transplant surgeries are among the most unique and emotionally powerful cases the OR team may encounter. And while they may not happen often, or in every facility, when they do occur, preparation, collaboration, and advocacy matter more than ever.

In this First Case Articles-On-The-Go, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, walks through the Top 10 things perioperative teams should k...

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What simple, everyday actions are derailing your infection prevention program? Tune in to this discussion with Erica Smith, Surgical Solutions Manager a...

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Cardiac surgery is definitely its own specialty, and not all perioperative profess...

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February 25, 2026 5 mins

When seconds matter and the unexpected becomes routine, trauma teams rise to the challenge. In this First Case Articles On-The-Go: Top 10 Trauma Surgery, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, highlights the foundational principles every perioperative professional should understand when facing trauma.

From constant readiness and mastering...

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As we wrap Season 18 of First Case, we turn the spotlight to the role that keeps everything moving behind the scenes: the Clinical Coordinator.

In our final episode, Rod McArdle of Boston Children's Hospital shares how clinical coordinators balance scheduling, staffing, equipment, and real-ti...

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