Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

The Connection Between Cancer & Anesthesia with Adam Flowe

Does the type of anesthesia used during surgery impact cancer outcomes?  Today we’re going to explore the relationship between cancer and anesthesia with Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital. This topic goes beyond the operating room to cover patient outcomes, recovery and even reoccurrence. Join us to learn more about the growing field of Onco-Anesthesia and its critical role in cancer treatment and patient survival.
Here are some of the key topics we discuss:
🫀 Onco-Anesthesia Explained – Why anesthesia may affect cancer recurrence
💉 TIVA vs. Gas Anesthesia – Which approach is better for cancer patients?
📊 Immunosuppression Risks – How anesthetics impact the body’s ability to fight cancer
🚨 New Research on Outcomes – What the latest studies reveal about survival rates
🏥 Should CRNAs Specialize in Oncology? – The growing need for expertise in cancer anesthesia
 
About our guest:
Adam Flowe, CRNA, MSN, has been the Chief CRNA at Duke University Medical Center since 2015.  He completed his anesthesia training at the Raleigh School of Nurse Anesthesia (UNCG) and also holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and the College of William and Mary. A former public school teacher, Adam has been a prison, ICU, and pulmonary nurse. He was also a lieutenant in the U.S. Public Health Service.  Since 2010, Adam has been on more than a dozen global health trips to  Ghana, Haiti and Rwanda
 
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Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure Defined

Understanding systolic vs. diastolic heart failure is crucial for anesthesia providers, as both conditions present unique challenges in the operating room. In this episode, Terry and Gary break down the key differences between these two types of heart failure, their underlying mechanisms, and the best strategies for anesthesia management.
They discuss the risk factors, symptoms, and pathophysiology of each condition, as well as how preoperative evaluation can help identify high-risk patients. The episode also covers the importance of intraoperative monitoring, fluid management strategies, and why tailoring anesthesia care to each patient can significantly improve outcomes.
Tune in as they unpack the latest evidence, share real-world experiences, and provide practical takeaways for managing heart failure patients in the OR.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🫀 Systolic vs. Diastolic Heart Failure – Key differences & how they impact anesthesia
⚠️ Risk Factors & Symptoms – What to look for in pre-op evaluations
📊 Preoperative Assessment – The role of BNP levels & echocardiography
💉 Anesthesia Management Strategies – Best practices for fluid & medication control
🚨 Avoiding Perioperative Complications – How to reduce surgical risks for heart failure patients
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
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From Grassroots to Government: Navigating Advocacy at the State Level

We’re turning our focus back to healthcare advocacy with a tremendous panel from the Kentucky Fall Meeting. Sharon was joined by KyANA president-elect Jared Crocker, DNP, APRN, CRNA, past president Debbie Barber, DNP, CRNA, and Libby Milligan, Principal with McCarthy Strategic Solutions to discuss why advocacy matters, how to build relationships with legislators, and the vital role CRNAs play in shaping healthcare policy.
Key Topics Covered:
🔹 The importance of CRNA advocacy in shaping healthcare policy 🏛️
🔹 Building relationships with legislators & the role of lobbyists 🤝
🔹 Real-life stories of impactful advocacy efforts 📢
🔹 How CRNAs can get involved—big or small steps count! 👣
🔹 Why legislative engagement protects the future of nurse anesthesia 🩺
 
Learn more about Libby and McCarthy Strategic Solutions: https://mssgov.com/team/libby-milligan/
Listen to our previous episode featuring Debbie: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-89-crna-advocacy-and-grc-efforts-with-debbie-barber-dnp-crna/2595/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
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Grade 1 View – Ep. 6 – Adapting to New Technologies in Education – Takeaways from Attending ADCE 2025

In this episode of Grade 1 View, host Olivia Conn shares her experiences and insights gained from attending AANA’s Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators (ADCE) conference and provides her perspective on the importance of student participation. The ADCE might not seem like an event aimed at students, but understanding the educators' perspectives and engaging in discussions can enhance the learning experience for future CRNAs.
Tune in for a robust discussion with Charity and Kevin about topics impacting the future of CRNA education, like the use of AI and animated curricula.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🎤 ADCE Conference Insights:
Importance of SRNAs participating in conferences for a deeper learning experience
🤖 AI in Education:
How AI is enhancing learning through lecture transcriptions and customized exam questions
🎬 Animated Curriculum:
Using animated videos to simplify complex subjects like pharmacology and physics
🧮 Mental Math Deficit:
Discussing the critical need for SRNAs to develop strong mental math skills
 
March 17 Resident Roundtable: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/residents/resident-wellness/
You can register directly here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkdeCrqj8iGNfYbM6hkR20n8MXGEUHUNuJ#/registration
 
Visit the ADCE online: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/assembly-of-didactic-and-clinical-educators/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 
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Courage to Lead: Former AANA President Hilda Salomon

We’re back with another Courage to Lead special and we’re honoring the legacy of Hilda Salomon, a pioneering figure in nurse anesthesia and the third president of the AANA. Join us as we look back on her remarkable journey from her early life in Lynn, Massachusetts, to her influential role in shaping the nurse anesthesia specialty.
With special guests and past AANA presidents Sandy and Dick Ouellette, we explore Hilda's contributions, challenges, and the profound impact she had on the profession.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Her childhood in Massachusetts where she was raised by her grandmother after losing her parents at age 10.
A look back on her nurse training and the decorated career she would go on to have.
Personal stories from interactions with Hilda.
How she was asked to leave after arriving five minutes late to one of her first interviews.
Her role in the founding of the AANA.
What happened while she was in charge and what areas of the profession did he help change?
 
REPLAY: ‘Navigating the 1099 CRNA Landscape in 2025: Insights and Strategies for Success’ webinar replay will be avialable in March - Link coming soon
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
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Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
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The Future of Acute Pain Management – Suzetrigine: A Game Changer?

The world of anesthesia is evolving, and pain management is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary non-opioid analgesic, Suzetrigine, a selective NaV1.8 inhibitor making waves in perioperative and acute pain management. With increasing pressure to reduce opioid dependence while maintaining effective pain control, anesthesia providers must stay ahead of cutting-edge developments. Join us as we break down the pharmacology, safety profile, clinical trial data, and real-world implications of this game-changing drug.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
We’ll talk about dosing in extreme detail because, as anesthesia providers, we know that precision matters.
The drug interactions is a critical consideration and we’ll run through adjustments that need to be made.
We get to the into the physiology and pharmacology implications of Suzetrigine, focusing on what this means for nurse anesthetists.
The pharmacological properties of Suzetrigine and how it functions at a molecular level to modulate pain perception.
The side effects and contraindications.
Scientific trials and comparisons to other analgesics for nurse anesthetists.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
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Navigating Healthcare Policy: A New Approach to Organizational Advocacy

We're ​diving ​into ​the ​world ​of ​policy, ​legislation ​and ​regulation ​with ​Nick Blanck, MSN, CRNA, APN-Anesthesia, who is the Executive Director of Legislative Affairs in New Jersey.
Along with guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, we’re going to learn more about Nick’s pivotal role in ensuring ​consistency ​and ​clarity ​in ​the ​ever-evolving ​landscape ​of ​healthcare ​policy ​in ​this ​state. His unique approach is shaping the CRNA industry in New Jersey and we want to find ways that states can implement similar models for improved advocacy.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Crafting the right message is all about having versatile, long-term, consistent messaging.
What advantage does consistent visibility have with political advocacy?
Why a CRNA and a lobbyist have driven his advocacy campaign?
What are some of the biggest lessons he’s learned from success?
What does he envision for the future of the healthcare landscape for CRNAs in your region?
 
About our guest:
Currently serving the New Jersey Association of Nurse Anesthetists and it members as the Executive Director of Legislative Affairs; and Chairman of their Government Relations Committee. In this capacity he tirelessly advances legislation aimed at removing restrictive barriers to profession of Nurse Anesthesiology. Nicholas spends a tremendous amount of time working with various stakeholder groups, both in New Jersey and across the county, aimed at building a consensus about how best to understand the overall value CRNA's have in healthcare markets. To decision makers and lawmakers in New Jersey, Nicholas is a well-established authority on the scope of practice of New Jersey CRNA's, and well as the regulatory and compliance processes surrounding these professionals.
 
Join our upcoming webinar ‘Navigating the 1099 CRNA Landscape in 2025: Insights and Strategies for Success’ - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k3i11leGQFOwvixEHUS9Cg?utm_campaign=1099%20CRNA%20Institute&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_nw-WeZT9JBDErnfLekoQnV3lNLRwCdk2IDvoFeMTd90oHNdmqoXo-4nptpTScKkQT_ql6#/registration
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Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
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Grade 1 View - Ep. 5 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Anesthesia

Today we’re going to talk about something that’s very important and needs attention in the nurse anesthesia space, and that’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Hosts Larry and Kevin are joined by Donté Flanagan, DNP, CRNA, FAANA during Black History Month to have a conversation pressing need for diversity in healthcare and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all CRNAs.
Whether ​it's ​mentoring, ​faculty ​development ​programs, ​or ​wellness ​support ​groups ​for ​the ​students ​around ​the ​country ​that ​are ​kind ​of ​isolated ​and ​feel ​alone, Doc explains that he’s been focused ​on helping grow ​the ​profession and continue ​the ​excellence ​that ​we ​have ​inside ​of ​nurse ​anesthesia.
 
Check Out The AANA Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Timeline and Milestones: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DEI.History.pdf
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How people have helped him through his career and the opportunities he’s been given.
The goals for the Multicultural CRNA Conference and details on a successful inaugural event.
We don’t talk enough about how isolating it can be in these professional spaces.
What tips does he have for folks that want to speak up but don’t want to make things uncomfortable or awkward.
The future of diversity in the anesthesia profession.
About our guest: https://drdonteflanagan.com/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 
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