Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA student or simply exploring a career in medicine, this guide equips you with the insights you need to understand the CAA profession.

In Part 1 we dive into the foundation of what it means to be a CAA. I'll clarify common lingo, highlight the distinctions between CAAs and other anesthesia professionals, and provide vital information for those prepping for AA school interviews. By the end of this episode, you'll not only grasp the basics but also appreciate the nuanced and vital position we hold within the anesthesia care team and the broader medical community.

Helpful Resources:

• American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) -the CAA profession's national governing board
• AAAA statement on "What is a CAA"
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) on CAAs
• Looking for Day in the Life CAA content? find it HERE and HERE
• "What is a CAA?" YouTube video (produced by AAAA 2015)

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Discover how Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants President, Sarah Brown, paved the way for CAAs in Washington State. Hear her PROCESS from Georgia to Seattle, balancing career & family, and breaking legislative barriers in this 2024 CAA victory.

Do you want CAAs licensed in all 50 states? Then you should
1. Join the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Donate to the AAAA Legislative Fund
3. Listen to ep. 35 [PROCESS] The Stars Align in Nevada ft. CAAs Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee and Joey Parrish

Do you want to work in Washington state? Then you should
1. Donate to the WAAA (Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Join the WAAA
3. Read the WA AA bill SB5184

Do you have the desire to open a new state? Then you should
Email the AAAA Legislative Committee Chair, Brie Seekford, CAA

and just for fun: Pic of WA Governor signing the CAA bill into law ft. Sarah and her 5 day old baby!

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If you missed the viral video mentioned in this episode you can watch (or rewatch) it HERE ~credit @CAALifestyle

In this Season 4 premiere I share how going viral in May 2024 changed my life. I give you all the juicy details and my final take away is something you won't expect. I FINALLY learned a big lesson, once and for all.

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs Sign up HERE
Thursday, Sept. 26th 6pm CST/ 7pm EST
Walk away knowing you can do it.
FREE 30 min class. All are welcome!

Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.

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Join me for my first LIVE podcast interview featuring our 2024 AAAA President, Danny Mesaros. This episode was recorded in April 2024 in front of an intimate audience at the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) conference in Orlando, FL. During this candid conversation Danny discusses the demands of his presidency and what he envisions for the future of our profession. He also addresses the haters. A must-listen for any aspiring or practicing CAA!

Season 4 of Awakened Anesthetist Podcast is launching on Friday, September 13th, and I’m thrilled to share the episodes I’ve been working on this summer. This season, we’ll dive into what it means to be a healthy and thriving Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, and for those of you curious about the profession, I’ll be giving you an insider’s look each month. Of course, I’ll continue the fan-favorite PROCESS episodes, expanding our vision of what’s possible for CAAs. I’m excited to see what we can build together this season. Talk soon!

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IG @awakenedanesthetist

Season 4 is launching on Friday, September 13th, and I’m thrilled to share the episodes I’ve been working on this summer. This season, we’ll dive into what it means to be a healthy and thriving Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, and for those of you curious about the profession, I’ll be giving you an insider’s look each month. Of course, I’ll continue the fan-favorite PROCESS episodes, expanding our vision of what’s possible for CAAs. I’m excited to see what we can build together this season. Talk soon!

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.

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awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com
IG @awakenedanesthetist

Hello from my summer break! I am in the midst of a mindfulness teacher training through Dharma Moon and Tibet House and was challenged by my 1:1 teacher to lead a group practice on the pod. Unfortunately, I realized (after edits) that I forgot to tell you what to do with your eyes! For this practice you want to keep your eyes open, and softly gazing down. If you have never tried a mindfulness practice with eyes open (like me up until 4 weeks ago), I want to validate that it can be uncomfortable but also worth the effort. The goal is to narrow the gap between your meditating life and your regular life with eyes open.

I hope you enjoy this episode and find it helpful to learn about mindfulness from a fellow practicing CAA. Mindfulness has saved me in so many ways and has brought so many good things into my life. I can't wait to share more!

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In the Season 3 finale of Awakened Anesthetist Podcast wander with me through the buzzing AAAA 2024 conference halls and catch my takeaways after I return home. You'll get to eavesdrop on spontaneous chats with CAAs from all points along the journey. From the student who shares the resilience needed to thrive in the OR, to a practicing CAA's insight into work-life balance and financials. We're throwing out the rules of propriety and candidly discussing salaries, transcripts and schedules, because transparency is a cornerstone of this podcast and my work as a CAA.

Awakened Anesthetist will return Fall 2024 with all new episodes, new CAA voices and new ways to use your CAA career to build a life you love.

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As a CAA I know you have faced many make or break moments. But, how did you make it through? When I reflect on my near 2 decades as a CAA and all the challenges I have overcome, I can see a framework develop as my "pre-game" ritual if you will. Of course your hard thing is not always about professional challenges- weddings, babies, coming out journeys, first days, last days, and everything in between. CAAs are uniquely pursuing their best lived lives and that generally means we are leaning into discomfort and out of the status quo. As I near my next big thing (speaking at the AAAA 2024) I am reflecting on the routines and mindset shifts that have supported me through all the BIG moments of my adulthood. In my 4-part framework I discuss my unique mindset around preparation, the finesse of practice, my "trust and letting go" phase, and the power of my confidence boosting ritual. While this framework doesn't guarantee the exact outcome I desire it always allows me to do my best and I hope it does the same for you!

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs Sign up HERE
Thursday, Sept. 26th 6pm CST/ 7pm EST
Walk away knowing you can do it.
FREE 30 min class. All are welcome!

Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.

Let's Chat! Contact me:
awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com
IG @awakenedanesthetist