A Year in Review: Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead Surgical Assistant Podcast Welcome to the latest episode of the Surgical Assistant Podcast with Kelly and John. In this holiday-themed episode, Kelly and John reminisce about their favorite Christmas traditions and discuss the rapid pace of the holiday season. They reflect on the journey and growth of the podcast, celebrating one year of insightful and educational episodes. They highlight key episodes from their first year, express gratitude for listener feedback, and share exciting plans for the future. Tune in to hear about their favorite episodes, upcoming goals for 2026, and the promising developments in the surgical assistant profession. Join us for a heartwarming and informative discussion as we wrap up the year and look forward to the next season!

00:00 Welcome and Holiday Greetings

03:08 Reflecting on the Year03:39 Podcast Journey and Goals

04:52 Professional Insights and Future Plans

09:36 Favorite Episodes and Guest Highlights

15:52 Discussing the Role of First Assistants

17:25 Credentialing and Professional Growth

17:44 Upcoming Conferences and Events

20:20 Engagement and Professionalism in the OR

25:39 Future Podcast Plans and Reflections

27:43 Holiday Wishes and Season Finale

Exclusive Interview with the New ASA President: Future of Surgical AssistantsIn this episode of the Surgical Assistant Podcast, hosts John and Kelly welcome a special guest, Michael Morrison, the newly elected president of the Association of Surgical Assistants. Michael discusses his extensive experience in the field and shares insights into the future directions of the ASA under his leadership. Topics include the implementation of new programs for both members and students, the launch of a refreshed ASA logo, and updates on state licensure initiatives. The conversation also delves into the pros and cons of virtual conferences, ongoing challenges in the profession, and the importance of professional organization membership. This episode is packed with valuable information for both current and aspiring surgical assistants.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Surgical Assistant Podcast! Join hosts John and Kelly as they welcome David Bartczak, owner of Mederi Surgical Billing Company, for an enlightening discussion on surgical assistant billing. David shares his 17 years of billing experience and 24 years in the operating room, providing a deep dive into the nuances of independent surgical assisting, billing, and contracting with hospitals. The conversation also explores the realities of surgical billing, the changing landscape of travel assignments for surgical assistants, and a groundbreaking new model by All Star Surgical Assisting that promises to streamline billing processes and increase earnings for surgical assistants. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into maximizing your billing potential and understanding the future of the surgical assisting profession.

https://mederiservices.com

https://allstarssurgical.com

In this episode of the Surgical Assistant Podcast, Kelly and John discuss the challenges and solutions for accommodating students in the operating room. They delve into the different types of students such as medical, nursing, and PA students, and share their personal experiences and stories from the OR. They emphasize the importance of being kind, respectful, and professional while teaching and guiding students. This episode offers valuable tips on how to effectively communicate and involve students to ensure a productive learning environment without compromising patient care.

In this episode of the Surgical Assistant Podcast, hosts Kelly and John welcome back special guest Jason Bonavito, a certified surgical first assistant from Charleston, South Carolina. The discussion focuses on the physical challenges faced by surgical assistants and the significance of fitness and well-being in the profession. They delve into practical tips and exercises to manage physical demands during surgeries, the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the benefits of routine check-ups. Jason shares his personal journey of weight loss and fitness, emphasizing the transformative power of consistent exercise, proper nutrition, and good sleep. The episode is packed with valuable insights for both new and seasoned surgical professionals looking to enhance their physical and mental health to perform at their best.

https://www.instagram.com/djbonavito/profilecard/?igsh=MW15Zng0ajl3cjA2Zw==

http://www.mediprofitness.com

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CUAaJDdfN/

In this insightful episode of the Surgical Assistant Podcast, hosts Kelly and John dive into the intricate world of billing for surgical assistants with expert guest David Bartczak from Houston, Texas. David, an accomplished LSA and orthopedic P.A., shares his extensive knowledge and experience in both clinical practice and billing management. From understanding medical billing codes to navigating the challenges of independent billing, David provides invaluable advice for surgical assistants looking to transition from hospital employment to independent practice. Tune in to learn about the importance of credentialing, the impact of geographic location, and the critical considerations for successfully running a surgical assisting business. David owns Mederi Services LLC; the Largest Surgical Billing Company.

You can reach David at: https://mederiservices.com/

1-877-563-3374 (877-5-MEDERI) Toll Free

Welcome to the Surgical Assistant Podcast! In this episode, hosts John and Kelly are joined by Dr. Karishma Reddy, a renowned plastic surgeon from Virginia. They dive deep into various aspects of cosmetic breast surgery, discussing reduction mammoplasty, augmentation mammoplasty, techniques to avoid complications, and the latest in breast implant technology. Dr. Reddy also shares insights into her practice, psychological aspects of plastic surgery, and her experiences with transgender top surgeries. This comprehensive conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the surgical field or those interested in plastic surgery. Tune in for a blend of expert knowledge, professional advice, and personal anecdotes!

https://reddyplasticsurgerygroup.com/

In this episode, John and Kelly interview Rob Blackstone, Program Director of the newly established Surgical First Assistant program at the College of Western Idaho. The discussion covers key aspects of the program, including admission prerequisites, laboratory training, tuition costs, and the structure of the clinical internship.