411. Nontechnical Skills in Surgery

Today, medical student Sunpreet Cheema explores the fascinating histories of surgical innovators who developed some of our most indispensable surgical instruments - scissors. Specifically, we’ll be looking at the Mayo and Metzenbaum scissors.

In this introductory episode, Dr. White and Sunpreet Cheema discuss the the history of surgery through the lens of surgical instruments.  Supreet Cheema provides an introduction to her ten part series by reviewing the Babcock foreceps.

Welcome to this episode of Surgery 101 where we will learn the basics of tympanic membrane perforations. After listening to this podcast, learners should be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy relevant to a tympanic membrane perforation. 2. List the mechanisms by which a tympanic membrane perforation can occur. 3. Gather pertinent positives on history and physical exam for a patient presenting with a suspected tympanic membrane perforation. 4. Recognize signs of an emergent presentation. 5. Outline treatment options for a tympanic membrane perforation including surgery.

It may come as a surprise that research suggests the biggest opportunity for improvement surgical outcomes lies not in a surgeon’s ability to throw a stitch or find the plane, but in their NONtechnical skills. After this episode, listeners will be able to: • Define and describe the importance of nontechnical skills in improving surgical outcomes • Articulate the NOTSS framework for categorizing nontechnical skills • Identify a personal learning plan to improve nontechnical elements in surgical education    

This is the third and final episode of the series focused on basic anesthetic drugs. In this episode, we will explore vasopressors and inotropes.  After listening to this episode, you will be able to: 1. Outline the role of vasopressors 2. List the 5 main vasopressors used in the OR and their indications 3. Describe the mechanism of action for Phenylephrine, Ephedrine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, and Vasopressin  

In this episode, Swetha Prakash will be looking at the vital aspect of maintaining anesthesia, particularly through inhaled agents, as well as emergence from anesthesia. After listening to this episode, you will be able to: 1. Define the goals of the maintenance phase of anesthesia. 2. Define Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) and its use in providing an adequate level of anesthesia. 3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of volatile anesthetics. 4. Name 5 inhalation anesthetics that can be used and provide a brief description of when each one can be used. 5. Describe the key steps of emergence from anesthesia.

Swetha Prakash is a medical student at the University of Alberta. In this  three part series, Swetha will discuss the essential components of general anesthesia and discuss the key medications associated with each one. The goal is to enhance your understanding of the basic drugs administered to surgical patients within the framework of a general anesthetic.  After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to: 1. Describe the 4 components of a general anesthetic 2. List the 3 phases of anesthesia 3. List four medications commonly used as amnestic/hypnotic agents in induction 4. Describe how each induction plan is tailored to the specific patient  

This is part two of the facial nerve palsy series by Mauz Ashgar and Muaaz Ashgar.  This episode streamlines their discussion on facial nerve palsy and crafts a clear, practical algorithm for diagnosing this condition. The objective of the podcast is the following: ● Develop an approach to the history and physical examination of patients with facial nerve palsy. ● Describe how Facial Nerve Palsies are graded. ● List the investigations that can be ordered for the workup of facial nerve palsy. ● Understand the basic management of facial nerve palsy.  

University of Saskatchewan students Mauz Asghar and Muaaz Asghar share part 1 of the 2 part series on facial nerve palsies. In this episode the anatomy, symptoms, and etiology of facial nerve palsy are discussed. After listening to this podcast learners will be able to: 1. Describe the basic function of the facial nerve 2. Outline a differential diagnosis for facial nerve palsy.

In this episode Mauz Asghar, a second medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, is joined by colleague Maauz Asghar, a first year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan.  By the end of this podcast learners should be able to: ● Outline the etiology of Cholesteatoma, ● Identify the key clinical features of a Cholesteatoma patient, ● List the key investigations to diagnose a Cholesteatoma, ● Formulate a management plan for a Cholesteatoma patient, and ● Detail the various complications that patients with Cholesteatoma may encounter