Anesthesia is evolving — and so are its leaders. In this special episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed , we dive into the dynamic shifts happening across the anesthesia landscape, where Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists are stepping into new leadership roles across clinical, operational, and educational domains. Our expert panel — including leaders from Norstar Anesthesia, Rutgers University, Sound Physicians, Guide Anesthesia, and BPI Anesthesia — explores what...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Keywords CRNA, nursing education, TikTok, Confident Care Academy, mentorship, cardiac anesthesia, online learning, healthcare, nursing community, media impact Summary In this engaging conversation, Joseph Rodriguez speaks with Chrissy Massaro, a prominent CRNA and founder of Confident Care Academy. They discuss the evolution of nursing education in the age of social media, the challenges faced by new nurses transitioning to CRNAs, and the importance of mentorship. Chrissy shares her journey from...
Mar 12, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this conversation, Joseph Rodriguez and Mike MacKinnon discuss the evolution of CRNA programs, the impact of prep courses, and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people for career success. They critique the economics of anesthesia services, explore fair market value in compensation, and address regulatory challenges faced by CRNAs, particularly in California. The dialogue emphasizes the need for critical thinking in the interview process and the implications of high compensa...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Description: In this episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed , Joe Rodriguez dives deep with Dr. Jed Wolpaw, creator of the ACCRAC podcast and a leader in anesthesia education. Together, they discuss Jed’s unique path from history teacher to anesthesiologist, the critical importance of civil discourse, and universal learning principles that transcend medicine. With insights on podcasting, education, and the future of anesthesia, this episode offers something for every professional passionate about g...
Nov 26, 2024•47 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Originally featured on Core Anesthesia and back by popular demand after multiple conference presentations, this essential episode drops at 3:30 AM - straight from host Joe Rodriguez's pre-shift thoughts as he prepares for his first day at Banner University's OR. A fan favorite that's shaped countless CRNA career decisions, this discussion breaks down the critical factors new CRNAs should consider when evaluating job opportunities. Published in those quiet moments before dawn, Joe shares his seas...
Oct 28, 2024•55 min•Season 7Ep. 2
SEASON 7 BEGINS! Keywords for this Episode anesthesia, non-compete agreements, legal challenges, FTC, healthcare law, CRNA, anesthesia practice, employment contracts, state laws, anesthesia updates Summary In this episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed, host Joe Rodriguez first discusses the latest updates in the field of anesthesia, including legal challenges faced by CRNAs and anesthesiologists, the AANA's bold lawsuit against the federal government, and updates on his personal practice at Guide ...
Sep 30, 2024•31 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Key Points: Importance of the AANA to CRNA economy Proposed bylaw changes and resolutions Support for Board Term Extension (Bylaw 2) (with caveats) and Virtual Business Meetings Opposition to Board Expansion (Bylaw 3) and Automatic Leadership Succession (Bylaw 4) Rationale behind each position Summary: Joe shares his views on proposed AANA changes, advocating for longer board terms and virtual meetings while opposing board expansion and automatic leadership succession. He emphasizes the need for...
Jul 23, 2024•7 min•Season 6Ep. 15
Summary The conversation discusses three main changes proposed by the Leadership Identification Committee (LIC) for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology: increasing the number of directors from seven to nine, increasing the term for directors from two years to three years, and changing the progression of the president to a three-year term. The rationale behind these changes is to decrease turnover, increase the number of eligible people for executive positions, and provide more suppo...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 6Ep. 15
Summary The conversation discusses the topic of rural pass-through and its impact on the anesthesiologist shortage. It explores the idea of including physician anesthesiologists in rural pass-through and whether it would be an effective solution. The conversation also delves into the concept of shortage and how it can be addressed by utilizing anesthesia providers to their maximum potential. The importance of deregulation and allowing local experts to make decisions about anesthesia models is em...
Jul 19, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 14
Summary The conversation discusses the topic of out-of-hospital cesarean sections and the potential risks and implications. Dr. Matt Mazurek, a physician anesthesiologist and assistant professor of anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine, provides insights and raises concerns about the definition of low-risk cesarean deliveries, the dangers of complications during and after the procedure, and the lack of resources and training in outpatient settings. The conversation also touches on the financ...
Jul 16, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 13
Episode Summary: In this episode, Joe Rodriguez talks with Ali Baghai about his journey and impact as a CRNA in Arizona. Ali shares his experiences in CRNA advocacy, the evolution of anesthesia practice in Arizona, and his role in significant legislative changes. They also discuss the nuances of owning an anesthesia business and life in Arizona. Highlights: Introduction Joe Rodriguez introduces the episode and welcomes Ali Baghai. Brief discussion about the uniqueness of Ali's name and CRNA role...
Jul 09, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 12
In this special July 4th episode, we explore the significance of American independence and its impact on the CRNA profession. We discuss the foundations of American governance and how these ideals have shaped our national identity. The episode presents two key messages: addressing current societal tensions and highlighting CRNAs as a unique American innovation in healthcare. The podcast emphasizes the exceptional position of CRNAs in the United States, noting their level of autonomy and economic...
Jul 04, 2024•6 min•Season 6Ep. 11
Episode Summary: In this episode, Joe Rodriguez welcomes back Simon Willman, Esq., former in-house counsel for one of the largest orthopedic groups in the country. They discuss the Federal Trade Commission's recent vote to ban non-compete agreements and its implications for healthcare professionals and practice owners. Key Topics Covered: Pre-Session: State-Level Updates from Louisiana, Maryland, and Pennsylvania Introduction: Welcome and introduction of Simon Willman, Esq. Background on Simon's...
Jun 25, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Summary The podcast, Anesthesia Deconstructed, has become the number one anesthesia podcast in the United States (Apple Podcasts - subsection: Medicine) due to its focus on deconstructing issues and having thoughtful and respectful conversations. The host, Joe Rodriguez, discusses his involvement in the The Nurse Anesthesiologist Facebook Group (TNAG) and the importance of creating a space for sharing ideas and discussing issues. He addresses a screenshot from another Facebook group that accuses...
Jun 14, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Summary In this conversation, Joe Rodriguez interviews Michael McKinnon, podcast founder, CRNA, and assistant program director at National University. They discuss two topics: the supervision clarification advisory opinion from the Arizona Board of Nursing and the opt-out of Medicare Part A physician supervision requirements in Massachusetts. McKinnon shares his perspective on these issues and emphasizes the importance of removing barriers to competition and promoting a level playing field in he...
Jun 07, 2024•20 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Episode Date : Monday, June 3rd Welcome to Anesthesia Deconstructed! In this episode, we cover: Segment 1: Pre-CRNA Market Update Impact of late-stage capitalism on mentorship and professional development. Feedback from current nurse anesthesia residents/students. Questioning “Guaranteed Success” and the high cost of prep programs. Segment 2: Key Legal Updates South Carolina and Maryland Associations’ successes in preventing restrictive rules. TANA’s loss of the term “anesthesiology.” DC’s HORA ...
Jun 04, 2024•19 min•Season 6Ep. 7
In this episode: The CRNA Intro Market: We're going to explore this issue more deeply - we want to hear from you! How You Can Contribute: We want to hear from you! Share your experiences, questions, or advice about starting out as a CRNA. Your insights could be featured in upcoming episodes! Send Your Contributions: Reach out via email at Joe@GuideAnesthesia.com and write us or send us a voice memo (2 mins or shorter please). Join the conversation and help shape the future of our show! Subscribe...
May 15, 2024•4 min
In this concise episode, Dr. Joseph Rodriguez, CRNA, shares a glimpse into his voting process during the recent elections. He reveals two of his four votes, choosing to keep the remainder confidential to maintain a positive election environment. Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of voting for candidates rather than against them, reflecting his commitment to promoting a constructive and supportive community. Tune in to hear which candidates earned his vote and why he believes in a selective...
May 08, 2024•1 min
Introduction: In this episode of "Anesthesia Deconstructed," we delve into the evolving landscape of anesthesia services with two leading figures from NorthStar Anesthesia: Randall Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA, Chief CRNA, and Jim Roberts, MD, Chief Medical Officer. Together, they shed light on NorthStar's innovative strategies in navigating staffing shortages, private equity involvement, and the complexities of the post-No Surprises Act era. Guest Insights: Randall Moore brings a wealth of experience ...
Apr 15, 2024•44 min•Ep. 18
Introduction: Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of "Anesthesia Deconstructed," where we delve into the forces reshaping the landscape of anesthesia and healthcare recruitment. Today, we're thrilled to have Jarod Collins with us, a visionary behind "MOTION" - a pioneering platform set to redefine how anesthesia professionals navigate their career paths. Guest Spotlight: Jarod Collins, Executive Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at MedGeo Ventures, is part of the innovative team that develo...
Apr 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 17
Meet Annemarie Wiley CRNA! When you think about reality tv and especially the Real Housewives franchise, you probably do not think about adopted small town Canadian girls of Nigerian/Dutch descent raised by a single mom. Well, not only is that Annemarie, but she is also an athlete, became an RN, worked in Canada and then the U.S. and eventually became a Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA)! She is eloquent, intelligent, gregarious and very proud of her chosen profession, Nurse Anesthesiology! In this e...
Feb 28, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 1
In this session, we talk with Josh Condado, CRNA, from his initial foray into a highly controlled anesthesia ACT lead to his exploration of real estate investing. It makes us wonder how fully utilizing CRNA roles can significantly enhance staff retention – but that’s for another episode. Josh is only 31 years old, but it was an enlightening conversation about diversification with real estate investing, something anesthesia providers of all types can potentially diversify their assets with. This ...
Dec 18, 2023•32 min•Ep. 16
As part of our series “5 Questions” - we’re happy to have Dr. Matt Mazurek, MD, Physician Anesthesiologist, and perennial learner. Matt has done it all: private practice, Chief of Staff, working for a “big box” shop, and now academics at Yale. Although he became known to the show from his article supporting full practice for CRNAs, we brought him back to talk about burnout and how he avoids it, work-life Integration, what he believes is the “dirty little secret” of healthcare. Send us a text Fol...
Nov 06, 2023•53 min•Ep. 15
Few CRNAs are as well-known as our co-host, Mike MacKinnon, and at times, he’s not been an uncontroversial leader – he’s been on the cutting edge. Leading off our “5 Questions” Series – we hear from Mike on being criticized as “anti-physician”, on what he’s learned as a leader of the past 10 years, and how he keeps a sustainable edge to remain a high-performance professional for so long. Send us a text Follow us at: Instagram Facebook Twitter/X...
Oct 23, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this series, we will dive deep with some of the most intriguing professionals in the specialty of Anesthesia! Through these five questions, we will be foster important conversations, gain insight into where the specialty is going, and learn how we can influence that future. Tune in next Monday for our first episode of this special series and enjoy the ride! Send us a text Follow us at: Instagram Facebook Twitter/X...
Oct 16, 2023•47 sec•Season 2Ep. 13
Take listen as Joe interviews the founders of CORE Anesthesia! Send us a text Follow us at: Instagram Facebook Twitter/X
Sep 29, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In an attempt to control the freedom of what other professions call themselves and limit titles in Wisconsin, the medical society introduced SB 143. On May 24, Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists President Jenna Palzkill—as well as Dr. Joe Rodriguez, who was representing the AANA—helped inform and educate the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Health on why proposed SB 143 does NOT help Wisconsinites. If passed, this bill would preclude the use of the title Nurse Anesthesiologist in the state...
Jun 21, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Meet Julie Nycum, CPCU, RPLU, ARM, the current director of AANA Insurance Services, providing medical malpractice to CRNAs across the country through Medical Protective (med pro). Julie worked for Medical Protective (med pro), a Berkshire Hathaway Company writing 2 billion in policies a year for 24 years as Vice President of Underwriting. In 2006 she met with AANA insurance services on behalf of med pro to develop the medical malpractice services AANA uses today. On this podcast we talk about: O...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Anesthesia Deconstructed host Joe Rodriguez talks to a rare professional: Dr. Rhea Temmerand, CRNA who is a pharmacology PhD and actively involved in bench research while maintaining a clinical practice. We talk about everything from what it is like to be known as a Scientist and as a CRNA, and why CRNAs often do little bench research. Send us a text Follow us at: Instagram Facebook Twitter/X...
Mar 23, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Simon Willman, JD, former in-house counsel for CORE Orthopedics and Current owner of McDowell Mountain Law, speaks about non-competes and their impact on Anesthesiology Professionals, which touches every practicing provider, 1099 or W2. The bad information out there on this topic is rampant – Simon lends his expertise as a healthcare business and contract lawyer to give us a brief introduction. Send us your questions so we can discuss them with Simon again in the future! Send us a text Follow us...
Nov 23, 2022•24 min•Season 2Ep. 8
