In this episode, we sit down with mentorship program participants Jon Casto, SRNA and Abigail Poss, SRNA, to find out what surprised them, what inspired them, and what they wish every future CRNA knew before attending AANA Mid-Year Assembly

Stepping into a national conference for the first time can feel overwhelming but it can also be the moment everything clicks. You’ll hear real experiences from residents navigating their first major professional event, how mentorship accelerates growth, and why getting involved sooner rather than later can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🤝 Mentorship accelerates career growth

🌎 Networking builds lifelong connections

🏛️ Advocacy starts earlier than you think

📚 Students can lead from day one

🚀 Early involvement shapes future leaders

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Airway management hasn’t changed much in decades but that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. As more procedures move into outpatient settings and deep sedation becomes more common, the need for better oxygen delivery and reliable monitoring has never been more important.

That’s where the Aeris Airways device comes in. It’s a simple but powerful innovation designed to enhance standard airway tools, and we’re diving into it with Cody Birch, CRNA and Airways Innovations Co-Founder, and Diana Lugo Imus, DNAP, CRNA.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🫁 Improved oxygen delivery at the glottis

📊 Accurate end-tidal CO2 monitoring matters

⚠️ Traditional setups can be inconsistent

🛠️ Simpler workflow reduces stress in the OR

🔍 Better data leads to better decisions

Learn more: https://airwayinnovations.com/

To request samples: https://airwayinnovations.com/contact

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The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

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The perioperative environment is increasingly shaped by factors that extend beyond traditional pharmacology, requiring anesthesia providers to stay alert to emerging and often underrecognized influences on patient care. One such factor is the growing use of kratom, a plant-derived substance that patients frequently perceive as harmless due to its “natural” origins. However, as highlighted in today’s show, this assumption can lead to critical gaps in disclosure, leaving clinicians unaware of a substance that may significantly alter anesthetic management and patient outcomes.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🌿 Kratom acts as both a stimulant and opioid-like substance

⚠️ “Natural” does not mean safe or predictable

🧪 Potency and composition vary widely between products

😴 Patients may present with opioid tolerance or sedation

😵 Withdrawal can mimic pain, agitation, or delirium

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

Earn MAC Dev Credit: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1