CRNA educator Chloe Gomez is joined by Chrissy Massaro, MSN, CRNA and Anna Jobe, DNP, CRNA to break down perioperative anaphylaxis - from the first red flags (rising peak pressures, bronchospasm, hypotension) to epinephrine-first treatment and what to document so patients stay safe long-term. We walk through a real-world appendectomy scenario, discuss common OR triggers (NMBAs, cefazolin, latex), tryptase labs, biphasic reactions, and practical tips for learners: early recognition, clear differentials, and communicating with your team.
Follow the guests: @chrissycrna and @annajcrna, founders of @confidentcareacademy on TikTok and Instagram!

www.confidentcareacademy.com

for education purposes only; not medical advice.

In this episode of My Favorite Learners, host Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA sits down with Becky Motykiewics, DNAP, CRNA, a pediatric anesthesia expert and educator at Drexel University. Together they break down why “kids are not just small adults,” diving into pediatric pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and pharmacodynamics (volatile agents, opioids, benzos, neuromuscular blockers). From the higher MAC needs of infants to clinical pearls for managing pyloric stenosis and tonsillectomies, this episode gives SRNAs, CRNAs, and anesthesia providers practical insights for caring for neonates and children.

Whether you’re starting your first pediatric rotation or brushing up on safe dosing, you’ll walk away with confidence, memorable analogies, and board-relevant takeaways.

Keywords: pediatric anesthesia, CRNA podcast, pharmacokinetics in pediatrics, pharmacodynamics in pediatrics, SRNA education, neonatal anesthesia, pharmacology podcast, anesthesia pharmacology

In this episode of My Favorite Learners, Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA, sits down with Dr. Rhea Temmermand, PhDc, MSN, CRNA, FAANA—neuropharmacology researcher at Drexel University, adjunct professor, textbook co-editor, and co-founder of Atomic Anesthesia—to make pharmacogenetics practical for the OR.

We unpack how genetic variability shapes drug response beyond PK/PD: SNPs, drug targets and transporters, and the CYP450 story (including CYP2D6 phenotypes and why prodrugs like codeine can be risky). Rhea debunks the redhead/CYP2D6 myth, clarifies pseudocholinesterase deficiency with the dibucaine number you’ll see on boards, and walks through malignant hyperthermia (RYR1/CACNA1S) with real cases—plus the team dynamics of giving RYANODEX under pressure. We close with when genetic testing might help, ethical considerations, and Rhea’s evergreen clinical mantra: start low, titrate slow, go multimodal.

Timestamps
00:52 Rhea’s path from clinical CRNA to researcher & educator
08:00 Polymorphisms, CYP450, and phenotype basics
20:30 Pseudocholinesterase deficiency & dibucaine number (boards tip)
27:30 MH recognition, treatment, and RYANODEX in the real world
32:30 Pharmacogenetic testing: utility & ethics
39:00 Practical takeaways for SRNAs & CRNAs

Perfect for: SRNAs prepping for boards, CRNAs updating practice, and anyone curious about precision anesthesia.