Atomic Anesthesia
Welcome to Atomic Anesthesia, the essential podcast for nurse anesthesia residents seeking to master both basic and clinical science education (and RNs looking to become CRNAs, too!). Join us as we break down tough science concepts and demonstrating their practical clinical application in real-world scenarios. Each episode of Atomic Anesthesia is crafted to provide comprehensive explanations of complex scientific principles, tailored specifically for the needs of nurse anesthesia residents or nurses preparing for graduate school. Whether you're grappling with pharmacology, physiology, or any other challenging subject, our expert hosts are here to guide you through every step of the learning...
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA 101: BLOCKS EVERY CRNA SHOULD KNOW │ EP107
Regional anesthesia is one of the highest-yield, most heavily tested areas on the boards, but most review content buries the clinically useful details under anatomy that never gets asked. This episode breaks down the brachial plexus approaches boards actually tests, the truncal and lower extremity blocks showing up in modern multimodal protocols, and the complication patterns examiners use as answer traps.
In this episode:
The four brachial plexus approaches and why phrenic nerve risk drops as you move from interscalene to axillaryWhy adductor canal block has replaced femoral nerve block for TKA, and the volume myths...THE 5 OPIOIDS YOU ACTUALLY USE IN THE OR │ EP106
Understanding opioid selection in the OR is all about recognizing pharmacokinetics and how they align with surgical needs and patient factors, rather than focusing solely on receptor effects. This episode explores the five opioids you use most—morphine, fentanyl, sufentanil, remifentanil, and hydromorphone—and offers a framework for choosing optimally among them.
Opioid receptor mechanisms and their clinical outcomesLipid solubility's role in opioid kineticsPharmacokinetics of morphine, fentanyl, sufentanil, remifentanil, and hydromorphoneManaging side effects like respiratory depression and opioid-induced hyperalgesiaGuidelines for opioid selection based on case specifics and patient renal functionResources
Atomic Anesthesia Platform — In-dep...
COMPLEX I, SEVOFLURANE, AND THE VENEZUELAN MITOCHONDRIAL VARIANT │ EP105
A recently identified genetic mutation, passed down on the maternal line, can cause otherwise healthy patients to develop severe and often permanent neurological injury after routine sevoflurane exposure. This episode breaks down the underlying mitochondrial mechanism, why TIVA with propofol is the safer anesthetic strategy, and the family history red flags every provider should be screening for.
A newly identified genetic mutation that turns routine sevoflurane exposure into catastrophic, permanent neurological injuryThe mitochondrial mechanism behind it, and why some patients have zero reserve capacity to absorb the hitWhy TIVA with propofol becomes the clear anesthetic choice once you...PROPOFOL: THE DRUG YOU THINK YOU KNOW │ EP104
Propofol, a cornerstone in anesthesia practice, functions as a positive allosteric modulator at the GABA-A receptor. This episode explores its receptor pharmacology, the mechanisms behind its dose-dependent clinical effects, and addresses common questions like propofol infusion syndrome and pain on injection.
Receptor pharmacology and allosteric modulationPharmacokinetics and context-sensitive half-timeCardiac and respiratory effectsRisk and management of propofol infusion syndromeHandling egg allergy concernsStrategies to reduce pain on injectionFREE RESOURCE FOR THIS EPISODE:
GPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia. Head to atomicanesthesia.com/freebies/gpcr-cheat-sheet to grab it free.
MORE FREE ST...
HIGH & TOTAL SPINAL: THE EARLIEST SYMPTOMS YOU'LL NEED TO KNOW FOR BOARDS │ EP103
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
The critical distinction between high spinal and total spinal that everyone can define but few can actually tell apartWhy a negative aspiration on a labor epidural doesn't guarantee the...THE STUDENT-PRECEPTOR RELATIONSHIP: WHAT TO EXPECT, HOW TO THRIVE, AND WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS (PART 2) │ EP102
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Jake and Alex discuss The non-clinical conversations every preceptor should be having, including finances, the post-graduation credentialing gap, and disability insuranceWhy student wellbeing directly affects learning and the small...THE STUDENT-PRECEPTOR RELATIONSHIP: WHAT TO EXPECT, HOW TO THRIVE, AND WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS (PART 1) │ EP101
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Jake and Alex discuss the most important relationship in CRNA school and why the transition to preceptor happens before most new grads feel readyHow to set the right tone...THE BIGGEST THING HOLDING YOU BACK (PSST...ITS NOT YOUR TALENT) │ EP100
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Why your biggest limitation is often your mindset, not your intelligence, work ethic, or backgroundHow to build real confidence through action, overcome self-doubt, and break through limiting beliefsWhy thinking...MECHANICAL VENTILATION MODE BASICS EVERY SRNA/NAR SHOULD KNOW │ EP99
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
The major ventilation modes used on anesthesia machines, including volume control, pressure control, PCV-VG, and pressure support ventilationHow each mode works, what it guarantees, and the key advantages and...YOUR COPD PATIENT IS ON THE TABLE - NOW WHAT? │ EP98
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Why COPD is more than a lung problem — how alveolar destruction, V/Q mismatch, and cor pulmonale connect at the bedsideHow to ventilate a COPD patient intraoperatively: I:E ra...SEVOFLURANE, ISOFLURANE, DESFLURANE: WHICH ONE AND WHEN? │ EP97
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Why desflurane needs its own specialized Tec 6 vaporizer (and what its 22.8°C boiling point means for safe delivery)The four inhalational agents you need to know cold — sevoflurane, isoflurane, des...STAYING COOL UNDER PRESSURE: LESSONS FROM A FLIGHT PARAMEDIC │ EP96
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA educators Rhea Temmermand and Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Introduction to our new partners, Jake & John, from the IncomologistsLessons from John's experience as a flight paramedic that we can all apply to crisis management for anesthesia practice💜 FREE DOW...
WORLD CONGRESS OF NURSE ANESTHETISTS: WHAT I LEARNED IN THE DOWN UNDER │ EP95
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Atomic Anesthesia platform 2.0 updates, including faster performance and new study features.Highlights from the World Congress of Nurse Anesthetists in BrisbaneOverview of International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists and global...XENOTRANSPLANTATION: THE END OF ORGAN SHORTAGE? │ EP94
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Xenotransplantation is becoming clinically real, using genetic engineering to allow pig organs to function in humansRecent cases, including 271 days of pig kidney supp...STOP OVERTHINKING YOUR MISTAKES IN CRNA SCHOOL AND ACTUALLY MOVE ON │ EP93
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Why overthinking mistakes in CRNA school keeps you stuck instead of actually improvingThe difference between self-deprecation, reflection, and real growth (and why most...MASTERING AIRWAY ANATOMY & NERVE INJURY FOR BOARDS AND EVERYDAY PRACTICE │ EP92
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
How the larynx functions as a dynamic valve balancing ventilation, airway protection, and phonationFunctional airway anatomy of the supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic regions and why it matters during laryngoscopy and intubationHow laryngeal cartilages and joints (especially the...THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF CRNA SCHOOL NO ONE WARNS YOU ABOUT │ EP91
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Featuring SRNA Julie (“Grad School Jules”) discussing the emotional realities of CRNA school that students rarely talk aboutThe psychological phases of the CRNA journey from application anxiety to early-semester overwhelmWhy imposter syndrome is so common among SRNAs an...HOW OPIOIDS ACTUALLY WORK IN THE BODY (CELLULAR MECHANISM EXPLAINED) │ EP90
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
How opioids produce analgesia by decreasing synaptic transmission in central pain pathways rather than blocking nerve conduction μ, κ, and δ opioid receptor pharmacology and how Gi-coupled GPCR signaling alters calcium, potassium, and cAMP How opioids reduce pain by suppres...BUILT UNDER PRESSURE: LESSONS WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM MILITARY CRNA TRAINING │ EP89
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Featuring Dr. Jerrol Wallace, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, sharing firsthand insight into military nurse anesthesia training and deployment experienceMilitary CRNA training pathway and selection standardsOperational readiness and austere anesthesia environmentsTrauma intensity, deployment medicine, and prolonged field care...1 SINGLE TRAIT YOU NEED TO SURVIVE CRNA SCHOOL │ EP88
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plan...
3 WAYS TO BECOME INVOLVED AS A SRNA/NAR TO SUPERBOOST YOUR CV │ EP86
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plan...
2 OF MY MOST CHALLENGING CASES AND WHAT THEY TAUGHT ME │ EP87
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plan...
4 SUBTLE MONITOR TRENDS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE IN THE OR │ EP85
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plan...
5 RARE BUT FATAL ANESTHESIA EMERGENCIES │ EP84
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plan...
6 HABITS THAT MAKE CLINICAL A LOT LESS CHAOTIC [AND A LOT MORE FUN] │ EP83
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plan...
7 PHARMACOLOGY CHEAT CODES THAT MAKE EVERY DRUG QUESTION CLICK │ EP82
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
One-week launch countdown plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Atomic Anesthesia platform.Overview of current features: 150+ lessons, quiz builder with 2,000+ questions, and gamified learning with avatars, gems, and leaderboards.Breakdown of seven core pharmacology concepts to m...8 STUDY TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE HIGH-VOLUME DIDACTIC CONTENT │ EP81
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Focus on studying smarter, not longer, for better results in anesthesia school.Learn eight proven study techniques that actually improve retention.Apply each strategy with real-life examples tailored to SRNAs.Organize and condense notes for more effi...9 PHYSIOLOGY CONCEPTS EVERY CRNA MUST KNOW │ EP80
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
The 9 core physiology principles that explain most intraoperative instabilityWhy oxygen delivery matters more than a normal pulse ox readingV/Q mismatch, shunt vs. dead space, and managing real OR hypoxiaPreload, afterload, contractility, and what MAP actually mean...WHAT EXACTLY IS CRITICAL THINKING IN ANESTHESIA? THE CJM MODEL EXPLAINED │ EP79
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
Topics included in this episode:
How the clinical judgment model (CJM) helps SRNAs move beyond checklists to real‑time decision making in the OR.Four core phases of expert thinking: noticing, interpreting, responding, and reflecting.Practical OR examples to sharpe...WHY YOUR "STABLE" CIRRHOSIS PATIENT CAN CRASH ON INDUCTION │ EP78
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
Topics included in this episode:
Cirrhosis pathophysiology and portal hypertension.Compensated vs decompensated cirrhosis risk.Systemic effects: ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, cardiomyopathy.Altered anesthetic drug metabolism and sensitivity.Anesthetic goals: preserve liver perfusion, avoid hypotension/bleeding.💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save yo...
HOW TO [NOT] KILL YOUR AORTIC STENOSIS PATIENT │ EP77
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
Topics included in this episode:
Why myocardial ischemia is the main cause of perioperative collapse in severe aortic stenosisCore anesthetic goals: maintain preload, afterload, sinus rhythm, and controlled HRHow to choose anesthesia type and airway strategy in urgent noncardiac surg...CRASH, CODE OR CRUISE: IV ANESTHETIC CHOICES THAT CHANGE OUTCOMES [LIVE WEBINAR REPLAY] │ EP76
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
Topics included in this episode:
Application of IV anesthetic pharmacology to real clinical case scenarios rather than just PK/PD theory How to choose between propofol, ketamine, etomidate, and dexmedetomidine based on patient and surgical factors Decision frameworks for mana...DOES ANESTHESIA HARM THE BRAIN? A HARD LOOK AT THE DATA │ EP75
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
Topics included in this episode:
What current research shows about long-term cognitive effects of general anesthesia, including key findings from the MAAS studyHow perioperative neurocognitive disorders present, who is at risk, and how common they areThe pathophysiology behind postoperative cogn...PROPOFOL REPLACEMENT? CIPEPOFOL AND THE FUTURE OF HIGH-RISK CARDIAC INDUCTION │ EP74
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
Topics included in this episode:
Hemodynamic goals and risks during induction in severe aortic stenosisLimitations and hypotensive effects of propofol in aortic stenosis patientsPharmacology and potential advantages of cipepofol (ciprofol) as a propofol derivativeKey findings of the JAMA S...ANESTHESIA MACHINE CHECK: A STEP-BY-STEP WALKTHROUGH OF YOUR WORKSTATION │ EP73
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
Topics included in this episode:
Why a full anesthesia machine check mattersHow to perform a systematic pre-use machine checkoutUnderstanding and testing safety features and failure modesChecking ventilation, leak integrity, and waste gas handlingUsing structured tools to build a f...NEW YEAR, NEW PROVIDER: ANESTHESIA RESOLUTIONS FOR 2026 │ EP72
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Topics included in this episode:
Academic anchor habits for SRNAs and new CRNAsDeliberate clinical practice, including “one skill per shift” and quick weekly case debriefs.Mindset strategies like a “wins log” to fight imposter syndrome.Professional growth through scary-but-safe opportunities, CRNA business basics, and exploring fellowship prerequisites.Personal boundaries around sleep...KETAMINE UNLOCKED: MECHANISMS, DOSING & CLINICAL PEARLS │ EP71
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Topics included in this episode:
Ketamine’s dissociative mechanism and clinical applicationsDifferences between S- and R-ketamineHemodynamic and airway benefits in trauma and bronchospastic patientsMechanisms beyond NMDA antagonismDosing strategies for induction, sedation, and analgesic infusionsManaging emergence reactions, secretions, and ICP considerations💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our month...
IF I WENT BACK TO CRNA SCHOOL, I'D STUDY LIKE THIS INSTEAD │ EP70
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Topics included in this episode:
Perspective shifts with experience: how growth reshapes your learning and mindsetEffective study strategies: learning smarter with lasting retentionPhysiology over perfectionism: grounding complex topics in core principlesMemory maps for retention: turning scattered notes into visual frameworksBuilding networks early: connecting with mentors to boost confidenceDepth and...THE DEXMEDETOMIDINE PLAYBOOK: WHAT STRONG CRNAS NEED TO KNOW │ EP69
This episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast focuses on dexmedetomidine (Precedex), a highly selective α2-adrenergic agonist that provides cooperative, arousable sedation, analgesia, anxiolysis, and sympatholysis with minimal respiratory depression for perioperative and ICU care. Aimed at nurse anesthesia residents, it reviews dexmedetomidine’s α2-selective pharmacology, rapid distribution and hepatic metabolism, and its ability to mimic non-REM sleep via locus coeruleus inhibition while significantly reducing MAC and opioid requirements. Listeners learn practical dosing strategies for OR, ICU, and procedural sedation, common indications such as awake fiberoptic intubation, MAC cases, withdrawal management, and pediatric emergence delirium, and key safety considerations including brad...
FROM TRAUMA BAYS TO BATTLEFIELDS: TRAINING PROVIDERS FOR AUSTERE ENVIRONMENTS │ EP68
In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, host Dr. Rhea Temmermand speaks with Michael Hoess, CRNA and Lead CRNA for Education at Cooper University Hospital, about the crucial role of CRNAs in austere and tactical medical environments. Drawing on over a decade of trauma and resuscitation experience, Mike shares how CRNAs contribute to training military and government medical teams operating in resource-limited or remote conditions. The discussion explores how core anesthesia principles adapt when blood banks, ventilators, or full surgical teams aren’t available, emphasizing the importance of airway control, hemodynamic management, and damage control resuscitation in the fi...
