Case Prep
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What are some ways that your FA demonstrates to you during the case that they are well-prepared? How fast can you tell (and in what ways) if your FA is ill-prepared for the case?
Patient Prep
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Do you prefer your FA to oversee the draping and prep and be scrubbed-in before you? Do you prefer your FA to scrub-in with you?
Surgeon Prep
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Does your FA glove-and-gown you? Do you utilize a Preference Card that your FA uses to know everything from your glove size to preferred instrumentation?
Consultations
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Do you involve your Surgical FA in other parts of the process such as Surgical Consultations with the patient? Or do you view the Surgical FA role as limited to the Operating Room?
Surgical Tech vs. NP / PA
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As the operating surgeon, do you find any benefit to having a DNP / NP / PA as a First Assist over a Surgical Tech? If so, what are some of the things that a DNP / NP / PA brings to your Operating Table that a Surgical Tech may not?
Setting the Tone
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How do you set the tone for your O.R? What type of tone / vibe do you want in the room once the case starts and in what ways do you expect your FA to facilitate this?
Underperforming Team Members
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Do you expect your FA to help manage underperforming team members (i.e., scrub nurses / techs)? If your FA is the underperforming team member, have you ever dismissed them from the case?
FA 'Pet Peeves'
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What are some 'pet peeves' that you have with your FAs in Plastics? Do you let them know 'in know uncertain terms' that something they are doing bothers you or is not ideal for you?
Females in Surgery
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What has it been like being a successful surgeon in a field like surgery that is dominated by men? Any advice for future women who want to pursue a career in surgery whether it be as a surgeon or First Assist?
Any Other Info?
Are there any other things you'd like to share about how you run your surgical team, how FAs can improve their efficacy to facilitate surgical excellence, etc?
