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?
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 Cardiac Surgery? Do you let them know 'in know uncertain terms' that something they are doing bothers you or is not ideal for you?
Intraoperative Crisis Situations
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What expectations do you have of your FA during a crisis situation (i.e., cardiac arrest off-pump)? Is it situation-dependent or is there a prescribed expectation? Do you expect them to facilitate or lead?
Adverse Events
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Do you have your FA accompany you to talk to the family after a Major Adverse Event (MAE) during surgery? If so, what role do you expect your FA to play during these difficult discussions?
Female in a Male Specialty?
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What has it been like being a successful surgeon in a male specialty? Any advice for future women who want to pursue the specialty whether as a CT Surgeon or CT Surgical 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?
