( continued from page 21) to be around is also important.”
Q: How do you develop trust among the surgical team with new or less experienced members, such as interns or medical students?
A:“ We see people throughout multiple rotations, so I’ ll see the same residents a couple times during their residency. I make a point to introduce myself and the rest of the staff to new medical students or residents when they arrive. I touch base daily to make sure they are doing okay, which builds a sense of trust and personal investment. I also enjoy teaching during each procedure. We work closely together and build a family-like bond.
Teresa Ray
First Assistant at University of Louisville Jewish Heart Hospital Q: Tell me about how you became a first assistant.
A:“ I earned my surgical technologist certification from Jefferson County Technical College. I learned about the various roles in the OR. I was at the top of my class and asked to complete a fellowship with the cardiothoracic surgeons in Louisville. I have been a Certified First Assist at Jewish Heart Hospital for the past 32 years.”
Q: What does collaboration in the OR mean to you? And how does your role as the first assistant contribute to that dynamic?
A:“ I think of myself as the link to the surgeon. It’ s my job to have a deep understanding of the surgeon’ s needs and make sure they are equipped to do their job. Collaboration is about having an open line of communication with everyone in the OR. It starts as soon as I walk into the OR. I make sure everyone is aware of the surgical plan. Throughout the procedure, I check if others need help or a break. Collaboration directly impacts patient safety.”
Q: How do you maintain clear communication with the rest of the OR staff during high-pressure situations?
A:“ When we are in high pressure situations, closed-loop communication( wherein each request or statement requires the recipient to repeat it back, then the sender verifies if accurate) is important. This makes every member of the OR team aware of what is needed and able to step in to help.”
Q: In your opinion, what qualities make an OR team effective and collaborative? What characteristics do you look for in a colleague?
A:“ I value ethics most in a colleague. This is more than just a job. It is important to be there for the right reasons, especially with the long hours and high-pressure work environment. I also value a calm demeanor and a team player who is willing to step up, especially in stressful situations. Having a good sense of humor and being pleasant
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Angelica Kirby
Surgical Technologist at the University of Louisville Hospital Q: Can you share how you became a surgical technologist?
A: I completed an apprenticeship program through the University of Louisville( UofL) in 2023. I have worked at UofL Hospital since I graduated.
Q: What qualities do you look for in your colleagues?
A:“ A fantastic team member in the OR is always ready, focused and driven to learn.”
Q: What does collaboration in the OR mean to you, and how do you see your role contributing to that dynamic?
A:“ Collaboration in the OR means coming together as a team to ensure the patient has the safest and most effective care. Being prepared and knowledgeable about all instruments is key. You need strong problem-solving skills and must be able to anticipate the next step. Maintaining clear communication is important. We make sure all team members are heard by letting them finish and taking a moment to listen before responding.”
Q: What’ s the most challenging part of your job in the OR, and how do you manage stress?
A:“ The most challenging part is knowing what each doctor wants. Ev-