Beyond the OR: How Surgical Lessons Are Reaching Unexpected Audiences

It’s fair to say that most of our listeners work in or around the operating room, nurses, surgical technologists, and surgical managers. Of course, we also have infection preventionists, SPD colleagues, and professionals involved in surgical supplies and equipment tuning in.

But this past week, I discovered something new: non-medical people are listening too! And not only are they learning about our field, they’re finding ways to apply surgical concepts to their own lives.

A Chance Conversation at 30,000 Feet

Recently, while flying home from a trip, I struck up what I’ll call some “galley talk” with one of the flight attendants. We started chatting about podcasts we enjoy, and I mentioned that I work on one. Naturally, that piqued his curiosity, and he began asking questions.

I showed him First Case and scrolled through a few episodes. One on temperature management caught his attention, and we started talking about the topic.

Drawing Parallels: Temperature Management in Surgery and Aviation

I explained how crucial temperature control is in surgery, not just for patient safety, but also to prevent humidity-related issues that could compromise sterilization of instruments and supplies.

He admitted he had never thought about how those factors could affect surgery. Then, he drew an interesting parallel from aviation.

Flight attendants are trained to manage cabin temperature during flights. During hot summer months, planes are kept cooler not only for comfort, but also because cooler temperatures reduce motion sickness, fainting, and fatigue. When flying into places like Arizona in the summer, for instance, lowering the cabin temperature helps keep passengers from getting sick.

Aviation and Surgery: Safety Lessons That Cross Industries

Our conversation didn’t stop there. We also talked about surgical “time outs” and pre-procedure checklists, both concepts adapted from aviation safety practices. He told me that every accident or near-miss in aviation leads to updated procedures to make flying safer. Sound familiar?

“I hadn’t realized surgeries follow those same techniques!” he said.

Oh, but they absolutely do!

Educating Beyond the OR Walls

At First Case Media, we’re passionate about education, not just for surgical professionals, but for anyone curious enough to listen.

The operating room is a highly specialized world, and let’s be honest, most non-medical folks only know what they’ve seen on (often inaccurate) medical dramas. When I tell someone I work in the OR, it’s sometimes hard to describe exactly what that means.

That’s where our podcast can help bridge the gap.

Why Everyone Can Learn from Surgery

While plenty of podcasts are for entertainment, we’re proud to add a little education to the mix. Whether it’s safety, teamwork, communication, or preparation, surgical lessons can apply far beyond the OR.

So tell your friends, your family, or anyone outside the medical field about us. You never know who might be listening, and finding a little piece of our world that resonates with their own.

Final Thoughts

At First Case, we’ve always been “for the OR,” but it’s exciting to see how our conversations are making an impact outside of it, too. Because no matter where you work, on the ground, in the air, or in the OR, there’s always something we can learn from each other.

Until next time,

Lindsey