#296 How We Build Safer Anesthesia Teams, One Trainee At A Time

A small air bubble, a missed monitor cue, a late call for help—tiny moments that can change everything. We sit down with Dr. Max Feinstein to unpack how real-world anesthesia education builds safer clinicians, why attention is our most precious resource, and how culture—not heroics—prevents harm. From clear talk about morbidity and mortality to practical tactics like just-in-time simulation and curated literature, we map out a grounded approach to training that sticks under pressure.For new attendings, the leap to autonomy can feel surreal. We talk through imposter syndrome, the virtue of asking for help early, and how to choose a practice that backs safety over production pressure. Want red flags? Proceeding with non-NPO patients or brushing off new chest pain are hard stops. You’ll also hear about Dr. Feinstein’s current research in blood and transfusion management for cardiac surgery, his YouTube channel that demystifies anesthesia for learners and patients, and a nonprofit close to his heart, Heart Care International, supporting care for kids with congenital heart disease.If you care about anesthesia safety, team culture, and teaching that actually changes behavior, this conversation will give you tools you can use on your next case. Subscribe, share with a colleague who mentors trainees, and leave a review with your top strategy for reducing OR distractions—what works best for your team?For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/296-how-we-build-safer-anesthesia-teams-one-trainee-at-a-time/© 2026, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation