Beyond Scrubbing: How Alyssa Ellis Elevates Surgical Technology

Send us Fan MailAlyssa Ellis, known as @beyondassisting on Instagram, transforms surgical technology education by sharing honest insights about the blood, sweat, and purpose behind the field that she once feared but now champions as both a certified surgical technologist and first assist.• Started as a surgical tech after accompanying friends to school who both quit within two weeks• Maintains both surgical tech and first assist certifications to preserve her foundational skills• Explains the difference between surgical technologists (instrument passers) and first assists who help retract, suture, and cut• Identifies confidence as the biggest challenge for new techs, emphasizing the importance of supportive preceptors • Describes the physical demands of holding retractors and standing for 12-hour shifts• Recommends consistent instrument placement and thorough note-taking when preparing for complex cases• Emphasizes emotional intelligence and "reading the room" when working with surgeons under stress• Advises new techs to focus on watching the procedure rather than staring at their Mayo stand• Started her social media platform to fill her passion for teaching that wasn't fully satisfied in her first assist role• Teaches the importance of communicating directly with surgeons rather than ignoring requests for unavailable itemsDownload Alyssa's app at beyondassistingmvtso.com and use code CST student for 30% off. Follow her on Instagram @beyondassisting.Support the show