The First Independent TPLO: When You’re Finally Alone

 The first independent TPLO isn’t just a technical milestone—it’s a shift in judgment and responsibility. In this episode, Carl Damiani and Dr. Kevin Benjamino discuss how surgeons move from supervised training to operating alone, focusing on case selection, pre-operative planning, and the mindset required to avoid early catastrophic mistakes. Rather than relying on confidence, the discussion emphasizes building structural readiness through disciplined preparation, predictable case selection, and clear “go/no-go” decision criteria. About Dr. Benjamino:Dr. Kevin Benjamino is an ACVS Diplomate at MedVet Medical and Cancer Centers for Pets.