Pre-AA Pathways

Tiff goes solo and gets out some highlights while they’re still warm for this one while Adri’s recovering from gum surgery. In This EpisodeThe clinical sessions — what Tiff learned from Dr. Rishi Kumar's session on the physiologically challenging airway (and why the breathing tube going in is not the finish line), and Sarah Whitfield's breakdown of pacemakers vs. ICDs and why that distinction matters more than most people realizeLegislation — Washington state became the first state on the West Coast to license CAAs. What that fight actually looked like, what Representative Taylor said that every pre-AA needs to hearThe keynote — Shenandoah Chefalo on ACEs, belonging as the number one predictor of life outcomes, and why Tiff got personalMary Jeanne — watching your mentor show up as her truest self and achieve a lifelong dream in front of youEmily Mycyk — the AAAA president who used to tend bar and started AA school at 29, and why her story matters for every non-traditional pre-AA listening_____Shenandoah Chefalo Keynote speaker | Trauma-informed wellness expert https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenandoahchefalo Dr. Rishi Kumar Speaker | Physiologically challenging airway session https://www.instagram.com/rishimd/ Sarah Whitfield, CAA Speaker | Cardiovascular implantable electronic device & Founder of AspiringCAA.com → aspiringcaa.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwhitfield Representative Jamila Taylor Washington State Legislature | 30th Legislative District Championed Washington's CAA licensure billChabely’s CAA Map: https://caa-state-practice-map.streamlit.app/Mary Jeanne Roberts CAA | https://www.instagram.com/awakenedanesthetist/ Emily Mycyk AAAA President 2026 Take Action NowThe Anesthesia for All Act — HR6545 Federal legislation pushing for expanded CAA recognition. You can contact your congressional representative about this today. Find your representative: house.gov/representatives/find-your-representativeFollow UsInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/preAApathwaysTiktok → http://tiktok.com/@preaapathwaysWebsite → preAApathways.com 

As a Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant (Pre-AA) student, are you obsessing over GPA, standardized tests, and stats? There’s so much more beneath the surface, and understanding your numbers can transform your application approach. This Pre-AA perspectives episode is a look into what programs see, and how YOU could position yourself for success!In this episode:Your GPA & how CASAA calculates it differentlyThoughts on what “competitive” really meansHolistic reviews & how your full profile mattersThe role of standardized testsThe common pitfalls of comparisonStrategies to improvePractical tips: log into CASAA, know your numbers, tell your story, and move forwardTimestamps:00:00 - The real story behind GPA and application thresholds00:15 - Why GPA calculations differ01:24 - The importance of holistic review03:33 - The truth about minimum GPA vs. competitive GPA04:37 - Interpretation of test scores06:10 - Why comparison is toxic and how bias skews perceptions10:02 - Reframing your numbers15:28 - Key TakeawaysResources & Links:CRI Score - Assess Your ReadinessCASAA Official WebsiteFollow on Instagram & TikTok @PreAAPathways

This episode breaks down the role of certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs), their training, scope of practice, and how they compare to other anesthesia providers. Perfect for aspiring CAAs and those interested in anesthesia careers.TakeawaysUnderstanding the role of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)Comparison of CAA with other anesthesia providersChapters00:00 Introduction to the CAA Profession01:44 What does a CAA do? 03:18 The Daily Workflow of a CAA05:04 Anesthesia and Similarities to Flying a Plane07:08 CAA vs. CRNA vs. MD/DO10:33 The Academic Path to Becoming a CAA13:43 Salary and Return on Investment in CAA Career14:45 TakeawaysResources & Links:CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs)Jeff Steiner, DO - Anesthesia Made Easy (book)GasWorkConnect with PreAA PathwaysInstagramTikTokYouTubeRemember: Know the role deeply. Passion, clarity, and understanding will set you apart in this competitive field. Share this with someone who needs to know—support their journey into anesthesia!

Welcome to the very first episode of the Pre-AA Pathways podcast!In this inaugural episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the inspiration behind this platform. We discuss the unique challenges of the Pre-AA journey, the need for a dedicated community for aspiring Anesthesiologist Assistants, and our mission to provide the clarity and resources you need to navigate this journey.Whether you are just discovering the AA profession or are already deep in your science prerequisites, this episode sets the stage for everything to come.In this episode, we cover:The "Why" behind the Pre-AA Pathways missionWhat you can expect from future episodesHow to stay connected with a community that understands the grindConnect with us: Follow the journey and get more resources on Instagram and TikTok: @preaapathwaysChapters00:00 Introduction to Pre-AA Pathways06:27 Creating a Supportive Community12:36 Soft Skills and Clinical Care20:09 The Nuances of the Pre-AA Journey30:05 The Limitations of Googling Information35:09 Conclusion and Next Steps