Central Line by American Society of Anesthesiologists - a podcast series for the anesthesia community

The President's Episode

Dr. Don Arnold, President of ASA, joins Dr. Striker to discuss the specialty’s present and future. Dr. Arnold shares his thoughts on leadership, ASA initiatives, the challenges and opportunities facing anesthesiology, and more. Recorded June 2025.

Unconventional Pathways (with a Splash of Bourbon)

Dr. Adam Striker welcomes Dr. Juliet Schmalz, who left her career in anesthesiology to start a bourbon company. She discusses what drove the change, reveals the surprising ways her background in medicine comes in handy, and shares tips for those considering a leap. Recorded May 2025.

Inside the Monitor – Practice Management Strategies

Dr. Keya Locke interviews Dr. Joseph Staggenborg, guest editor of July’s ASA Monitor, and Dr. Bob Johnstone, an early practice management champion. They consider the history of practice management, ASA’s efforts to advance the business of anesthesiology, the role of strategy and data, and more. Recorded May 2025.

Hot Topics with Central Line Hosts

Drs. Adam Striker and Brooke Trainer consider some of the specialty’s pressing challenges. Listen in as they discuss recent legislative action, the impact of CMS’s conversion factor, the fallout from insurance companies upcharging patients, and more. Recorded May 2025.

Inside the Monitor – Advances in Transfusion Medicine and Patient Blood Management

Dr. Zach Deutch interviews Dr. Nicole Guinn, guest editor of the June ASA Monitor, and Dr. Steven Frank, contributor, about blood management and transfusion medicine. Listen in as the guests share thoughts on bloodless care, the history of transfusion medicine, patient populations, the possibilities of predictive modeling, and more. Recorded April 2025.

Physician Led Care

Dr. Kathy Perryman joins Dr. Adam Striker to share her unique experiences as a nurse anesthetist turned anesthesiologist. Listen in as they consider how the roles of CRNAs and anesthesiologists have evolved, differences in training and practice, the value of physician led care, and more. Recorded April 2025.

Inside the Monitor - Advances in Trauma and Emergency Preparedness

Dr. Zach Deutch interviews Dr. Tom Grissom, guest editor of May’s ASA Monitor, along with contributor, Dr. Brenda Gentz, about trauma and emergency preparedness. From tips for managing possible large-scale disasters to new guidelines on ketamine usage and the status of the opioid crisis, this episode offers fresh perspectives and resources. Recorded April 2025.

PECS Blocks and Nomenclature

Dr. Adam Striker discusses PECS blocks and nomenclature with Dr. Christine Vo, member of the ACE editorial board. Learn about the history and efficacy of PECS blocks, the challenges of heterogeneous nomenclature, ongoing efforts to standardize nomenclature, and more. Recorded April 2025.

AI from A to Z (Part One)

In this special episode, Dr. Striker presents four short conversations with members of ASA’s Committee on Informatics and Information Technology (CIIT). Dr. Beth Minzter offers an intro to AI; Dr. Vesela Kovacheva discusses patient safety and predictive models; Dr. Kent Berg shares thoughts on remote monitoring; and Dr. Vikas O’Reilly-Shah sheds light on AI’s academic and subspecialty applications. Recorded March 2025.

Inside the Monitor – The Road to and from the Perioperative Experience

Drs. Muhammad Rafique and Igor Tkachenko, guest editors of the April ASA Monitor, discuss the road to and from the perioperative experience with Dr. Zach Deutch. Learn about the history of perioperative medicine, the role of anesthesiologists beyond the OR and around the globe, and more. Recorded February 2025.