CAA Clinical Observer Program

“This was an incredible experience, and I am excited to return tomorrow to continue learning. I spent the morning shadowing Ashley, where I observed both robotic and gynecological procedures. She was welcoming, patient, and excellent at answering my questions while explaining the anesthesia care being provided throughout each case. In the afternoon, I shadowed Camille, a second-year CAA student from Nova Southeastern University, through induction, maintenance, and emergence for a neuro case. The patient's hemodynamics required ongoing intervention throughout the procedure, giving me a valuable opportunity to observe real-time anesthesia management. Camille was outstanding at explaining her clinical decision-making and answering my questions. I learned so much from both Ashley and Camille and truly appreciated their willingness to teach. I can only hope for further opportunities!”

“My experience shadowing at HCA trinity was fantastic. They are incredibly organized with a clear cut process and scheduling system. The $50 application fee was well worth the organization. I had a fantastic time shadowing and was able to watch three surgeries. Each person I shadowed was happy to answer all of my questions and explain anesthesia in depth.”

“I shadowed for three days and saw a wide variety of cases. I spoke with professionals in a range of fields, including CAAs, SAAs, anesthesiologists, and other providers of different specialties . Everyone at the facility was super nice and welcoming. They answered all my questions and taught me many things about anesthesia and the role of a CAA. I felt extremely prepared for my AA application and future career as a CAA after this experience. I have already recommended this program to many other aspiring CAAs. If you can, I highly recommend participating in this opportunity.”

“I had the privilege of shadowing the anesthesia care team at HCA Trinity Health over 3 days. From observing an ACDF surgery using TIVA on my very first morning, to watching robotic Da Vinci, colonoscopy, and endoscopy cases, every moment was invaluable. The team was incredibly welcoming; they took the time to explain medications, teach me how to read the anesthesia monitor, walk me through the standard induction sequence, and even share admission tips. What stood out most to me was how genuinely excited everyone was to invest in someone just starting out. As an international student who left home at 16 and flew alone more than 10,000 miles to pursue this dream, being welcomed the way I was meant everything. This experience confirmed exactly why I want to become a CAA.”

“I shadowed for 3 days and got to see a wide variety of cases. A few of the cases I observed were a prostatectomy, nephrectomy, an inguinal hernia repair, and more. The CAAs were very informative, explaining the purpose of each drug used and sharing insights about the career. It was also especially helpful to be paired with an SAA, who was able to provide firsthand insight into the schooling experience and provide tips”

“I very much appreciated and enjoyed my time shadowing at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. I observed several different cases, including a hysterectomy and a C-section. During my two days, I shadowed Bishoy and Jeremiah, who provided valuable insight into the daily responsibilities of a CAA. I learned about the medications used in each case and gained a better understanding of how anesthesia plans are tailored to each patient and procedure. In addition, I had the opportunity to speak with student AAs about their experiences in the Anesthesiologist Assistant program. This gave me a valuable perspective on the curriculum and clinical rotations of the program. This experience has overall enhanced my interest in pursuing a career as a CAA and provided me with a greater appreciation for the teamwork, critical thinking, and patient care involved in the profession.”

““I've applied to shadow at other hospitals before and would wait weeks just to hear back. When I reached out to Trinity, the team got back to me the same day. I actually flew in from out of state just for this experience and it was absolutely worth it. The process from start to finish was seamless.””

“This was a great experience! Everyone I shadowed with was so engaging, enthusiastic and easy to talk to. The best shadowing experience I have had by far.”

“This was an incredible experience, and I am excited to return tomorrow to continue learning. I spent the morning shadowing Ashley, where I observed both robotic and gynecological procedures. She was welcoming, patient, and excellent at answering my questions while explaining the anesthesia care being provided throughout each case. In the afternoon, I shadowed Camille, a second-year CAA student from Nova Southeastern University, through induction, maintenance, and emergence for a neuro case. The patient's hemodynamics required ongoing intervention throughout the procedure, giving me a valuable opportunity to observe real-time anesthesia management. Camille was outstanding at explaining her clinical decision-making and answering my questions. I learned so much from both Ashley and Camille and truly appreciated their willingness to teach. I can only hope for further opportunities!”

“My experience shadowing at HCA trinity was fantastic. They are incredibly organized with a clear cut process and scheduling system. The $50 application fee was well worth the organization. I had a fantastic time shadowing and was able to watch three surgeries. Each person I shadowed was happy to answer all of my questions and explain anesthesia in depth.”

“I shadowed for three days and saw a wide variety of cases. I spoke with professionals in a range of fields, including CAAs, SAAs, anesthesiologists, and other providers of different specialties . Everyone at the facility was super nice and welcoming. They answered all my questions and taught me many things about anesthesia and the role of a CAA. I felt extremely prepared for my AA application and future career as a CAA after this experience. I have already recommended this program to many other aspiring CAAs. If you can, I highly recommend participating in this opportunity.”

“I had the privilege of shadowing the anesthesia care team at HCA Trinity Health over 3 days. From observing an ACDF surgery using TIVA on my very first morning, to watching robotic Da Vinci, colonoscopy, and endoscopy cases, every moment was invaluable. The team was incredibly welcoming; they took the time to explain medications, teach me how to read the anesthesia monitor, walk me through the standard induction sequence, and even share admission tips. What stood out most to me was how genuinely excited everyone was to invest in someone just starting out. As an international student who left home at 16 and flew alone more than 10,000 miles to pursue this dream, being welcomed the way I was meant everything. This experience confirmed exactly why I want to become a CAA.”

“I shadowed for 3 days and got to see a wide variety of cases. A few of the cases I observed were a prostatectomy, nephrectomy, an inguinal hernia repair, and more. The CAAs were very informative, explaining the purpose of each drug used and sharing insights about the career. It was also especially helpful to be paired with an SAA, who was able to provide firsthand insight into the schooling experience and provide tips”

“I very much appreciated and enjoyed my time shadowing at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. I observed several different cases, including a hysterectomy and a C-section. During my two days, I shadowed Bishoy and Jeremiah, who provided valuable insight into the daily responsibilities of a CAA. I learned about the medications used in each case and gained a better understanding of how anesthesia plans are tailored to each patient and procedure. In addition, I had the opportunity to speak with student AAs about their experiences in the Anesthesiologist Assistant program. This gave me a valuable perspective on the curriculum and clinical rotations of the program. This experience has overall enhanced my interest in pursuing a career as a CAA and provided me with a greater appreciation for the teamwork, critical thinking, and patient care involved in the profession.”

““I've applied to shadow at other hospitals before and would wait weeks just to hear back. When I reached out to Trinity, the team got back to me the same day. I actually flew in from out of state just for this experience and it was absolutely worth it. The process from start to finish was seamless.””

“This was a great experience! Everyone I shadowed with was so engaging, enthusiastic and easy to talk to. The best shadowing experience I have had by far.”