

Beyond Clean Podcast
Beyond Clean Podcast
Even though their tools and equipment touch nearly every surgical patient in the world, how much do you really know about the people, processes, and products used in the Sterile Processing industry? Beyond Clean offers a creative look into the inner workings of a healthcare industry surrounded by challenges, disrupted by change, and committed to getting it right -- every instrument, every time. The team at Beyond Clean will bring on some of the biggest names in surgical instrument reprocessing and provide commentary on the biggest issues facing Sterile Processing professionals, facilities, administrators, manufacturers, and vendors. Join us every week as we explore the hidden world of one of the most important aspect of safe surgical care.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 15, 2025 • 37min
Season 19 Rewind - Surgical Instruments & the Data Every Surgeon Wants
Season 31 of Beyond Clean will Launch on January 5th, 2026. In the meantime, please enjoy a few of our favorite episodes from Season 19! Data makes the world go 'round when it comes to investment in Sterile Processing for staffing, equipment, and other resources. But what kind of data do we even get out of our surgical suites? What do our surgeons know about instrument data and what do they need to know? On this Season 19 episode of "The Surgeons We Serve," a season focused on spotlighting the intersection of surgeons & surgical instruments, we are joined by Dr. Martyn Knowles, Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at UNC Health Care, to discuss data gaps and opportunities when it comes to the surgical instruments coming through our departments. Join us as we chat about how the absence of data impacts instrument flow, what it looks like to bring data up the chain of command in a healthcare setting, and what your Sterile Processing team can be doing today to work towards a world where clean surgical data is a reality. We hope you can join us! You can connect directly with Dr. Knowles at https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyn-knowles-md-mba-facs-7759684/ After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode19-05 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

Dec 8, 2025 • 36min
Season 19 Rewind - Need it Now: Understanding Trauma Surgery & Instrument Needs
Season 31 of Beyond Clean will Launch on January 5th, 2026. In the meantime, please enjoy a few of our favorite episodes from Season 19! How does Sterile Processing remove the drama from trauma? Whether it is locating that one-of-a-kind set or turning over trays on the tightest timelines, trauma cases can spark chaos for both the operating room and central sterile. On this Season 19 episode of "The Surgeons We Serve," a season focused on spotlighting the intersection of surgeons & surgical instruments, we are joined by Dr. Derek Donegan, Orthopaedic Trauma surgeon, to discuss the best way to provide exceptional patient care in unexpected circumstances. Dr. Donegan shares unique insights on how a surgeon's educational background can impact your inventory needs and walks us through the collaborative efforts that happen behind the drape. If you've ever wondered why every instrument, and the kitchen sink, are called for in trauma cases, this is the episode for you. Join us as we discuss creative ways to overcome inventory shortages, how to leverage your vendor partnerships for the optimal outcome, and what data points are necessary for successful demand planning. It's a new era in trauma surgery, with partnership between surgeons and sterile processing professionals taking our trauma capacity to the next level. Dr. Donegan is available directly at Derek.donegan@gmail.com. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode19-04 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

Dec 1, 2025 • 39min
Season 19 Rewind - Tiny Lives, Tiny Instruments: The Pediatric Perspective
Season 31 of Beyond Clean will Launch on January 5th, 2026. In the meantime, please enjoy a few of our favorite episodes from Season 19! When tiny lives are in the operating room, the superhero partnership between sterile processing and pediatric surgery makes a truly lifelong difference. On this Season 19 episode of "The Surgeons We Serve," a season focused on spotlighting the intersection of surgeons & surgical instruments, we are joined by Dr. Erik Pearson MD FACS, Pediatric Surgeon and founder of CITIZENSURGEON, to discuss the guardianship that comes from providing care in a patient's first moments. Dr. Pearson describes how surgeons form partnerships with both parents and patients, explains how the accuracy of tray assembly saves lives, and highlights how pediatric surgery energizes the professionals in our industry. In this impactful episode, we connect the unique nature of pediatric surgery with moments that have defined our careers. As we launch into a new year this is one conversation that, for the sake of the kids, will inspire you to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Make sure to check out and subscribe to Dr. Pearson's CITIZENSURGEON on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@citizensurgeon Or you can connect with him directly on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikgpearson/ After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode19-02 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

Nov 25, 2025 • 30min
Sterile Horizons - Inspection Ready: Preparing Your ASC for Surveys
Accreditation surveys don't start when the clipboard walks in—they start with your culture, your training, and your daily workflows. In this series finale of "Sterile Horizons," host Bobby Parker talks with Jenny Manderino, Senior Director of Accreditation Services at LifeCare Health, to break down what it really takes to stay inspection-ready in a fast-paced ASC. From culture-building tips to documentation must-dos, Jenny delivers her real-world strategies to help your team shift from reactive to ready. If you want to lead with confidence when the surveyor walks in, this episode is your blueprint for success! This engaging 5-part series dives into the realities of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)—where tight spaces, small teams, and quick turnarounds are just part of the day-to-day. With each episode, you'll discover practical strategies to optimize your workflows, strengthen team collaboration, and deliver exceptional patient outcomes—all while navigating the fast-paced ASC environment. A special thanks to our sponsor, Solventum, for supporting this CE-approved podcast series! After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/sterilehorizons_ep5 #BeyondClean #Solventum #SterileHorizons #ASC #Workflows #SterileProcessing #AccreditationSurvey #InspectionReady #Compliance #Survey

Nov 24, 2025 • 34min
Tray Command - ASHRAE 43 & Sterile Processing: Managing Your Sterile Storage Environment
The temp spikes. The humidity climbs. Your sterile storage alarms go off—now what? In this episode of Beyond Clean's Tray Command, we sit down with Senior Infection Preventionist Stephen Rusbarsky to explore the brand-new ASHRAE 43 guideline and what it means for Sterile Processing. Stephen breaks down what changes, what stays the same, and how this new guidance outlines actionable steps for responding to out-of-range temperature and humidity events. From defining realistic thresholds to understanding when to monitor, when to escalate, and when reprocessing is actually required, he'll walk us through the critical decisions that guide your team's next move when alarms start to sound. If you've ever had to make that Sunday-night "do we cancel Monday's OR schedule?" decision, this season finale has the answers you've been waiting for! 🎉That's a wrap on Season 30 #CleanFreaks! On behalf of our entire team at Beyond Clean and our awesome guests this season, we want to thank you for tuning in. Stay tuned for Beyond Clean Season 31 launching in 2026! Season 30 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-08 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season30 #TrayCommand #ASHRAE43 #SterileStorage #Humidity #Temperature #TempMonitoring

Nov 18, 2025 • 34min
Sterile Horizons - Sterility Assurance in ASCs: Tools & Techniques
In the fast-paced world of ASCs, sterility assurance isn't just a priority—it's non-negotiable. But what does getting it right actually look like? In this episode of "Sterile Horizons," we're joined by clinical compliance expert, Sharon Greene Golden, for an honest look at the tools, techniques, and team habits that help SPDs stay on track. From washer testing missteps to misunderstood indicators and documentation gaps, Sharon breaks down the details that matter—and the education gaps that could be holding teams back. If you're ready to tighten up your workflow and build lasting confidence in your processes, this one's for you! This engaging 5-part series dives into the realities of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)—where tight spaces, small teams, and quick turnarounds are just part of the day-to-day. With each episode, you'll discover practical strategies to optimize your workflows, strengthen team collaboration, and deliver exceptional patient outcomes—all while navigating the fast-paced ASC environment. A special thanks to our sponsor, Solventum, for supporting this CE-approved podcast series! After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/sterilehorizons_ep4 #BeyondClean #Solventum #SterileHorizons #ASC #Workflows #SterileProcessing #SterilityAssurance #Workflows #Education

Nov 17, 2025 • 37min
Tray Command - Cart Before the Scalpel: The Accuracy That Drives Surgery
Every successful surgery starts with a perfectly assembled case cart. But what happens when the next cart rolling into the OR is missing a critical supply or instrument? This week, we're joined by Courtney Kleeb, Senior Director of Perioperative Surgical Solutions at HealthTrust Performance Group, for a deep dive into what really drives case cart success. From preference card cleanup to fixing inefficient pick paths that send your team zigzagging, Courtney breaks down the real-world strategies that turn incomplete carts into streamlined workflows. Whether you're dealing with multiple departments all touching the same cart or just tired of chasing down missing supplies between cases, this conversation has the practical solutions you need to unite your OR, SPD, and Supply Chain around one goal—delivering excellent patient care! Season 30 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-07 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season30 #TrayCommand #CaseCarts #Accuracy #Surgery #SurgicalSupplies #Instruments

Nov 14, 2025 • 38min
At the Tip of Safety: Sustainable Solutions for Instrument Protection
Better protection. Less waste. Could your instrument tip protectors really do both? On this special Beyond Clean and Power Supply Vendor Spotlight™ co-release episode, we're joined by Gabrielle Kelly and Kristi Schelhaas, Co-Founders of Raine Medical, to explore their S.A.F.E.R. approach to instrument protection. Learn how their PVC-free, recyclable tip protectors eliminate sticky residue, optimize ventilation, and feature anti-roll designs that will protect your surgical instrumentation through every stage of reprocessing. Through their commitment to performance and sustainability, discover how Raine Medical can help your SPD increase efficiency, protect instrument integrity, and stay compliant with evolving industry standards! Learn more about Raine Medical's eco-friendly protection solutions by visiting rainemedical.com. To request samples or explore product options, email info@rainemedical.com or connect with the team on LinkedIn.

Nov 11, 2025 • 30min
Sterile Horizons - Running on Empty: The Inventory Crunch in ASCs
When trays are turning fast and supplies are running low, it's not just the shelves that feel the strain—it's also your staff. In this episode of "Sterile Horizons," we sit down with Bobbie Gaskins to talk candidly about what it takes to keep Sterile Processing departments running in lean ASC environments. From building smarter vendor partnerships to getting creative with limited sets, Bobbie shares strategies that are as real as they are resourceful. If your team is feeling the weight of doing more with less, this conversation delivers practical tools and relatable wisdom to help lighten the load—and keep patient care moving. This engaging 5-part series dives into the realities of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)—where tight spaces, small teams, and quick turnarounds are just part of the day-to-day. With each episode, you'll discover practical strategies to optimize your workflows, strengthen team collaboration, and deliver exceptional patient outcomes—all while navigating the fast-paced ASC environment. A special thanks to our sponsor, Solventum, for supporting this CE-approved podcast series! After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/sterilehorizons_ep3 #BeyondClean #Solventum #SterileHorizons #ASC #Workflows #SterileProcessing #InventoryCrunch #Lean #SurgicalSupplies #SurgicalTrays

Nov 10, 2025 • 6min
Tray Command - Break Glass in Case of Surgery: Managing Emergency Carts in SPD
You're in the middle of a normal day, and suddenly an emergency case is called. Your team reaches for the emergency cart… and that's when it hits you: something's missing. It's a scenario every SPD and OR team dreads—and one that longtime OR/SPD leader David Taylor has seen more than once in his career. In this episode of Beyond Clean's Tray Command, David joins us to take a real-world look at what keeps emergency, trauma, and crash carts truly "emergency ready." From preventing "just this once" borrowing to the importance of clear ownership and routine checks, David shares practical strategies for keeping carts sealed, stocked, and ready for the unexpected. Tune in today for a conversation that keeps your team prepared and your carts stocked when it matters most. Season 30 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-06 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season30 #TrayCommand #EmergencyCarts #CrashCarts #TraumaCarts #Prepared #Emergency


