By Randal Dabbs, Co-Founder, President, Practice Development with Alex Sextro, APC Lead
As part of CAA Week, we’re bringing together voices from across TeamHealth to highlight the critical role Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) play in delivering safe, high-quality anesthesia care. In this special Q&A, Dr. Randal Dabbs Co-Founder, President, Practice Development, and Executive Sponsor of the National Advanced Practice Clinician Council, interviews a Lead Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) at TeamHealth to discuss the evolution of the profession and how CAAs continue to shape the future of anesthesia care.
Dr. Randal Dabbs: Welcome, everyone! I’m thrilled to share this insightful Q&A with one of our incredible TeamHealth CAAs. Joining me today is Alex Sextro, Lead APC at TeamHealth. Alex has been a CAA for almost four years now and has been with TeamHealth since he started his career at Christian Hospital in 2021. He is based in St. Louis, Missouri.
His dedication, expertise, and passion for patient care are truly inspiring, and I’m excited for you to read about his journey and the growing impact of the profession.
Hey Alex, thanks so much for joining me! What inspired you to become a CAA, and what keeps you passionate about the profession?
Alex Sextro: Thanks, Dr. Dabbs! I’m happy to be here to discuss CAAs and what we bring to anesthesia care.
I was inspired to become a CAA from a deeply personal experience with my mother. She had to undergo surgery for a serious medical condition, and I witnessed firsthand the impact that anesthesia care had on her experience. The anesthetist on her team was so compassionate, sitting down to take the time to explain the process, calm her nerves, and make her feel safe before the procedure. That interaction made me realize how critical the role of a CAA is in not only ensuring patient safety but also providing emotional support during vulnerable moments. I knew from that point on that I wanted to be part of a profession that blends medical expertise with compassion, helping others feel secure in moments of uncertainty. This privilege to be that source of peace to other human beings is what keeps me passionate about my profession.
Dr. Randal Dabbs: What a story, Alex! It perfectly captures the essence of what it means to be a CAA. It’s inspiring to see how a personal experience transformed into a lifelong commitment to patient care. With that passion in mind, what do you find to be the most rewarding part of being a CAA?
Alex Sextro: The most rewarding part of being a CAA is knowing that I play a vital role in a patient’s journey toward healing. One of the most impactful surgeries I play a part in is robotic-assisted lung surgery. Having lost my grandfather to lung cancer, these cases hold special meaning for me. Every time I care for a patient undergoing this procedure, I feel a deep sense of purpose—I am part of something bigger than myself. I am privileged to work alongside a dedicated team that helps extend the time patients have with their loved ones and supports them on their path to recovery. Knowing that my work contributes to their safety, longevity, and well-being makes this profession incredibly fulfilling.
Dr. Randal Dabbs: That beautifully illustrates the deep personal connection and purpose that drives so many in healthcare. The ability to transform personal loss into a commitment to helping others is truly amazing.
There’s no doubt patients and their families feel and appreciate that dedication. I’m sure it impacts many in ways we never know.
Speaking of impact, how do CAAs enhance anesthesia care and improve patient outcomes?
Alex Sextro: Under the supervision of anesthesiologists, we help streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and most importantly, ensure patients receive the highest quality care. A core responsibility of ours is identifying and addressing potential problems before they develop into major concerns—it’s like catching a spark before it turns into a full-blown fire. Our training, communication, and quick response enable us to deliver timely treatment when needed. As part of a well-coordinated team, this collaborative approach leads to better patient outcomes, smoother surgeries, and reduced anesthesia-related risks.
Dr. Randal Dabbs: CAAs definitely play an important role in patient safety and surgical success. The increased level of vigilance and teamwork makes a real difference in patient outcomes. Do you have any stories you could share as an example of that?
Alex Sextro: Yes. One of my colleagues was just about to go home when he heard an overhead page, “anesthesia STAT to the ER.” He quickly called the anesthesiologist in charge, told him he was going to go help and to join him immediately. After running to the ER, he entered a crowded room of staff resuscitating and performing CPR on a pediatric patient. The ER staff looked at my colleague because they had failed to get an intubation after multiple attempts. The tiny child was already blue and the pulse oximeter reading was extremely low. My colleague got up to the head of the bed and performed a direct laryngoscopy while CPR was ongoing. It was hard because there was a lot of blood, inflammation, and edema. He could only see some of the bubbles and quickly went with a smaller tube than the staff had previously been using and got it in. The child ended up making a full recovery. That’s amazing!
Dr. Randal Dabbs: What a great story! Emergency airway management is certainly a critical procedure that saves so many lives, and obviously CAAs have developed that skill.
Even with stories like these, do you find that there are still misconceptions about your profession?
Alex Sextro: Unfortunately, yes. One of the most common misconceptions about the CAA role is that many people believe we are just assistants or technicians who simply follow orders without a significant level of responsibility. In reality, CAAs are highly trained, advanced practice clinicians who have completed rigorous education in anesthesia, including a master’s-level program. We are responsible for administering anesthesia, managing airways, monitoring vital signs, and responding to anesthesia-related complications as integral members of the anesthesia care team.
Dr. Randal Dabbs: It is obvious that CAAs are not just assistants—they are highly trained clinicians who play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and delivering high-quality anesthesia care.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, how do you see this profession changing over the next, let’s say, five years?
Alex Sextro: I am very excited about the future of our profession. There are over 20 schools across the country, with more opening in the coming years. With more technological advances happening, education is going to continue to get better and be even more cutting edge. The profession which is already in over 22 states and jurisdictions, is spreading to new cities and states, and the medical community is becoming more and more aware of our potential role in anesthesia care. Honestly, social media has greatly advanced the knowledge of CAAs, and we are now more recognized and respected as we open new areas of practice.
Dr. Randal Dabbs: So many possibilities! As more schools open and technology advances, it’s exciting to think about the expanded impact CAAs will have in healthcare.
For those inspired by your story and by the growth and impact of your profession, what advice would you give them if they are considering a career as a CAA?
Alex Sextro: Be prepared for a journey of lifelong learning, as anesthesia is a constantly evolving field. Strong communication skills are essential since you will work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals, and attention to detail is key for ensuring patient safety. It is also important to stay calm under pressure, as the role often requires making quick, critical decisions in high-stress situations. Take the time to shadow professionals in the field to get a sense of what the work entails and build a network within the anesthesia community. Most importantly, if you are passionate about helping people and being part of a collaborative team, this career is incredibly rewarding and impactful.
Dr. Randal Dabbs: Thanks, Alex. Is there anything you would like to say to those currently working in the field as we close out CAA Week 2025?
Alex Sextro: During CAA Week, I want to celebrate the amazing growth of the CAA community. From its beginnings in the 1960s at Emory and Case Western University to now, we have grown into a profession that spans across the United States, with more joining every year. I’m incredibly proud of the dedication and sacrifices each of us has made to enhance patient care. Let’s celebrate all we have achieved and the exciting future ahead!
Dr. Randal Dabbs: The dedication and commitment of the entire CAA community is truly inspiring. I’m excited for you and for the future of your specialty.
I want to take a moment to celebrate you and all the CAAs of TeamHealth! Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. Your passion for the CAA profession and dedication to patient care are truly inspiring. We appreciate your time and thoughtful responses—it’s clear that you and CAAs across TeamHealth are making a significant impact at your institutions.
As CAA Week comes to a close, this conversation underscores the vital role Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants play in ensuring patient safety and advancing anesthesia care. Through innovation, advocacy, and dedication, CAAs continue to shape the future of the profession. Thank you to Dr. Dabbs and Alex Sextro for sharing their insights. Let’s continue celebrating and supporting the work of CAAs—this week and every week!