First Air
Claim This Podcastby First Air Podcast
Podcast Overview
<p>🌎 Step into the world of pharmacy excellence with <b>First Air — Elevating Sterile Compounding Practices</b>. 🌎</p><p> </p><p>This biweekly, 30-minute podcast brings sterile compounding professionals together to share innovative ideas, proven strategies, and real-world experiences. Co-hosts George Smith and Kevin Hansen—respected leaders in the sterile compounding community— with a professional yet conversational tone, the duo will dive into critical industry topics, answer listener questions, and interview pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and executive leaders shaping the future of compounding.</p><p>Each episode will challenge you to think “beyond the standard” and delivers actionable insights to help you enhance compliance, improve patient safety, and elevate your sterile compounding practice. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to sterile compounding, you’ll gain practical knowledge from voices you trust.</p><p> </p><p>👉 Tune in to First Air to stay informed, inspired, and ready to elevate your practice. Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to First Air—your trusted source for sterile compounding excellence. 👈</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/29/2025
1 verified contact email on file for First Air
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
March 27, 2026
First Air: EP3 - The Aerogen Syringe Conundrum
<p>🎙️ <b>First Air – The Aerogen Syringe Conundrum</b></p><p><i>Inside the Standard: A new segment for deep dives and real‑world clarity</i></p><p></p><p><b>Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode of First Air podcast are our own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aerogen or any other manufacturer, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or our employers. This content is for educational and discussion purposes only. </b></p><p></p><p>In this episode, George and Kevin unpack one of the most confusing and commonly misunderstood issues in sterile compounding and respiratory therapy: <b>the Aerogen syringe conundrum</b>. 🌬️💉</p><p>From regulatory gray zones to workflow pitfalls, the hosts break down how a device <i>designed for inhalation</i> intersects with pharmacy compounding, sterile pathways, and patient safety. This is a must‑listen for anyone working at the intersection of pharmacy and respiratory therapy.</p><p>---</p><p>🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:</p><p>· 🫁 What Aerogen syringes are and how they’re intended to function in respiratory therapy</p><p>· 📜 Which regulatory standards apply when using non‑sterile devices for inhalation therapy</p><p>· ⚠️ Why using non‑sterile syringes for sterile inhalation solutions creates a real conundrum</p><p>· 🧭 Practical workflows to maintain sterility and ensure safe dispensing</p><p>· 🔄 Strategies to prevent misconnections and medication errors</p><p>· 🤝 How pharmacy and respiratory therapy can collaborate to protect patients and streamline care</p><p>---</p><p>⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps</p><p>00:00 – Welcome + recap of last episode’s standards discussion</p><p>01:07 – Inside the Standard: Aerogen syringes in compounding</p><p>02:20 – NECC’s legacy and why vigilance still matters</p><p>03:20 – Barriers from USP <797> that persist today</p><p>05:09 – What exactly is an Aerogen syringe</p><p>06:33 – Regulatory considerations: USP <797>, FDA, device approval</p><p>07:45 – The challenge of non‑sterile devices for sterile inhalation meds</p><p>09:14 – The core conundrum: navigating sterility with non‑sterile syringes</p><p>11:16 – Why Aerogen syringes are proprietary and safety‑focused</p><p>12:23 – Maintaining sterile pathways despite device limitations</p><p>14:37 – Compliance + workflow essentials in pharmacy dispensing</p><p>15:37 – Sterile compounding and alternative container options</p><p>17:34 – Handoff and distribution to respiratory therapy</p><p>21:07 – Best practices: labeling, transfer, and administration</p><p>22:03 – Final safety considerations + hospital workflow alignment</p><p>26:48 – Summary + actionable collaboration tips</p><p>29:32 – Upcoming education and professional development</p><p>31:45 – Wrap‑up + listener feedback request</p><p></p><p>Making USP <797> as Easy as 123: Overcoming Sterile Compounding Insourcing Challenges and Adult Versus Pediatric Considerations with Patti Kienle, Cindy Brasher and Jackie Jaskowiak - April 14 @ 1300 EDT - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3881123667887109978" target="_blank">https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3881123667887109978</a></p><p></p><p>Environmental Best Practices - Abby Roth - April 24 @ 1300 EDT - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pppmag.com/webinars/info.php?id=99&source=/linkedin99" target="_blank">https://www.pppmag.com/webinars/info.php?id=99&source=/linkedin99</a></p><p></p><p>State of Pharmacy Compounding - Kevin & George - May 1 @1300 EDT - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pppmag.com/webinars/info.php?id=95" target="_blank">https://www.pppmag.com/webinars/info.php?id=95</a></p><p></p>
March 10, 2026
First Air: EP2 - Passion.
<p><b>📋 Summary</b></p><p>In this episode of First Air, Eric Kastango shares his journey from a passionate pharmacist to a leading advocate for sterile compounding standards with George and Kevin.</p><p> </p><p><b>🎙️ Episode Highlights</b></p><p>💊 <b>From Pharmacist to Advocate:</b> Eric Kastango shares how his career evolved from pharmacy practice to becoming a leading voice for sterile compounding safety.</p><p>🧪 <b>Evolution of Standards:</b> The episode explores how sterile compounding practices have changed over time and why stronger standards became necessary.</p><p>🛡️ <b>Patient Safety First:</b> Real-world safety events helped drive the push for better oversight, training, and accountability in compounding.</p><p>⚠️ <b>Learning from the Past:</b> The profession continues to learn from major compounding failures and adverse events.</p><p>🔍 <b>Chronic Vigilance:</b> Ensuring sterile compounding quality requires constant attention to processes, environments, and human performance.</p><p>🚧 <b>Overcoming Resistance:</b> Implementing higher standards often meets resistance—but progress depends on persistence.</p><p>🏥 <b>Stewardship in Sterile Compounding:</b> Pharmacy leaders play a key role in building cultures of safety and accountability.</p><p> </p><p><b>🔑 Key Takeaways</b></p><p>🧠 <b>Experience drives change</b> – Personal and professional experiences often shape leaders in compounding safety.</p><p>🛑 <b>Errors have consequences</b> – Historical compounding failures remind the profession why strict standards matter.</p><p>🔄 <b>Continuous improvement is required</b> – Standards, technology, and processes must evolve as risks become better understood.</p><p>🤝 <b>Collaboration strengthens safety</b> – Regulators, educators, and practitioners must work together to protect patients.</p><p> </p><p><b> ⏱️ Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Eric Kastango and Compounding Pharmacy</p><p>01:17 Eric's Journey in Pharmacy Compounding</p><p>04:07 The Evolution of Sterile Compounding Standards</p><p>08:15 Patient Safety and the Need for Change</p><p>13:03 The Role of Education in Compounding</p><p>16:35 Personal Experiences Shaping Eric's Passion</p><p>19:43 Resistance and Challenges in Advancing Standards</p><p>28:20 The Turning Point: NECC and Patient Safety</p><p>32:14 Learning from Past Mistakes</p><p>38:04 Future of Stewardship in Sterile Compounding</p><p>42:10 The Importance of Education and Vigilance</p><p> </p><p><b>📅 Upcoming Education</b></p><p>· Training and Competencies for Cleanroom Equipment – Patti Kienle</p><p>o Mar 27 @ 1300 EDT by Pharmacy Purchasing & Products</p><p>o <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pppmag.com/webinars/info.php?id=98&source=ttp98e2" target="_blank">Registration</a></p><p>· Environmental Best Practices – Abby Roth</p><p>o Apr 24 @ 1300 EDT by Pharmacy Purchasing & Products</p><p>o <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pppmag.com/webinars/info.php?id=99&source=/linkedin99" target="_blank">Registration</a></p><p>· Sterile Compounding Live Virtual Non-HD and HD Training – Mary Nazzal & Melanie Dorey</p><p>o May 11 – 15 by Critical Compounding Resources</p><p>o <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.criticalcompoundingresources.com/sterile-compounding-training" target="_blank">Information & Registration</a></p><p> </p><p>🚨 Please Subscribe, Like and Share First Air! Tell your colleagues and friends. 🚨</p><p><b>Questions for First Air: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:ask2@firstairpodcast.com" target="_blank"><b>ask2@firstairpodcast.com</b></a></p>
February 18, 2026
First Air: EP1 - Introducing First Air: Trust, Passion, and What's Next
<p><b>📋Summary</b></p><p>In the inaugural episode of the First Air podcast, hosts George Smith and Kevin Hansen introduce themselves and share their journeys into the world of pharmacy and sterile compounding. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of patient care, and the impact of their current roles in the industry. The conversation delves into the significance of going beyond standard practices in compounding, the role of leadership in pharmacy, and their vision for the podcast, including future topics and guest appearances.</p><p><b>🔑Takeaways</b></p><ul><li>🌡️ The podcast explores the world of pharmacy and sterile compounding.</li><li>🔍 Curiosity drives both hosts in their professional journeys.</li><li>❤️ Patient care remains the core of pharmacy practice.</li><li>🚀 Going beyond the standard is essential for improving patient safety.</li><li>🧭 Leadership plays a crucial role in advancing pharmacy practices.</li><li>⚠️ The hosts aim to raise awareness about challenges in sterile compounding.</li><li>🎤 Expert guests will join future episodes to share insights and best practices.</li><li>💬 Listener engagement is encouraged for topic suggestions.</li><li>🌟 The hosts are passionate about making a positive impact in sterile compounding.</li></ul><p><b>⏱️Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 — 🎧 Introduction to First Air Podcast</p><p>02:53 — 🧪 Kevin Hansen’s Journey into Sterile Compounding</p><p>06:18 — 💡 George Smith’s Path to Sterile Compounding</p><p>09:16 — 🔍 The Impact of Curiosity in Pharmacy & Sterile Compounding</p><p>12:08 — 🏥 Current Roles and Responsibilities</p><p>15:09 — ❤️ The Importance of Patient Care</p><p>18:02 — 🚀 Going Beyond the Standard in Sterile Compounding</p><p>22:26 — 📜 The Journey to the Standard</p><p>24:51 — 🔬 Going Beyond the Standard</p><p>27:50 — 🧠 Mindset Shift in Patient Care</p><p>29:45 — 🧭 Leadership and Purpose in Sterile Compounding</p><p>32:33 — 🌟 Vision for the Podcast</p><p>36:37 — 🌱 Raising Up Future Leaders in Compounding</p><p>39:51 — 🚀 Official Launch of the Podcast</p><p><b>Questions for First Air: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:ask2@firstairpodcast.com" target="_blank"><b>ask2@firstairpodcast.com</b></a></p><p><b>Subscribe, Rate, Like and Share with your Colleagues!</b></p><p><b>Follow us on LinkedIn: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-air-podcast" target="_blank"><b>First Air Podcast</b></a></p><p><b>Upcoming Educational Links</b></p><ol><li>Advanced Compounding in Action: Implementing USP <797> for Complex Workflows<p>February 24, 2026: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/events/advanced-compounding-in-action" target="_blank">https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/events/advanced-compounding-in-action</a></p></li><li>FDA Compounding Quality Center of Excellence – “Sterile Drug Compounding” Training<p>Mar 16-18, 2026 (College Station, TX)</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.train.org/main/course/1123707/live-event" target="_blank">https://www.train.org/main/course/1123707/live-event</a></p></li></ol><p></p><p>Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our employers or the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).</p>
4 total episodes available
Deep-dive analytics for First Air
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is First Air?
<p>🌎 Step into the world of pharmacy excellence with <b>First Air — Elevating Sterile Compounding Practices</b>. 🌎</p><p> </p><p>This biweekly, 30-minute podcast brings sterile compounding professionals together to share innovative ideas, proven strategies, and real-world experiences. Co-hosts George Smith and Kevin Hansen—respected leaders in the sterile compounding community— with a professional yet conversational tone, the duo will dive into critical industry topics, answer listener questions, and interview pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and executive leaders shaping the future of compounding.</p><p>Each episode will challenge you to think “beyond the standard” and delivers actionable insights to help you enhance compliance, improve patient safety, and elevate your sterile compounding practice. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to sterile compounding, you’ll gain practical knowledge from voices you trust.</p><p> </p><p>👉 Tune in to First Air to stay informed, inspired, and ready to elevate your practice. Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to First Air—your trusted source for sterile compounding excellence. 👈</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.