Johanna Balzano
Malabar
Summary
Surgical professional with 33 years experience. US Navy Veteran 10 years. Supporting complex surgical procedures and ensuring operational efficiency. Known for collaborative teamwork and achieving optimal outcomes in high-pressure environments. Reliable and adaptable with strong skills in sterile techniques and patient interaction.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Surgical Technologist to Dr. Paul Keller
Health First Medical Group
Melbourne, FL
11.2023 - Current
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to Dr. Paul Keller during complex spinal surgical procedures along with general spinal procedures for optimal patient outcomes and reduced recovery time.
- Minimized infection risks by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques when handling surgical supplies and equipment.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and efficiently, contributing to successful completion of critical surgeries.
- Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges or changes during surgery, responding quickly without compromising patient safety or procedural success.
- Increased efficiency during surgeries by anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
- Ensured proper care of surgical instruments through meticulous cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance processes.
- Worked with vendors for speedy procurement of services and equipment.
- Contributed to successful operations by assembling and organizing surgical equipment with precision.
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Mentored new surgical technologists, sharing expertise and fostering their growth within the profession.
Surgical Technologist
Surgical Care Affiliates Inc.
Melbourne, FL
11.2010 - Current
- Maintained high infection control standards.
- Prepared operating rooms with required instruments, ensuring efficient setup for various surgical cases.
- Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Minimized infection risks by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques when handling surgical supplies and equipment.
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Provided help in Sterile Processing Department when needed.
Surgical Assistant/Surgical Technologist
Atlantic Orthopaedic Group
Melbourne, FL
06.2005 - 11.2023
- Private Surgical Assistant to Dr. Paul Keller. Newsweek's Top 150 Spine Surgeons 2024.
- Delivers upmost care to minimize complications and maximize patient and surgeon satisfaction.
- Implements the highest standards of practice in the Operating theatre.
- Maintaining a smooth transition from one patient to the next.
- Streamlined communication between Dr. Keller's surgical cases and the hospital to promote teamwork and efficient operations.
- Ensured patient safety by maintaining a sterile environment throughout surgery.
- Coordinates with the hospital and sterile processing. Ensuring all instruments and implants are available for Dr. Keller's surgical procedures.
Lead Surgical Technologist
Wuesthoff Health System
Melbourne, FL
01.2002 - 06.2005
- Facilitated opening of a brand new hospital within the community.
- Lead Surgical Technologist. Assisting in Spine, Orthopaedics, Total Joint, General, GYN, ENT, Urology,
- Assisted in Sterile Processing when needed.
- Surgery Scheduling.
- Reduced surgery preparation time by effectively collaborating with the vendors in setting up equipment and instruments.
- Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Selected and purchased equipment for surgical procedures.
Certified Surgical Technician
Health First, Cape Canaveral Hospital
Cape Canaveral, FL
04.1999 - 06.2002
- Assisted in complex surgeries through effective communication and collaboration with the surgical team.
- Reduced surgical complications through proper handling and passing of surgical instruments to surgeons.
- Played a crucial role in life-saving surgeries by assisting in emergency cases when called upon.
- Supported successful surgeries by anticipating surgeon needs and providing necessary assistance during Spine, Orthopaedic, Total Joint, General, Vascular, GYN, ENT, Urological procedures.
- Assists in Sterile processing when needed.
- Preceptor to new scrub hires along with students from Eastern Florida State College.
Surgical Assistant/Surgical Technologist
United States Naval Hospital
Great Lakes, IL
05.1995 - 01.1999
- Arranged supplies and instrumentation to meet needs of individual surgeons and enhance team efficiency.
- Senior Tech/Assistant to busy Orthopaedic practice with 6 Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- Responsible for all Orthopaedic equipment and instrumentation.
- Coordinates with surgeons prior to surgical procedures. Ensuring they have all implants for each case
- On Call Coordinator. Facilitating call schedule.
- Assistant Charge Sterile Processing Department.
Surgical Assistant/Lead Surgical Technologist
United States Naval Hospital
Okinawa, Japan
06.1991 - 06.1995
- Arranged supplies and instrumentation to meet needs of individual surgeons and enhance team efficiency.
- Assisted in complex surgical procedures, demonstrating adaptability and knowledge across multiple disciplines.
- Lead Surgical Assistant/Surgical Technologist for Neuro and Orthopaedic specialties.
- Lead Surgical Technologist for the only Neuro Surgeon stationed within the entire Western Pacific Area of Operations. Dr. Arthur Johnson, Lt. Col, USAF
- Oversees over $800,000 dollars worth of surgical equipment, instruments.
- Worked in Sterile Processing when needed.
Operating Room Technician/Surgical Technology Student
United States Navy
San Diego, CA
11.1990 - 05.1991
- Contributed to successful surgeries by anticipating surgeon needs and promptly providing required tools and instruments.
- Assisted in various surgical procedures, demonstrating versatility in different specialties within the operating room environment.
- Expedited surgical turnaround times by swiftly cleaning up after each procedure while adhering to proper decontamination standards for both equipment and surfaces alike.
- Graduated with Honors.
Education
Surgical Technology
Naval School of Health Sciences
San Diego, CA05-1991
Skills
- Proficient in Spine, Orthopaedic/Trauma, Total Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine, General, ENT
- Surgical assistance
- Instrument sterilization
- Basic life support
- Experience with Stryker,Synthes, Depuy, Arthrex, Acumed, Zimmer, Orthofix, Medtronic, Alphatec, Globus
- Patient preparation
- Leadership qualities
- Wound closure techniques
- Surgical equipment handling
- Surgical counts
- HIPAA proficiency
- Sterile processing support
Languages
English
Full Professional
Affiliations
- Association of Surgical Technologists Member since 2005.
- Heritage Member AST
References available upon request
DD214 Available upon Request
Timeline
Private Surgical Technologist to Dr. Paul Keller
Health First Medical Group
11.2023 - Current
Surgical Technologist
Surgical Care Affiliates Inc.
11.2010 - Current
Surgical Assistant/Surgical Technologist
Atlantic Orthopaedic Group
06.2005 - 11.2023
Lead Surgical Technologist
Wuesthoff Health System
01.2002 - 06.2005
Certified Surgical Technician
Health First, Cape Canaveral Hospital
04.1999 - 06.2002
Surgical Assistant/Surgical Technologist
United States Naval Hospital
05.1995 - 01.1999
Surgical Assistant/Lead Surgical Technologist
United States Naval Hospital
06.1991 - 06.1995
Operating Room Technician/Surgical Technology Student
United States Navy
11.1990 - 05.1991
Surgical Technology
Naval School of Health Sciences