Most CRNAs graduate, get a job, and settle into the profession. But Dr. Erik Rauch proves there’s another path—one of leadership, advocacy, and endless opportunity.

In this episode of Grade 1 View, Erik joins hosts Kevin and Charity to share his 17-year journey from clinical CRNA to program director, pain management fellow, MBA graduate, AANA Board of Directors, and now Chief Clinical Officer of a CRNA anesthesia management company. You’ll hear how economics and workforce shifts are creating unprecedented opportunities for CRNAs to practice independently, and why new grads who embrace skills like ultrasound-guided blocks and critical decision-making will be in high demand.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🚀 From teaching to corporate leadership, CRNAs can shape healthcare.

🏥 Rising demand in surgery centers is opening doors for autonomy.

💉 Skills that matter – Ultrasound blocks and independent decision-making set grads apart.

⚖️ Advocacy fights – Insurance reimbursement cuts put hospitals and CRNAs on the frontlines.

🌉 AANA initiatives keep SRNAs connected as they transition to practice.

Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team!

Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application

About our guest: https://health.usf.edu/nursing/faculty-staff/directory/esrauch

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/

Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/

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