In this episode of My Favorite Learners, Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA, sits down with Dr. Rhea Temmermand, PhDc, MSN, CRNA, FAANA—neuropharmacology researcher at Drexel University, adjunct professor, textbook co-editor, and co-founder of Atomic Anesthesia—to make pharmacogenetics practical for the OR.

We unpack how genetic variability shapes drug response beyond PK/PD: SNPs, drug targets and transporters, and the CYP450 story (including CYP2D6 phenotypes and why prodrugs like codeine can be risky). Rhea debunks the redhead/CYP2D6 myth, clarifies pseudocholinesterase deficiency with the dibucaine number you’ll see on boards, and walks through malignant hyperthermia (RYR1/CACNA1S) with real cases—plus the team dynamics of giving RYANODEX under pressure. We close with when genetic testing might help, ethical considerations, and Rhea’s evergreen clinical mantra: start low, titrate slow, go multimodal.

Timestamps
00:52 Rhea’s path from clinical CRNA to researcher & educator
08:00 Polymorphisms, CYP450, and phenotype basics
20:30 Pseudocholinesterase deficiency & dibucaine number (boards tip)
27:30 MH recognition, treatment, and RYANODEX in the real world
32:30 Pharmacogenetic testing: utility & ethics
39:00 Practical takeaways for SRNAs & CRNAs

Perfect for: SRNAs prepping for boards, CRNAs updating practice, and anyone curious about precision anesthesia.