Written by someone who has scrubbed in.

I’m AJ Vazquez. I’ve spent about eight years in operating rooms: Level I to III trauma, orthopedics, oncology, reconstructive surgery and more, including four years as a travel surg tech and helping open a new outpatient surgery center.

Along the way I trained and mentored new techs, and I kept hearing the same questions. How do I get into a program? Is travel worth it? How do I move up to first assist? This site is my answer: the guide I wish I’d had, written for the people who do this work.

Questions, corrections or ideas for a guide? Email me at hero@unseenheroesor.com.