In this episode, we delve into a pivotal multi-center study validating the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) prediction rules for using CT imaging in children with blunt abdominal and minor head trauma. We discuss with the authors the study’s impact, how these validated rules can optimize pediatric trauma care, minimize radiation risks, and what this means for emergency practices worldwide. This conversation not only sheds light on the study’s intricate processes and outcomes, but also emphasizes the vital role of evidence-based guidelines in enhancing patient safety a ..read more

This the first episode in our three part series on infertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding as an Emergency Physician. In this installment, we shine a light on the often unspoken struggles of infertility among physicians, specifically focusing on the emergency medicine community. Join us and expert, Dr. Melissa Parsons, as we delve into the personal experiences, professional challenges, and nuanced perspectives of emergency physicians navigating the complex journey of infertility. In part two, we’ll explore what it’s like to be a pregnant as an EM physician, and in our final episode of the ser ..read more

If you practice in emergency medicine you probably live on the look out for sepsis.  You likely follow the 2016 Sepsis-3 guidelines for adults which really was a paradigm shift from an infection-associated SIRS, to infection-associated organ dysfunction with the SOFA score or sequential organ failure assessment score of at least 2 points in patients with suspected infection. However, the definition of sepsis in kids was not updated at that time in part because SOFA was not studied in children. That means that our current pediatric guidelines are from 2005! Good news though! The Phoenix se ..read more

People living with sickle cell disease can experience severe “pain crises”, or vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE), and are at increased risk for infections, strokes, heart failure, and other serious disease processes. When patients are out sickle cell present to the ED, it is crucial to initiate their evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. So what does this mean practically for us as clinicians? Hematologist and Sickle Cell expert, Dr. Bimpe Adesina, and Emergency Physician and researcher, Dr. Bryn Mumma, join us to explore this topic in depth.  In part 1, we delved into assessment and ..read more

People living with sickle cell disease can experience severe “pain crises”, or vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE), and are at increased risk for infections, strokes, heart failure, and other serious disease processes. When patients are out sickle cell present to the ED, it is crucial to initiate their evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. So what does this mean practically for us as clinicians? Hematologist and Sickle Cell expert, Dr. Bimpe Adesina, and Emergency Physician and researcher, Dr. Bryn Mumma, join us to explore this topic in depth.  In part 1, we delve into assessment and m ..read more

This is the next episode of our Push Dose Pearls miniseries with ED Clinical Pharmacist, Chris Adams. In this ongoing series we’ll dig into some of the questions we all have about medications we commonly see and use in the ED. This episode focuses on RSI (rapid sequence intubation) meds – stuff every ED doc needs to know! What has changed and what are the latest recommendations? We’ll answer these questions and more!  Did this episode change your practice? Let us know on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine a ..read more

If you work in an ED, you’ve probably heard of EMTALA, or the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. But how much do you really know about this law? When does it apply and when does it not? EMTALA expert, Dr. Sophie Terp, helps us understand the history of EMTALA and what we need to know to ensure we provide the best care for our ED patients.  Do you have more questions about EMTALA? Have you ever witnessed a violation? Share your thoughts with us on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis ..read more

We first explored the world of Telehealth back in February of 2021 in parts 1 and 2 of our telemedicine series. Telehealth has exploded since then, even after hospitals and clinics opened fully again when COVID restrictions loosened. Drs. Jenny McCormick and Kelly Owen join us to give an update on our very successful telehealth program at UC Davis, Express Care. How is it working for patients? How do physicians like it? Listen to find out!  Do you have Telehealth programs where you work? Who staffs it? Let us know on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Sarah Medeir ..read more

This is the next episode of our Push Dose Pearls miniseries with ED Pharmacist, Chris Adams. In this ongoing series we’ll dig into some of the questions we all have about medications we commonly see and use in the ED. This episode again focuses on common antibiotics we use in the ED. What has changed and what are the latest recommendations? We’ll answer these questions and more!  Did this episode change your practice? Let us know on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Julia Magaña, Associate ..read more

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. This decision, known as the Dobbs decision, Overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the right to abortion that had been upheld for decades. In the wake of this decision, many states have passed laws banning or severely restricting abortion. So how does this affect our patients and the care we provide in the ED? How is it different in protected estates compared to restricted states? Join us for a deep dive into the health implications of recent changes in reproductive health policy with expert, Dr. Amy Par ..read more