Unbiased Science

99 Ways to (Not) Die: An ER Doc's Guide to Stayin' Alive

27 snips
Jan 7, 2026
Dr. Ashely Alker, an emergency medicine physician and author, dives into critical public health topics, emphasizing the lethal impact of vaccine misinformation. She shares bizarre ER stories, including a wild case involving a pet ferret, and discusses misunderstood medical emergencies like strokes versus heart attacks. Dr. Alker equips listeners with practical life-saving tips, underlining the importance of combating health myths propagated by media. Her insights highlight the vital role of accurate storytelling in preventing avoidable deaths.
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INSIGHT

Consequences Of Withholding Birth-Dose Hep B

  • The ACIP decision not to recommend universal hepatitis B birth dose will likely cost lives by removing a safety net for infants.
  • Ashely Alker emphasizes that vaccines have an incredible safety profile and prevent chronic disease including liver cancer.
INSIGHT

Storytelling As Public-Health Tool

  • Ashely Alker uses storytelling to teach medical facts because stories stick and make complex topics memorable.
  • She frames her book as accessible, entertaining, and designed to disarm fear so people can learn prevention.
ANECDOTE

Choosing Cases And Protecting Patients

  • Ashely describes selecting cases by which ones "inserted themselves," like the single serial killer she encountered during her career.
  • She also changed identifying details fiercely to protect patient privacy and called the book a nonfiction novel.
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