Lauren Westafer

Dr. Lauren Westafer, a PE researcher and Foamcast host, along with Dr. Justin Morgenstern, a regular contributor to EM platforms, and Dr. Bourke Tillman, an intensivist, dive into the complexities of managing intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). They discuss vital risk stratification techniques, including the use of biomarkers and imaging. The conversation also highlights crucial treatment decisions, weighing thrombolysis against anticoagulation, and the role of clinical judgment in dynamic situations. Their insights aim to enhance emergency care strategies for this challenging condition.

In this discussion, Dr. Lauren Westafer, an Assistant Professor and pulmonary embolism expert from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, delves into the nuances of D-dimer testing. She highlights the challenges of ruling out pulmonary embolism (PE) in high-risk patients, spotlighting striking findings from recent research. The conversation critically assesses the reliability of D-dimer levels and biases in existing studies, urging a need for reevaluation of testing strategies for better outcomes in emergency medicine.

In this discussion, experts Bourke Tillmann, Lauren Westafer, and Justin Morgenstern delve into the intricacies of managing high-risk pulmonary embolism. They highlight critical strategies for optimizing airway management and hemodynamic support. Advanced intubation techniques and the use of Laryngeal Mask Airways offer innovative solutions. Additionally, they address the significance of risk stratification and shared decision-making with patients, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions and the management of complications to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Lauren Westafer, an expert in emergency medicine and co-founder of FOAMcast, and Dr. James Paxton, lead author of a pivotal COVID-related study, discuss groundbreaking advancements in prehospital stroke detection. They explore the challenges of identifying large vessel occlusion strokes and introduce the Harmony 5000 cranial accelerometry device, showcasing its enhanced sensitivity. The conversation also delves into biases in stroke research funding, the evolution of stroke detection technologies, and their implications for improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Lauren Westafer discusses conflict in emergency medicine, focusing on a case of discharged patient without antibiotics causing conflict with their primary care provider. Topics include workplace rudeness, professional bias, clinician conflicts, effective communication strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and managing conflicts at individual, team, and institutional levels.