
Always On EM - Mayo Clinic Emergency Medicine
Hosts, Alex Finch, MD and Venk Bellamkonda, MD explore topics relevant to the practice, education or research of emergency medicine. Enjoy interviews with people on the front lines, thought leaders from around the world, and the comedy and drama of life when it intersects with emergency care.
Follow us on X: @AlwaysOnEM
Email: AlwaysOnEM@gmail.com
Latest episodes

Jun 15, 2025 • 53min
Grand Rounds - Dr. Taylor Christian - First do no harm: the history and origin of medical racism
This is a capstone presentation from Chief Resident of Mayo Clinic Emergency Medicine, Dr. Taylor Christian.
Teaser: Can we fulfill our oath to “do no harm” if we ignore the harm of racial injustice in medicine? Understanding the historical roots and persistent impact of medical racism isn’t just informative; it is a call to action. This presentation is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and act to become better advocates.
CONTACTS
X - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda; @TayMChristian
YouTube - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda
Instagram – @AlwaysOnEM; @Venk_like_vancomycin; @ASFinch; @drtaylormonet
Email - AlwaysOnEM@gmail.com
REFERENCES & LINKS
Meisel ZF, Shofer FS, Dolan AR, Goldberg E, Cannuscio CC, Rhodes KV, Perrone J, Hess EP, Rogers M, Bellamkonda V, Bell J, Zyla M, Becker L, McCollum S, Schapira M. Comparing Three Ways to Help Patients with Acute Pain Learn about Opioid Risks — The Life STORRIED Study [Internet]. Washington (DC): Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI); 2021 Oct. PMID: 39383261.
Engel-Rebitzer E, Dolan AR, Aronowitz SV, Shofer FS, Nguemeni Tiako MJ, Schapira MM, Perrone J, Hess EP, Rhodes KV, Bellamkonda VR, Cannuscio CC, Goldberg E, Bell J, Rodgers MA, Zyla M, Becker LB, McCollum S, Meisel ZF. Patient Preference and Risk Assessment in Opioid Prescribing Disparities: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Jul 1;4(7):e2118801. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.18801. PMID: 34323984; PMCID: PMC8322998.
Racic M, Roche-Miranda MI, Fatahi G. Twelve tips for implementing and teaching anti-racism curriculum in medical education. Med Teach. 2023 Aug;45(8):816-821. doi: 10.1080/0142159X.2023.2206534. Epub 2023 May 3. PMID: 37134226.
Sahai A, Corley AMS, Lipps L, Lawton R, DeBlasio D, Klein M. A Locally-Focused Structural Racism Curriculum for Pediatric Primary Care Residents. Acad Pediatr. 2023 Nov-Dec;23(8):1510-1512. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.06.012. Epub 2023 Jun 9. PMID: 37302703.
Carrera D, Tejeda C, Kakani P, Napolitano J. Addressing Racism in Medical Education: A Longitudinal Antiracism Discussion Curriculum for Medical Students. Med Sci Educ. 2023 Apr 28;33(3):639-643. doi: 10.1007/s40670-023-01788-x. PMID: 37501797; PMCID: PMC10368613.
Seegmiller Renner AM, Gross JR, Laughlin-Tommaso SK. Paving a Path to Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity: A Curriculum Roadmap. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023 Dec;98(12):1755-1762. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.08.026. PMID: 38043992.

Jun 1, 2025 • 49min
Chapter 44 - Withdrawal warriors battle with barbs! Phenobarbital as a treatment for alcohol withdrawal
Brandy Hernandez, an Emergency Medicine pharmacist and PGY2 resident at Mayo Clinic, dives into the innovative use of phenobarbital for treating alcohol withdrawal. She discusses its benefits over traditional benzodiazepines and explores the mechanisms that make it effective. The conversation highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans, risks involved, and the intricacies of managing severe cases like Delirium Tremens. Brandy also shares insights into the evolving guidelines and the challenges healthcare providers face in this critical area of medicine.

May 14, 2025 • 52min
Grand Rounds - Dr Fiterman Molinari - Cardiac Arrest: when Standard Care is Not Enough
In this grand rounds, Dr. Daniel Fiterman Molinari challenges the status quo of cardiac arrest care with thought provoking takes on the literature. Take a listen to his Capstone presentation and find yourself pondering whether you agree or disagree, and whether you need to go revisit the literature yourself. You may find your own heart skips a beat in this great episode.

May 1, 2025 • 60min
Chapter 43 - Code Brown: When the runs run the room! - Management of Acute Diarrheal Emergencies
Dive into the messy world of acute diarrhea management in emergency medicine! Learn about the critical role of hydration strategies, including the WHO’s Oral Rehydration Solution. Discover when zinc supplementation may benefit patients, and gain insights into differentiating viral from bacterial causes. The hosts discuss the significance of Complete Blood Count results, the risks of infections like E. coli, and share real case studies for a practical understanding. Join for an engaging exploration of a vital yet often overlooked issue in urgent care!

Apr 14, 2025 • 48min
Grand Rounds - Dr. Lauren Chernick - Designing Digital Interventions to Improve Adolescent Sexual Health
The rapid evolution of digital health is transforming emergency care, but how do we design and implement technologies that truly meet patient needs? This session will explore the landscape of digital health tools and unpack how user-centered design ensures their effectiveness. Using a phased approach to development, Dr. Lauren Chernick from Columbia emergency medicine will discuss key strategies for integrating technology into engaging mobile health interventions. She will also share insights from three real-world sexual health interventions designed for adolescents in the ED—highlighting both successes and challenges. Join us for a discussion on digital health in emergency medicine and its potential to enhance patient care.
CONTACTS
X - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda
YouTube - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda
Instagram – @AlwaysOnEM; @Venk_like_vancomycin; @ASFinch
Email - AlwaysOnEM@gmail.com

5 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 46min
Chapter 42 - Yes, I can help - Feeling empowered to help with in-flight emergencies
Discover expert insights into handling in-flight medical emergencies, from the effects of altitude on oxygen and pressure to the available resources. Hear real-life experiences and legal and ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals mid-air. Learn about critical interventions for respiratory distress, seizures, and allergic reactions, emphasizing calmness and creative problem-solving. By the end, feel empowered and ready to assist confidently in any airborne medical situation!

Mar 14, 2025 • 55min
Grand Rounds - Dr. Alexander Ginsburg - Integrating Palliative Care in the ED: Streamlined Solutions to Minimize Provider Burden
In this Grand Rounds chapter, Dr. Alex Ginsburg, board certified in both emergency medicine and palliative care, and physician leader practicing in both specialties at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota discusses a pragmatic way to incorporate palliative care into a busy and complicated emergency medicine practice. Beginning with why this is important and highlighting the challenges and barriers to making this happen, Dr. Ginsburg then proceeds to talk through approaches that are patient-centric while simultaneously feasible for a busy emergency physician. He will call out specific patients and scenarios that would benefit from consulting palliative care if possible and then cover optimal practices in how to clarify the goals of care of your patient. Tune in for this incredibly important Mayo Clinic Emergency Medicine Grand Rounds!
CONTACTS
X - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda
YouTube - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda
Instagram – @AlwaysOnEM; @Venk_like_vancomycin; @ASFinch
Email - AlwaysOnEM@gmail.com

5 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 18min
Chapter 41 - Conversations toward cohesive practice - Optimizing the emergency physician and APP interface
Join Jeff Wood, a Physician Assistant and Assistant Professor at Mayo Clinic, as he dives into the evolving landscape of collaboration in emergency medicine. He shares insights on the importance of mentorship and clear communication between emergency physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). Discover strategies for supporting APP autonomy and enhancing patient care, as well as how to navigate conflicts and build strong professional relationships in high-pressure environments. It's all about teamwork and optimizing emergency healthcare for better outcomes!

21 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 56min
Grand Rounds - Dr. Brit Long - Choose your own adventure - High risk diseases in the emergency department
Dr. Brit Long, an engaging Emergency Medicine physician and Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force, delivers an interactive talk on high-risk, low-frequency conditions in the emergency department. He discusses complex cases like spinal epidural abscess and cervical artery dissection, stressing timely interventions. The episode dives into managing ectopic pregnancies and revealing insights on toxic shock syndrome, all while sharing personal anecdotes and emphasizing the role of education and collaboration in military medicine.

30 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 16min
Chapter 40 - The Full Bird and Fumar de Cystica - an EM guide to the gallbladder
Dr. Henry Schiller, a Mayo Clinic Professor of Surgery and Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, shares his expertise on gallbladder health. He discusses the formation of gallstones and the significance of timely diagnosis. The conversation delves into differentiating gallstones from cholecystitis, highlighting critical imaging techniques like ultrasound and CT scans. Insights into interpreting liver function tests and the complexity of acalculous cholecystitis are explored, along with engaging personal anecdotes from his medical journey.