

Always On EM - Mayo Clinic Emergency Medicine
Alex Finch; Venk Bellamkonda
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
Follow us on X: @AlwaysOnEM
Email: AlwaysOnEM@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 20min
Chapter 46 - Dont be salty, be phosphorescent! - Sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the ED
Dr. Jim Gregoire, consultant nephrologist and master educator, joins the show again to talk about electrolytes this time. He breaks down practicalities in caring for patients with sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus disorders - who is at risk, what history and exam findings to look for, what testing to do and how to correct the problems. Join Alex and Venk as they learn the nuances of care for these conditions that we see every single shift.
CONTACTS
X - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda
YouTube - @AlwaysOnEM; @VenkBellamkonda
Instagram – @AlwaysOnEM; @Venk_like_vancomycin; @ASFinch
Email - AlwaysOnEM@gmail.com

Aug 1, 2025 • 36min
Grand Rounds - Dr. John Schupbach - Battling big food, big pharma, and big health
Dr. John Schupbach, an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic and an MBA graduate from Harvard, dissects the troubling intersection of food, pharma, and health. He highlights the alarming rise in childhood obesity and critiques expensive medications like Liraglutide. Schupbach questions the fairness of healthcare expenses and the dominance of insurance companies. He advocates for patient-centered innovations that disrupt the status quo, urging listeners to challenge misaligned incentives in the healthcare industry.

Jul 5, 2025 • 1h 13min
Chapter 45 - Airway to Heaven: A Primer on Mechanical Ventilation for Emergency Providers
Dr. Harish Kinni, a triple-board-certified physician specializing in emergency medicine and critical care, shares his expertise on mechanical ventilation. He covers foundational concepts crucial for emergency providers, including essential modes of ventilation and the importance of accurate patient measurements. The discussion also delves into troubleshooting techniques, optimal settings for various respiratory conditions, and strategies to enhance patient care during emergencies. Prepare to learn vital insights that could make a life-saving difference in high-pressure situations!

Jun 15, 2025 • 53min
Grand Rounds - Dr. Taylor Christian - First do no harm: the history and origin of medical racism
Taylor Christian, Chief Resident of Mayo Clinic Emergency Medicine, delves into the pervasive issue of medical racism. He highlights the historical injustices faced by marginalized communities, focusing on events like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the legacy of Henrietta Lacks. Christian emphasizes the urgent need for healthcare providers to address implicit biases, revealing significant disparities in opioid prescribing. He advocates for integrating anti-racism curricula into medical education to foster greater equity and representation in healthcare.

4 snips
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.

5 snips
May 14, 2025 • 52min
Grand Rounds - Dr Fiterman Molinari - Cardiac Arrest: when Standard Care is Not Enough
Dr. Daniel Fiterman Molinari, a senior resident at Mayo Clinic and future leader in medical education, presents revolutionary ideas on cardiac arrest care. He urges a rethink of traditional resuscitation practices to enhance patient outcomes. With insights from case studies, he emphasizes personalized approaches and extends the discourse on innovative strategies like continuous chest compressions and advanced technologies. Listeners will find themselves reflecting on the literature and questioning established norms in emergency medicine.

7 snips
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