The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine

Timothy Caulfield, a Canadian law professor and health policy expert, dives deep into the complexities of science communication and misinformation. He discusses the power of language in vaccine debates, urging clarity over stigmatization. Intellectual humility is highlighted as a vital tool against misinformation. The conversation delves into evolving medical practices, the pitfalls of online opinions, and the cultural allure of UFOs. Caulfield emphasizes the urgent need for effective science communication to navigate today's challenges.

Reference: Kemal et al. Emergency department utilization by youth before and after firearm injury. AEM July 2025 Date: July 28, 2025 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Kirsty Challen is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine in the UK and an evidence-based medicine advocate. She’s a seasoned knowledge translator with her wonderful PaperinaPic infographics.   Case: Your non-US emergency […] The post SGEM#481: Shot Through the Chart And You’re to Blame – But Can We Intervene? first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Reference: Bourke EM, et al. PEAChY-O: Pharmacological Emergency Management of Agitation in Children and Young People: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Oral Medication. Annals of Emergency Medicine. Feb 2025 Date: April 29, 2025 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Brad Sobolewski, is a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics at the University […] The post SGEM#480: In the End It Doesn’t Even Matter: Oral Olanzapine or Diazepam for Pediatric Agitation first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Date: July 9, 2025 Guest Skeptics: Dr. Cindy Bitter is an Associate Professor in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Saint Louis University. She has a Master’s in Bioethics, and she is passionate about EM capacity building and physician resilience, especially improving wellness through time in nature.    Dr. Amy Bi is a graduate from […] The post SGEM Xtra: Career Advice from Buffy the Vampire Slayer first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

In this discussion, Dr. Sandi Angus, a passionate Paediatric and Adult Emergency Medicine Registrar, dives into the complexities of evaluating blunt abdominal trauma in children. They explore the critical balance between the risks of radiation from CT scans and the benefits of accurate diagnosis. The conversation highlights the PECARN rule for identifying low-risk patients and the challenges in interpreting injury risks from various symptoms. Join in as they uncover the intricacies of clinical decision-making in pediatric emergency care!

Reference: Solnick et al. Sex Disparities in Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Treatment in US Adult Emergency Departments: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. AEM June 2025 Date: June 24, 2025 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Suchismita Datta. She is an Assistant Professor and Director of Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the NYU Grossman Long Island Hospital […] The post SGEM#478: If I Were a Man: Sex-Based Disparities in the Treatment of STIs first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Reference: Ye et al. Preoxygenation strategies before intubation in patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure: a network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine. 2025 Feb Date: June 12, 2025 Guest Skeptic:  Dr. Aine Yore is an Emergency Physician, practicing in the Seattle, Washington area for over twenty years. She is the former president of the Washington chapter […] The post SGEM#477: I Can Feel It Coming In the Air Tonight…But By Which Pre-Oxygenation Strategy first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Andrew Tagg, an Emergency Physician passionate about education, shares insight on lessons from pop culture, specifically Tom Cruise movies. He connects thrilling cinematic narratives to the challenges faced in emergency medicine, emphasizing teamwork and composure. The discussion highlights the importance of adaptability in fast-changing environments and the need for emotional resilience among healthcare professionals. Tagg's unique take on humor and trauma in films serves as a valuable reminder of the complexities in patient care.

Date: May 14, 2025 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Ross Prager is an Intensivist at the London Health Sciences Centre and an adjunct professor at Western University. His expertise in critical care medicine is complemented by his research interests in critical care ultrasound and evidence-based knowledge translation. This is an SGEM Xtra episode. The inspiration was a […] The post SGEM Xtra: Ten Lessons They Don’t Teach in Medical School (But Should) first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Camille Wu, a leading pediatric surgeon at Sydney Children’s Hospital, delves into the contentious debate over treating pediatric appendicitis. She discusses the growing role of antibiotics versus traditional surgeries, citing recent studies on treatment efficacy. The dialogue touches on the complexities of diagnosis and management, including cultural differences in practices between Australia and the US. Additionally, the conversation highlights patient perspectives and the emotional considerations impacting treatment choices, urging a more personalized approach.