The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine

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.

Dr. Matt Schmitz, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adolescent sports medicine, shares insights on the management of scaphoid fractures. He discusses a clinical study showing that short-term bandaging can match traditional casting in effectiveness, challenging long-held practices. The conversation delves into biases in clinical trials and the importance of proper masking. Schmitz advocates for a more patient-centered approach, emphasizing selective immobilization for low-risk cases and the complexities of follow-up in treatment outcomes.

Noah Wyle, an acclaimed actor known for his role as Dr. John Carter on 'ER', chats about the lasting impact of medical dramas on healthcare professionals. He shares insights into portraying neurodivergent characters authentically and the evolving challenges faced by frontline workers today. Wyle emphasizes the need for empathy and realistic training in medicine while addressing tough topics like healthcare worker violence. The conversation also explores innovative filming techniques that enhance storytelling and connect deeply with audiences.

Reference: Umana E, et al. Performance of clinical decision aids for the care of young febrile infants: A multicenter prospective cohort study. eClinicalMedicine Lancet December 2024 Date: March 6, 2025 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Demetris Athanasiou is a paediatric registrar based in London and enrolled in the PEM MSc program through Queen Mary University in London. Case: […] The post SGEM#474: Help! Which Clinical Decision Aid should I use to Risk Stratify Febrile Infants? first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Reference: Muldowney et al. A Comparison of Ketamine to Midazolam for the Management of Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the Out-of-Hospital Setting. Ann Emerg Med. 2025  Date: April 24, 2025 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Howie Mell received his Medical Doctorate (MD) from the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine at Rockford. Prior to that, he […] The post SGEM#473: Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind – Midazolam or Ketamine for Acute Agitation in the Pre-Hospital Setting first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Reference: Kareemi et al Artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support in the emergency department: a scoping review. AEM April 2025. Date: April 15, 2025 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Kirsty Challen is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals. Case: It may be April, but as you sit in your departmental meeting with your emergency physician colleagues, you all […] The post SGEM#472: Together In Electric Dreams – Or Is It Reality? first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Reference: Sax DR, et al. Emergency Severity Index Version 4 and Triage of Pediatric Emergency Department Patients. JAMA Pediatrics, October 2024 Date: February 12, 2025 Guest Skeptic: Dr. Brandon Ho is a graduating pediatric emergency medicine fellow at Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC and soon to be attending physician at Seattle Children’s. His research […] The post SGEM#471: Are ESI Levels Accurate for Triage of Pediatric Patients? first appeared on The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine.

Emergency department crowding is scrutinized, debunking the myth that non-urgent patients are to blame. The discussion highlights the vital need for precise definitions of crowding and warns against mislabeling that could harm patient care. It also addresses systemic issues like staffing shortages and the unique challenges faced in rural settings. There’s an emphasis on evidence-based solutions tailored to local needs rather than ineffective approaches, advocating for hospital-wide strategies to improve patient flow and reduce wait times.

A recent talk explored five pivotal studies in emergency medicine, offering insights into innovative pre-oxygenation techniques and the reliability of various trial methodologies. Key highlights included a critical analysis of pediatric cervical spine injuries and the effectiveness of pre-hospital sedation. The discussion also delved into the challenges posed by publication bias and the importance of addressing anticoagulant reversal in hemorrhage cases, making for a compelling and informative session.