
The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast
Your trusted resource for everything to do with high-risk and critical care obstetrics. Our experienced, interprofessional team shares insights from years of practice, simulation, and team training—making complex topics simple and easy to understand. Sometimes it’s just us, sometimes it’s guests, and sometimes it’s case reviews—always with the goal of helping you provide the best care. Thanks for listening!
Latest episodes

Sep 16, 2024 • 45min
Examining the Impact: Insights from a Maternal Mortality Review Committee
In this episode, Dr Stephanie Martin has a discussion with Jamie Agunsday, MA, MSN, RNC-OB, a nurse abstractor for the New Jersey Maternal Mortality Review Committee. We talk about what is an MMRC, how maternal deaths are reviewed and the importance of the data that is leaned from an MMRC. She also outlines what she wants every OB healthcare provider to know about an MMRC.Jamie Agunsday is a master’s prepared Registered Nurse who has spent the last decade serving women and birthing families in New Jersey. As a staff nurse in Labor and delivery in one of NJ’s busiest birthing hospitals, Jamie was deeply impacted by seeing women experience serious pregnancy related complications. For the last 4 years, Jamie has worked to support the review of maternal deaths as a maternal mortality nurse abstractor where she tells the stories of those who died from complications of their pregnancies. Through all of her work, Jamie seeks to center the voices and amplify the stories of those most impacted by adverse outcomes to help make meaningful improvements in the health of all people giving birth.https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/data-research/mmrc-2017-2019.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/data-research/index.html#:~:text=Characteristics%20of%20Pregnancy%2DRelated%20Deaths,in%2038%20U.S.%20States%2C%202020&text=Race%20or%20ethnicity%20was%20missing,1.3%25)%20pregnancy%2Drelated%20deaths.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...

Sep 2, 2024 • 34min
Professional Behavior: You Know It When You See It
Stephanie and Julie talk about a key team skill - professional behavior. We discuss why it matters, how it can show up in emergencies and impact patient care, morale and even ability to hire and retain staff. We also talk about how to use simulation to improve behaviors. Julie presents a real life situation of unprofessional behavior and how she addressed it successfully.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...

Aug 19, 2024 • 40min
Maintaining Situation Awareness During an Emergency
Stephanie and Julie discuss the importance of situation awareness during emergencies. Julie talks about what situation awareness means, the key components of patient, team and environment and how to address challenges using real life examples.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...

Aug 5, 2024 • 34min
What is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist and When do I Need One?
Dr Stephanie Martin explains the specialty of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. She discusses the types of training MFMs get, the conditions they treat and when you might need to consult one.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...

Jul 22, 2024 • 55min
A Case Study of Preeclampsia and Pulmonary Edema: Why Can't We Get This Right?
Dr. Stephanie Martin and Dr. Suzanne McMurtry Baird discuss a case study of a pregnant patient with preeclampsia and pulmonary edema, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and management. They talk about the importance of proper assessment techniques, challenges in initiating oxygen therapy, medication administration, and the need for timely intervention. The experts emphasize the significance of differential diagnosis, accurate monitoring, and team practice in caring for critically ill pregnant women.

Jul 8, 2024 • 32min
I LOVE URINE - Especially in Patients with Preeclampsia!
In this episode, Dr. Suzanne McMurtry Baird discusses oliguria in patients diagnosed with preeclampsia. She will outline 3 hemodynamic categories that may cause preeclampsia in this patient population and the rationale for use of a Foley catheter to evaluate urine output.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...

Jun 24, 2024 • 17min
Recording actual patient care for Quality Improvement: Coming to a hospital near you?
Hospitals have been recording actual patient events for quality improvement in some departments for years and the practice is spreading to other departments. What is involved with recording actual events and what effect might it have on patient care? Julie Arafeh interviews Dr Lou Halamek on a program he is involved with in a busy NICU.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...

May 27, 2024 • 19min
Informed Consent is More Than a Piece of Paper
Dr Stephanie Martin discusses the key components of informed consent with an emphasis of shifting beyond the concept of informed consent solely as a signature on a form.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...

May 13, 2024 • 12min
Practical Tips for Conducting and Participating in Real Clinical Event Debriefings
Join Julie Arafeh as she shares practical tips for conducting AND participating in debriefing after real clinical events. Gain insight into how debriefing can be linked with quality improvement to address issues on the unit and can foster team building to enhance team performance.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...

Apr 29, 2024 • 55min
Is Obstetric Hemorrhage Different from Trauma? An Interview with Dr Alan Frankfurt
Julie Arafeh discusses the administration of whole blood in obstetric massive hemorrhage emergencies with Dr. Alan Frankfurt, an OB Anesthesiologist.The experts at Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics pool their decades of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women to discuss the challenges encountered in caring for these vulnerable women. Dr Stephanie Martin is the Medical Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with expertise in critical care obstetrics. Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN is the Nursing Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics with many years of experience caring for critically ill pregnant women. Julie Arafeh, RN, MS is the Simulation Director for Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics and a leading expert in simulation.Critical Care Obstetrics Academy: https://www.clinicalconceptsinob.com/Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalcareob/Dr Martin's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-martin-65b07112aCCOB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-concepts-in-obstetrics/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OBCriticalCareCCOB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicalconceptsinobstetricsDr Ma...