SCCM Podcast

Kaitlin M. Alexander is a clinical associate professor specializing in integrating AI into critical care education, while Ankit Sakhuja directs AI and informatics at the Institute for Critical Care Medicine. They discuss the transformative potential of AI in critical care education and practice. Kaitlin shares innovative ways AI enhances experiential learning and simulates patient cases. Ankit highlights AI's capability to analyze vast ICU data for better decision-making, addressing data overload, and ensuring ethical usage. They stress the importance of teaching responsible AI application in clinical settings.

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Marilyn N. Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, welcomes Matheus Bannach, MD, of Urgency Hospital of Goyes in the Eruseo-Dorne Cancer Hospital in Brazil. They discuss Dr. Bannach’s article, “Transfusion Practices in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials,” published in the April 2025 issue of Critical Care Medicine. The study compared liberal and restrictive strategies for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). They found that a liberal transfusion strategy results in better neurologic outcomes than a restrictive strategy. Drs. Bulloch and Bannach discuss the importance of optimizing transfusion thresholds, the risks and benefits of blood transfusion for critically ill patients, and the limited supply of donated blood. The conversation also covers study methodology. Dr. Bannach explains the choice of main end point for the study, the process of selecting articles to include, and the rigorous peer review process. Listeners will find guidance for optimizing blood transfusion in patients with TBI, as well as key insights into review methodology. More discussion of this article can be found in the April 2025 Critical Content video. Resources referenced in this episode: Transfusion Practices in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (Larcipretti ALL, et al. Crit Care Med. 2025;53:e963-e972).

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Kyle B. Enfield, MD, FCCM, welcomes Vincenzo Russotto, MD, of the University of Turin in Turin, Italy to discuss Dr. Russotto’s article, “Induction Agents for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Patients,” published in the January 2025 issue of Critical Care Medicine. Drs. Enfield and Russotto explore the decision of which induction drugs to use for patients undergoing tracheal intubation. They discuss research challenges such as the ethics of which drugs can be tested on patients and the emergent nature of many tracheal intubations. Dr. Russotto discusses the advantages and disadvantages of ketamine as an induction agent and describes current clinical thinking on etomidate and propofol. His study made no definitive conclusions but found evidence that ketamine may have a safer profile and etomidate and propofol may be associated with negative effects. Dr. Russotto emphasizes the need to individualize patient treatment and shares examples of induction agent combinations. He encourages clinicians to consider hemodynamic optimization along with the use of intubation agents. Listeners will gain insights to inform patient care. Resources referenced in this episode: Induction Agents for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Patients (Kotani Y, et al. Crit Care Med. 2025;53:e173-e181).

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Marilyn N. Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, welcomes Bram Tilburgs, RN, PhD, of Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands. They discuss Dr. Tilburgs’ article, “Associations Between Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Domains of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Multicenter Cohort Study,” published in the January 2025 issue of Critical Care Medicine. The conversation offers key insights into the prevalence and long-term effects of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Dr. Tilburgs’ study surveyed intensive care unit (ICU) patients on their quality of life three months, twelve months, and two years after ICU discharge. The survey included physical, cognitive, and mental health domains. The findings show a significant link between PICS and diminished long-term quality of life. Drs. Bulloch and Tilburgs discuss how these results highlight the need for PICS prevention across all three domains. They review potential strategies, such as diaries to help patients better understand their ICU experience. Dr. Tilburgs also highlights the benefits of his institution’s discussion group for ICU survivors. Listeners will gain key insights on the long-term effects of PICS, actionable ideas for improving ICU patient care, and ideas for future research. Resources referenced in this episode:  Associations Between Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Domains of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Multicenter Cohort Study (Tilburgs B, et al. Crit Care Med. 2025 Jan;53:e74-e86).

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Maureen A. Madden, DNP, RN, CPNC-AC, CCRN, FCCM, welcomes Christopher D. Newman, MBA, PA-C, FCCM, of Children's Hospital Colorado, and Victoria Howard, PA-C, of the University of Rochester to discuss professional advancement tracks for advanced practice providers (APPs). APP professional advancement programs aim to improve retention and engagement. Mr. Newman and Ms. Howard highlight additional benefits as well. They explain how the pilot professional advancement tracks at their institutions address specific needs of APPs. Mr. Newman’s program addresses the challenge of recognizing and supporting the nonclinical contributions of predominantly clinical faculty such as APPs. Ms. Howard’s program recognizes APPs’ careers beginning at an early stage and incorporates salary advancement into the program. The guests discuss the practical challenges of implementing a professional advancement model, including finding financial resources, obtaining institutional buy-in, and making the recognition relevant and meaningful to APPs’ work. Both guests emphasize that professional advancement programs should motivate and engage APPs over the course of their careers and encourage more appreciation for their work. The conversation will motivate listeners to explore similar career development programs at their own institutions.

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Maureen A. Madden, DNP, RN, CPNP-AC, CCRN, FCCM, speaks with James R. Rodrigue, PhD, FAST, and Richard D. Hasz, MS, about their article, “Racial Equity in Family Approach for Patients Medically Suitable for Deceased Organ Donation,” published in the December 2024 issue of Critical Care Medicine. The study found racial equity in organ procurement organization (OPO) family approach among patients who were medically eligible for organ donation. Dr. Rodrigue and Mr. Hasz explain that previous studies showing racial disparity in family approach were based on 25- to 30-year-old data. The changes in organ donation systems since then were what motivated Dr. Rodrigue and Mr. Hasz to conduct new research. Their findings highlight the positive impact of standardized OPO practices on equitable access to organ donation opportunities. Dr. Rodrigue and Mr. Hasz emphasize the importance of timely referral, family-centered communication, and coordination between hospital teams and OPOs in facilitating donation conversations during emotionally charged moments. These practices complement advances in technology and expanded donor eligibility criteria to make more donations possible. Integrating organ donation information into driver education programs and expanding registration opportunities to settings such as voter registration can also help increase awareness and informed consent, especially among young people. Resources referenced in this episode:  Racial Equity in Family Approach for Patients Medically Suitable for Deceased Organ Donation (Rodrigue JR, et al. Crit Care Med. 2024;52:1877-1884).

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Elizabeth H. Mack, MD, MS, FCCM, speaks with Anil Sachdev, MD, FICCM, of the Institute of Child Health, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, India about his team’s study, “Transpulmonary Pressure-Guided Mechanical Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the PICU: Single-Center Retrospective Study in North India, 2018–2021,” published in the March 2025 issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Sachdev explains the development and implementation at his institution of a protocol for transpulmonary pressure (TPP) monitoring in pediatric patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. His team compared outcomes of patients receiving TPP-guided ventilation with those receiving conventional mechanical ventilation. Study findings suggested that TPP monitoring enabled the use of higher positive end-expiratory pressure with greater clinician confidence, resulting in improved oxygenation. Study limitations included small sample size and challenges of equipment availability, cost, and obtaining parental consent. The study was conducted in part during the COVID-19 pandemic, which further constrained resources and study participation. The discussion concludes with Dr. Sachdev’s insights into practical challenges of TPP monitoring, including inserting delicate esophageal catheters in infants and young children and the necessity of correct catheter position for accurate readings. Resources referenced in this episode: Transpulmonary Pressure-Guided Mechanical Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the PICU: Single-Center Retrospective Study in North India, 2018–2021 (Sachdev A, et al. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2025;26:e354-e363).

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Kyle B. Enfield, MD, FCCM, speaks with Garrett McDougall, MS, MSc, and Ben Forestell, MD, of McMaster University about their recent study, “Direct Laryngoscopy Versus Video Laryngoscopy for Intubation in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Trials,” published in the November 2024 issue of Critical Care Medicine. The study included 20 randomized controlled trials encompassing 4569 patients to investigate whether video laryngoscopy (VL) offers advantages over direct laryngoscopy (DL) for intubation in critically ill patients.  A key finding of the study was that VL probably improves first-pass success rates and reduces the risk of esophageal intubation and dental injury. These benefits extend across the spectrum of operator experience, especially among novice operators but also among seasoned operators.   Drs. McDougall and Forestell discuss findings that surprised them, such as seeing equal benefit for standard VL and hyperangulated VL devices. Additionally, no clear benefits were found for patients who were intubated emergently with VL as compared to those who underwent elective intubation. The discussion covers what could be next for resuscitation and airway research in critically ill patients. There may be more to learn about scenarios involving difficult airways, soiled airways, and emergent versus elective intubation. More research on device characteristics could also provide important insights. To wrap up, the guests underscore the importance of maintaining both VL and DL proficiency since DL can be a more appropriate choice for some patients. Resources referenced in this episode: Direct Laryngoscopy Versus Video Laryngoscopy for Intubation in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Trials (McDougall GG, et al. Crit Care Med. 2024;52:1674-1685).

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Marilyn N. Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, speaks with Christy C. Forehand, PharmD, BCCCP, FCCM, about retaining highly skilled pharmacists in the ICU setting. Dr. Forehand, a clinical pharmacy specialist and residency program director at Augusta University Medical Center and the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, shares evidence-based insights and personal reflections on how pharmacist retention directly impacts quality and safety in patient care. The conversation highlights growing concerns around burnout and attrition among ICU pharmacists, underscoring how their involvement improves clinical and economic outcomes—ranging from medication safety and reduced ventilator days to optimized transitions of care. Drawing on American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) publications and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guidance, Dr. Forehand outlines strategies for building retention plans that prioritize recognition, advancement opportunities, career mentorship, and structural supports such as protected administrative time. She emphasizes how institutional practices such as improved scheduling, remote work models, and role-specific stipends can prevent burnout while reinforcing team trust and efficiency. Resources referenced in this episode: SCCM’s Leadership, Empowerment, and Development (LEAD) Program, which supports professional development Rewards, Recognition, and Advancement for Clinical Pharmacists (Bondi DS, et al. J Am Coll Clin Pharm. 2023;6:427-439)

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Kyle B. Enfield, MD, FCCM, speaks with Brian T. Wessman, MD, FACEP, FCCM, and Fajun Wang, MD, about maximizing professional growth through active engagement with SCCM. Drawing on their personal experiences, the guests reflect on how early involvement through residency, fellowship, and the Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) course ignited long-term involvement in the Society. Drs. Wessman and Wang outline actionable strategies for new and seasoned members alike. They emphasize the value of committee and section participation, trainee liaison roles, and the mentorship programs, particularly the initiative tailored for international medical graduates. The conversation sheds light on the application process and professional significance of becoming a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (FCCM). Whether you're navigating your first SCCM Congress or considering applying for FCCM designation, this episode is a comprehensive guide to supersizing your SCCM membership—turning involvement into influence and professional growth into sustained impact. Resources referenced in this episode: SCCM’s LearnICU platform  Choosing Wisely for Critical Care: The Next Five (Zimmerman JJ, et al. Crit Care Med. 2021;49:472-481) The Definition of the Intensivist in the Era of Global Healthcare (Wu D, et al. Crit Care Med. 2025;53:e548-e554).