The SimKit Podcast

Today's post focuses on a significant study comparing peri capsular nerve group (PENG) block and fascia iliac block for managing acute pain in hip fracture patients. Conducted by D Pietro et al., this research, published in Anesthesia in December 2025, offers insights into pain relief techniques within a single-center academic site in Italy. The primary focus was on immediate pain relief achieved within 60 minutes of the block procedure, with secondary outcomes analyzing pain intensity and opioid consumption.   Click HERE for our detailed shownotes! (https://simkit.co/podcast/)

In our latest episode of the SimKit podcast, we dive into a riveting discussion with physician assistant (PA) extraordinaire, Shawn Stepp, to delve into a complicated case of necrotizing fasciitis. This post breaks down the conversation into five key sections, each shedding light on different aspects of this challenging medical condition.     Click HERE for our detailed shownotes! (https://simkit.co/podcast/)

Understanding the learning curves in medical procedures is crucial, especially when it comes to such a critical skill as intubation. In this post, we delve into an Annals study of learning curves in intubation mastery. It sparks conversation about learning curves, forgetting curves, number vs competency-based medical education and, most importantly for us all, the maintenance of procedural skill.   Click HERE for our detailed shownotes! (https://simkit.co/podcast/)

Addressing substance use disorder (SUD) remains a pressing issue, not just for healthcare providers but society as a whole. A recent article published in JAMA Network Open, titled "The Decline in Drug Overdose Deaths by Region, Substance, and Demographics," provides critical insights into the changing landscape of drug overdose deaths. We delve into this study for a clearer understanding, breaking it down into 5 sections with key take aways from each.   Click HERE for our detailed shownotes! (https://simkit.co/podcast/)

Emergency Medicine requires a preparedness for the worst case scenarios, the most critically ill patients, the most complex care, and the most rare procedures that could potentially save a life. That is what we are trying to do at SimKit, by providing education on High Acuity, Low Occurrence (HALO) procedures that delivers to your door.  We were fortunate enough to sit down with Dr. Irvine, a rural physician in  Saskatchewan, Canada and SimKit subscriber, who has taken procedural preparedness to heart to talk about a case of critical illness in a critical access environment.   Click HERE for our detailed shownotes! (https://simkit.co/podcast/)

In this podcast we review structures for efficient charting and patient care, leading to improved flow and less end-of-shift catch up work. To view the video form of this podcast, check it out on our site.    Click HERE for our detailed shownotes! (https://simkit.co/podcast/)

This episode features the presentation of a complex case involving a patient with altered mental status, facial swelling, and dental pain. The discussion highlights key elements of diagnostic reasoning and the importance of maintaining a broad differential when evaluating high-risk patients. The case ultimately underscores the need for vigilance in recognizing rare but life-threatening conditions and using the history, physical, and work-up to nail the diagnosis.

In this episode, we dive into the case of a patient who presents with facial swelling—a common complaint with a wide differential. We walk through the clinical reasoning process, exploring key questions, potential red flags, and common diagnostic traps. As the case unfolds, we highlight the importance of thinking beyond the obvious before ultimately revealing the true diagnosis. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion packed with pearls you can apply on your next shift.

Dr. Neena Kashyap, an emergency medicine trained palliative care fellow at Cooper University Hospital, discusses the vital role of serious illness conversations in patient care. She shares techniques for engaging families in tough discussions, emphasizing empathy and clear communication. Listeners learn about implementing structured frameworks in the fast-paced emergency department, addressing emotional responses, and ensuring continuity of care. Dr. Kashyap highlights the importance of understanding patient values to facilitate deeper connections and better align care decisions with their preferences.

In this discussion, Rob Orman, an emergency physician and physician coach, shares his journey from emergency medicine to coaching. He tackles the critical issue of burnout, offering actionable strategies for self-care and effective communication with hospital administrators. Orman introduces the driveway debrief technique, emphasizing mindfulness in transitioning from work to home life. He highlights the importance of personalized approaches to burnout prevention and shares tools to help clinicians manage stress and cultivate resilience in high-pressure environments.