The Emergency Mind Podcast
The Emergency Mind Project
Lessons from emergency medicine and beyond about performing when it matters the most and applying knowledge under pressure.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 24, 2025 • 25min
Episode 111 - Building Excellent Teams from TacTrauma24
In this episode of The Emergency Mind Podcast, host Dan Dworkis shares an epic discussion from the 2024 Tactical Trauma event in Sweden. Featuring experts Ian Beardsell, Abrehic O'Kelly Alice Hutin, and Stephen Hearns, the conversation digs into the nuances of teamwork and excellence in high-stakes environments. Topics include the importance of continuous training, the challenges of working with unfamiliar teams, and strategies for improving team dynamics and performance.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update
00:19 Tactical Trauma 2024 Event Overview
01:03 Panel Introduction and Discussion Setup
02:17 Defining Good Teams and Training
04:30 Challenges in High-Pressure Medical Scenarios
08:11 Building Trust and Collaboration in Teams
11:08 Improving Team Performance and Self-Reflection
14:26 Leadership, Followership, and Team Dynamics
20:49 Final Thoughts and Future Vision for Teamwork

Nov 20, 2024 • 47min
EP 110: Vinton Bruton on Education, Character, and Leadership
Join host Dan Dworkis on The Emergency Mind Podcast as he interviews Vinton Bruton, Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest at Hampden-Sydney College. Drawing on his diverse background as a Marine infantry officer, educator, and volunteer firefighter, Vinton shares insights on leadership development, character education, and the importance of experiential learning. Discover how principles from the military and outdoor adventure can be applied to teaching the next generation of leaders in various high-pressure environments, including emergency medicine. Don't miss this engaging discussion on developing effective, resilient leaders for tomorrow's challenges.

32 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 45min
EP 109: Keylime+ X Emergency Mind - Learning to Perform Under Pressure
Julie Law, a PGY-5 surgical resident at Queen's University, dives into the high-stakes world of medical training. She discusses the vital role of simulation in preparing for real-life pressures and the challenges of applying theoretical knowledge during emergencies. The conversation highlights the need for introspection to enhance performance, balancing patient safety with training effectiveness. Additionally, they explore the importance of building trust and empathy in patient interactions, emphasizing that performance under pressure can indeed be cultivated through thoughtful training.

Oct 10, 2024 • 48min
Ep 108: Andrew Rixon and Sam Wilson on Exploring Leadership in Emergencies
Andrew Rickson is a leadership coach and director at Griffith Business School, while Samuel Wilson is a social psychologist and founder of the Australian Leadership Index. They dive into the complex dynamics of leadership in emergency medicine. Key discussions include the importance of understanding leadership identity and the role of narrative in development. They highlight the need for collaboration in high-pressure environments. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences through storytelling, fostering growth and resilience in leadership.

Sep 25, 2024 • 44min
EP 107: Finding Your Center with Mike Taigman
Emergency Mind Episode 107: Mike Taigman on Finding Your Center
In this episode of The Emergency Mind Podcast, Dr. Dan Dworkis sits down with EMS veteran and improvement science expert Mike Taigman. With a 50-year career in emergency medical services, Mike shares experiences from his early days in youth mountain rescue to navigating high-pressure situations in Denver's EMS system. They discuss the evolution of mental health support and processing residue in EMS, the importance of finding one's center, and how to utilize stress management techniques effectively. This conversation is a deep dive into performing at your best under pressure and improving system-wide responses in emergency settings.

Aug 2, 2024 • 42min
EP 106: Evolving Intensive Care with Dr. Patrick Schouwenberg
Join host Dr. Dan Dworkis on The Emergency Mind Podcast as he looks at applying knowledge under pressure and the world of elite human performance in medicine with Dr. Patrick Schouwenberg. Dr. Schouwenberg, a surgeon intensivist with a diverse background in critical care and trauma, shares his insights on improving performance under pressure. They explore the significance of storytelling in medical handovers, the role of mentorship, allyship, and sponsorship in medical training, developing resilience and efficiency in learning, and innovative approaches that are transforming the next generation of medical professionals.

5 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 45min
EP 105: The Joy of Resuscitaton with Dr. Dan Howes
Dr. Dan Howes, a professor at Queens University, discusses resuscitation medicine and crisis leadership. Topics include training medical personnel, balancing rapid and slow decision-making, cognitive aspects of resuscitation, challenges in resuscitation scenarios, factors affecting performance under pressure, talent development in emergency medicine, and the importance of feedback in medical practice.

6 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 46min
EP 104: Marcin Nazaruk PhD on Learning from Normal Work
Award-winning expert Marcin Nazaruk discusses 'Learning from Normal Work' to improve safety and performance. Topics include psychology of safety, adaptability in work systems, changing mindsets, and handling crises. The podcast offers insights on enhancing communication through questioning techniques.

46 snips
May 6, 2024 • 52min
EP 103: Dr. Roger Kneebone on Understanding the Path to Mastery
Dr. Roger Kneebone, a Professor of Anatomy at the Royal Academy of Arts, delves into the intricate nature of expertise and mastery across disciplines. He reveals the fascinating connections between trauma surgery and magic, emphasizing the often unnoticed depth of skill behind mastery. The conversation explores the nonlinear journey to becoming an expert, highlighting the importance of overcoming challenges. Kneebone also discusses the art of communication in healthcare, focusing on the emotional connections that foster meaningful relationships.

Apr 15, 2024 • 40min
EP 102: Buffalo Bills Linebacker Terrel Bernard on Leadership on and off the Field
Linebacker Terrel Bernard talks about critical decision making at the line of scrimmage, learning from every repetition, what it takes to join a new team, and how to lead small groups at and away from the point of impact.


