The Critical Care Commute Podcast

In this episode, join us for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Andrew Baker, as he reflects on his time as the incident Commander of the Ontario Critical Care COVID Command Centre, during the COVID pandemic. Dr. Baker offers a firsthand account of the establishment and operation of this crucial hub in the battle against the pandemic, highlighting the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders. Dr. Andrew Baker is the Chief of the Departments of Critical Care and of Anesthesia, and the Medical Director of the Surgery and Critical Care Program at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. Tune in as we uncover the dedication, innovation, and resilience driving our collective response to this unprecedented crisis.

Welcome to our latest episode, recorded live at the Critical Care Forum in Canada. We're joined by Dr. Stephanie Sibley and Dr. Michal Cwhalek, a Critical Care Trainee, to discuss Atrial Fibrillation, the most commonly sustained cardiac arrhythmia in critical care. Dr Stephanie Sibley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Critical Care Medicine at Queens University, Kingston, Canada. Her research interests include new onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients where she is developing methods for better quantifying atrial fibrillation burden using electronic monitoring, prevention and treatment strategies and determination of long-term atrial fibrillation outcomes.  Join us as we delve into the clinical importance, management approaches, and potential complications of AF in critically ill patients.

Welcome to the 2nd episode in our Critical Care Forum Canada 2023 podcast series, where we interview leading Canadian experts. In this episode, we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and critical care medicine with Dr. Shelly Dev and David Maslove, recorded after a panel discussion held at the Conference in Toronto. Dr Dev is no stranger to our podcast and is a staff intensivist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada, where she serves as the director of education for Critical Care Medicine. Dr Maslove is a Clinician Scientist and Intensivist at Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada. His research focuses on the use of physiologic and genomic data to advance precision medicine in the ICU.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our podcast series, recorded live at the Critical Care Canada Forum meeting of 2023. In our first episode, we are again joined by the esteemed Dr. Hannah Wunsch, expert in critical care medicine with a keen interest in the historical lessons we can glean from medical breakthroughs of the past. Today, we will continue exploring the lessons from the fight against polio and they shaped modern critical care practices. This is just the beginning, so buckle up and get ready to be inspired as we interview Dr. Hannah Wunsch and many more Canadian Critical Care luminaries, recorded live at the Critical Care Canada Forum meeting of 2023.

Welcome to our first episode of season three! We are kicking off with what is probably one of the most important topics to be discussed in modern medicine today: The rational use of antibiotics. In this episode, we have the honor of hosting Dame Sally Davies, a renowned figure in global public health and former Chief Medical Officer for England. Dame Sally has been a leading voice in advocating for the rational use of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. Join us as we sit down with Dame Sally Davies to explore the intricacies of antibiotic stewardship and the urgent need for global action. Throughout our conversation, we'll delve into the complexities surrounding antibiotic use, discussing the challenges of over prescribing, the rise of drug-resistant infections, and the implications for both human and animal health. This is a conversation you won't want to miss.

In our latest episode, we sat down with Dr. Neil Spenceley, pediatric intensivist and Safety expert. Listen as Dr. Spenceley unpacks safety and proposes a shift from a binary safety approach (safety 1 and safety 2) to resilient engineering and system performance. Dr. Neil emphasizes the holistic view encompassing efficiency, efficacy, safety, and staff well-being. Drawing from incidents like Three Mile Island, he emphasizes the role of human factors in identifying and resolving issues, understanding work as work is done and the importance of understanding frontline work realities to bridge gaps between protocols and real-world scenarios, advocating for system redesign to reduce complexity. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Dr. Julie Kromm, a neurointensivist and co-author of the Canadian Position Statement for Neuro Prognostication, discusses the challenges and importance of neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest. Topics include the pitfalls and biases in prognostication, various tests and imaging modalities, early potentials and EEGs, and the need for national expertise in neuro critical care.

Welcome to another episode of "The Critical Care Commute" podcast! In this episode, Peter Brindley and Leon Byker sit down with special guest Elliot Sprague. Elliot Sprague is an internist known for his unique perspective on healthcare and his remarkable journey through a recent health challenge. In this episode, Elliot reflects on the shock of being diagnosed with a metastatic malignancy and how it changed his life. He discusses the impact of being present, engaged, and honest with patients, and how it has positively influenced his own well-being. Elliot also delves into the emotional side of life, sharing how he encourages his son to express and deal with his feelings, describes the importance of naming and acknowledging emotions thus fostering a healthy approach to fear and anxiety. Tune in to this episode for a profound conversation about life, medicine, and finding joy in the face of adversity. Elliot Sprague's unique perspective serves as an inspiration to both healthcare professionals and listeners navigating their own journeys. Thank you for joining "The Critical Care Commute" podcast!

Welcome to the Critical Care Commute Podcast, as we delve into the world of healthcare communication with one of the most esteemed voices in the field – Andre Picard. Andre Picard, a renowned health columnist for The Globe and Mail, brings his wealth of knowledge and experience, providing insights into the vital role that effective communication plays in the world of healthcare. From doctor-patient interactions to public health messaging, Picard offers a unique perspective on how communication shapes our understanding of health issues and influences decision-making at both individual and societal levels. In this episode, we explore the impact of media on healthcare perceptions, the role of social media in shaping health narratives, and the challenges of conveying accurate information in an era of misinformation. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of the nuances in healthcare communication, as we seek to enhance our understanding of the crucial link between effective communication and the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

In this podcast, the panel discusses difficult airway scenarios including tracheostomy tube displacement, hypoxemic patient going into cardiac arrest. They also talk about topicalization techniques and compare video laryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy for handling the soiled airway. The team reflects on the benefits of immersive experiences in difficult airway management and the importance of cognitive skills, team management, and situational awareness. The podcast covers managing difficult airway cases, maintaining airway skills, the use of lidocaine, and considerations for airway management and supraglottic airway. They also discuss options for difficult intubation and the importance of surgical rescue preparation.