
The Critical Care Commute Podcast
The Critical Care Commute Podcast is grateful for your ears, insights and feedback. In return its hosts- Peter Brindley and Leon Byker, two ICU doctors in Alberta, Canada- offer up knowledge and debate with some of the most qualified, interesting, enlightened and provocative folks in Critical Care Medicine, and beyond. We strive to keep it practical and concise. Like you, our overriding goal is to get better, do better and feel better.
Latest episodes

Jan 15, 2024 • 38min
Elliot Sprague: The Internist's Internist. Being a Cancer Thriver.
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!

Jan 3, 2024 • 29min
The Healthy Exchange: Navigating Healthcare Communication with Andre Picard
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.

Dec 15, 2023 • 16min
Difficult Airway Cases: Letting the panel take us through scenarios.
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.

Dec 8, 2023 • 34min
The Difficult Airway: Panel discussion with Faculty
Drs. Jarrod Mosier, Calvin Brown, and Matteo Parotto, distinguished leaders from the Difficult Airway Course, share insights on assessing difficulty of the airway, optimal dosage for rachirondium, paralyzing patients during intubation, approach to intubating acidotic patients, and the importance of critical thinking in difficult airway situations.

Nov 22, 2023 • 31min
Chris Nickson from Life in the Fast Lane: "Are we training intensivists for the future?"
Dr. Chris Nickson, expert in medical education and critical care, discusses the challenges of training intensivists for the future. Topics explored include changes in medical education, non-technical skills in critical care, learning hospitals vs teaching hospitals, and disruptive innovation in medical training.

Nov 16, 2023 • 40min
Interview with Dr Alika Lafontaine, past president of the Canadian Medical Association.
Welcome to the Critical Care Commute Podcast! In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by Dr. Alika Lafontaine, a trailblazing physician, advocate, and leader in Canadian healthcare.
Dr. Lafontaine is not only a prominent anesthesiologist and physician leader, but also an influential voice in championing Indigenous perspectives within the broader healthcare system. His journey is one of dedication and overcoming, both characteristics that shaped his career into one of sheer brilliance. Dr. Lafontaine has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at bridging gaps in Indigenous health outcomes. He is currently the immediate past-President of the Canadian Medical Association.
Join us in this enlightening conversation as we delve into what matters to Dr. Lafontaine. His insights are sure to inspire, educate, and challenge our understanding of what it means to provide truly inclusive and effective healthcare for all.
So, without further ado, let's dive into this interview with Dr. Alika Lafontaine!

Nov 2, 2023 • 27min
Prof. David Menon on Lessons in Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuro Critical Care.
In the grand finale of our "State of the Art 2023" series, we delve into the field of Neuro Critical Care research. We had the privilege of sitting down with renowned Professor David Menon, a leading authority in Neuro Intensive Care.
Don't miss this final episode in our series, where we journey into learning lessons from large collaborations. This episode is a must-listen.

Oct 27, 2023 • 16min
Trials, Sepsis and some COVID with Prof. Mervyn Singer and Dr. Martin Beed
Here it is! The penultimate episode in our "State of the Art" series. Join Peter and distinguished guests, Prof. Mervyn Singer and Dr. Martin Beed as they discuss the world of sepsis and the impact of COVID-19 on ICU trials.

Oct 19, 2023 • 22min
Neuro Intensive Care with Dr Ronan O'Leary
Welcome to another episode in our "State of the Art" series. We are joined by Dr Ronan O'Leary, Consultant and Specialty Lead in Neurosciences and Trauma Critical Care at Cambridge University. Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making him the perfect guide for our journey through this fascinating and often life-changing field.

Oct 12, 2023 • 21min
Getting it Right the First Time: Lessons in Critical Care from Dr. Anna Batchelor
Welcome to the Critical Care Commute, the podcast where we explore the ever-evolving world of critical care medicine, one conversation at a time. In this episode, we're honored to have a distinguished guest who has dedicated her career to getting it right the first time in critical care. Joining us is Dr. Anna Batchelor, an expert in the field with a wealth of experience and insights to share.
Join us for an enlightening conversation, as we explore the art and science of "Getting it Right the First Time" . Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone passionate about healthcare, this episode is bound to provide valuable insights.
Thank you for tuning in to the Critical Care Commute. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your colleagues and friends. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions in the realm of critical care medicine.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or questions.]