The Critical Care Commute Podcast

Dr. Robert Arntfield is an esteemed physician and researcher based in Canada who has made significant contributions to the field of critical care medicine. His expertise in cardiorespiratory physiology and resuscitation has led him to develop innovative approaches to patient care, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. In this podcast, Dr. Arntfield will share his insights and experiences on how AI is transforming the healthcare landscape, from its potential to improve patient outcomes to its impact on the healthcare workforce. With his vast knowledge and experience, listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into the future of AI in healthcare and its potential to revolutionize the way we approach patient care. Further Reading: Deep Breathe - Artificially Intelligent Lung Ultrasound

Join us as we talk to the ridiculously talented Dr. Dustin Anderson, Neurointensivist from the University Hospital in Edmonton, Canada, as he unpacks anti-NMDA encephalitis and the EEG in the ICU. Dr. Anderson completed his undergraduate training in electrical engineering (UBC) and biochemistry (SFU). Thereafter, he completed the MD/PhD program at the University of Calgary. Dr. Anderson went on to complete neurology training at the University of Alberta, also obtaining certification as an electro-encephalographer (CSCN Diplomate) and neuro-sonologist (ASN Diplomate), followed by Critical Care training and a fellowship in Neurocritical Care at Johns Hopkins. His research focuses on non-invasive neurocritical care monitoring, specifically, evaluating the role of non-invasive ultrasound (ocular ultrasonography and transcranial doppler) in patients with acute liver failure and the clinical utility of continuous EEG versus spot EEG in various clinical scenarios. Not only is he well accomplished in the world of medicine, he is also a musician and plays in a band called "the Heart Failure Research Institute". Further Reading: Sonicbids Anderson D, Nathoo N, McCombe JA, Smyth P, Brindley PG. Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis: A primer for acute care healthcare professionals. J Intensive Care Soc. 2021;22(2):95-101. doi:10.1177/1751143720914181 Nathoo N, Anderson D, Jirsch J. Extreme Delta Brush in Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Correlates With Poor Functional Outcome and Death. Front Neurol. 2021;12:686521. Published 2021 Jul 9. doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.686521

Welcome to the Critical Care Commute "Liver" podcast, where we explore all things liver with leading expert, Professor Dean Karvellas, Professor of Medicine,Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit) and the Department of Critical Care at the University of Alberta, Canada. In this podcast, he shares his insights and expertise on a wide range of ICU liver-related topics, including ACLF, extracorporeal support, liver transplantation, liver scores and Acetaminophen (Paracetamol). Join us as we discuss all things liver in the ICU.

Putting the trial on trial? Not really, but join us and the ludicrously accomplished Prof Simon Finfer (with special guest appearances by his beloved dogs) for this review of all things Clinical Trial. Why we need them, how to design them, what they tell us and what they don't.   Professor Simon Finfer works at Sydney's George Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital and University New South Wales. He has led/co-led many of the last two decade's  landmark clinical trials in icu (fluid administration, glycemic control, steroid use...you name it).  

Dr Rob Mac Sweeney is an Intensivist at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, and the lead organizer for the Critical Care Review, both the website and conference. 2023's conference is June 14-16, and streamed from the Titanic Centre in Belfast. Join us as Dr. Mac Sweeney explains what makes this meeting one of the top conferences in Critical Care. Follow this link for the 20223 meeting: CCR23 (criticalcarereviews.com)

Welcome to this episode featuring Dr. Hannah Wunsch, Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine and now published author of her debut book, The Autumn Ghost. In this episode, we explore the story behind Dr. Wunsch's book, the inspiration for its creation, and the message she hopes to convey to readers. The Autumn Ghost is a captivating literary work that delves deep into the origin story of Critical Care Medicine, the fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones. Join us as we dive into the pages of Autumn Ghost and explore the profound themes that Dr. Wunsch explores in her writing.

Dr. Sam Shemie is a world-renowned expert in the field of critical care and the determination of brain death. He is a pediatric critical care physician and a professor of Pediatrics and Critical Care Medicine at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Shemie is also the founder and director of the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, a national research program focused on improving organ donation and transplantation in Canada.Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Shemie has made significant contributions to the understanding and practice of brain death determination, which is a critical component of organ donation and transplantation. He has published numerous scholarly articles on the subject, and he has served as an advisor to the World Health Organization, the Canadian Blood Services, and other organizations on issues related to organ donation and transplantation.In this podcast, Dr. Shemie shares his expertise on brain death determination and the ethical considerations that surround this complex topic. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the science of brain death determination, as well as the challenges that clinicians and families face in making these difficult decisions. Dr. Shemie's thoughtful and compassionate approach to this topic will leave listeners with a deeper understanding of the critical role that organ donation and transplantation play in saving lives.

Dr. Sam Shemie is a highly respected expert in the field of critical care medicine. He is a pediatric critical care physician (our first peaditric critical care specialist on the podcast) and a professor of Pediatrics at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Shemie has dedicated his career to improving the care of critically ill patients, particularly children. He has a special interest in organ donation and transplantation, and has made significant contributions to the development of donation policies and practices in Canada and around the world.  In this podcast, Dr. Shemie shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the field critical care medicine, as he takes us on a journey of "Life, Death and the Bridges in Between."

Dr Robyn Harrison is a clinical professor in infectious diseases at the University of Alberta, Canada, and the vice-chair of NACI (the National Advisory Committee on Immunization). She joins us for a topical chat to coincide with new guidelines, and to explore what we can ALL do to keep our patients safer from one of the ICUs biggest issues: that dastardly bacterium Streptococcus Pneumoniae. Many thanks, Robyn; go adult vaccines!   Further Reading: 1. Sprague E, Reynolds S, Brindley P. Patient Isolation Precautions: Are They Worth It?. Can Respir J. 2016;2016:5352625. doi:10.1155/2016/5352625 2. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/public-health-level-recommendations-use-pneumococcal-vaccines-adults-including-use-15-valent-20-valent-conjugate-vaccines/summary-february-2023.html 3. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/index.html

Mervyn Singer is a ludicrously busy and accomplished intensivist and professor at University College London. He is a prolific and provocative publisher, researcher and innovator, and our go to guy for all things Sepsis, Syndromes and (basic) Science. This is a fun and informative chat: many thanks Merv!   Further Reading: 1. Singer M, Deutschman CS, Seymour CW, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016;315(8):801-810. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.0287 2. Shankar-Hari M, Phillips GS, Levy ML, et al. Developing a New Definition and Assessing New Clinical Criteria for Septic Shock: For the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016;315(8):775-787. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.0289 3. Póvoa P, Coelho L, Dal-Pizzol F, et al. How to use biomarkers of infection or sepsis at the bedside: guide to clinicians. Intensive Care Med. 2023;49(2):142-153. doi:10.1007/s00134-022-06956-y 4. Singer M. Personalizing Sepsis Care. Crit Care Clin. 2018;34(1):153-160. doi:10.1016/j.ccc.2017.08.011 5. Singer M. Sepsis: personalization v protocolization?. Crit Care. 2019;23(Suppl 1):127. Published 2019 Jun 14. doi:10.1186/s13054-019-2398-5 6. Morelli A, Ertmer C, Westphal M, et al. Effect of heart rate control with esmolol on hemodynamic and clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2013;310(16):1683-1691. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.278477 7. Singer M, Shipley R, Baker T, Cowell A, Brealey D, Lomas D. The UCL Ventura CPAP device for COVID-19. Lancet Respir Med. 2020;8(11):1076-1078. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30422-7