Critical Care Time
Critical Care Time Podcast
Critical Care Time is the podcast for everyone who cares for the critically Ill. Whether you work in an ICU, a Med-Surg unit, an ED, a PACU or the back of an ambulance - Dr. Cyrus Askin & Dr. Nick Mark provide practical insights and useful tips to enhance your skillset. They are triple board-certified intensivists who love patient care and teaching. Journey with them through deep dives into physiology and practical pearls, leaving no stone unturned in the world of critical care medicine. Through their own insights, expert interviews and targeted reviews of the literature, Nick and Cyrus provide practical, relevant critical care pearls. If you bill for critical care time, you must make time for Critical Care Time! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 19min
67. Sleeping in the ICU: Why is it critical and how do we help our patients get more of it?
A lively dive into why sleep is vital for ICU patients and how biology like the glymphatic system and circadian cues matter. They outline how ICU care fragments REM and deep sleep and list common disruptors such as light, noise, meds, and care activities. Practical fixes are explored, from clustering care and adjusting ventilator settings to timed light, temperature, feeding, and cautious use of melatonin or dexmedetomidine.
27 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 31min
66. Rheumatology Emergencies with Dr. Marcela Ferrada
Dive into the world of rheumatologic emergencies with Dr. Marcela Ferrada, who highlights crucial signs that intensivists must recognize. From the importance of quick diagnostics using organ-based approaches to balancing infection with immunosuppression, the discussion is packed with essential insights. Real case studies, including scleroderma crises and ANCA vasculitis, showcase the urgency of intervention. Plus, learn about cutting-edge therapies like IL-1 inhibition for juvenile arthritis. Perfect for those in the critical care arena!
7 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 29min
65. Journal Club: The RSI Trial
Dive into the exciting world of critical care as hosts discuss the newly released RSI Trial. They explore whether ketamine or etomidate is superior for intubation in critically ill adults. Key topics include operator experience and its impact on outcomes, the nuances of drug dosing, and implications for practice. Interesting insights emerge on intubation times, mortality rates, and the role of vasopressors. Ultimately, they emphasize that the right dose may outweigh the choice of drug. A thought-provoking listen for medical professionals!
30 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 21min
64. Journal Club: End of 2025 Roundup
This week features a fascinating journal club exploring whether A-lines should be discarded and the efficacy of bicarbonate for treating metabolic acidosis in AKI. The discussion dives into the selective decontamination trial, revealing no mortality benefit but interesting microbiology insights. We also learn about the EVERDAC trial, which challenges the need for early arterial lines. Lastly, a new approach to shock management using capillary refill guidance shows promise in personalized care, promoting tailored interventions while reducing unnecessary treatments.
18 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 13min
63. Leading in the ICU… and Beyond!
Joshua Hartzell, MD, a retired Army colonel and infectious disease physician, shares insights on leadership in healthcare. He contrasts caring leadership with top-down approaches, emphasizing the importance of self-care, boundaries, and delegation. Hartzell highlights respect and genuine listening within ICU teams to combat burnout, while advocating for physical presence in challenging situations. He encourages developing leadership in small teams and recommends daily acts of gratitude and feedback to foster a positive culture among colleagues.
15 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 21min
62. Burnout & Moral Injury
Dr. Venktesh Ramnath, a pulmonary and critical care physician and expert on clinician burnout, dives into the pressing issues of moral injury and burnout in healthcare. He discusses the impact of misinformation and technology on clinician stress, and stresses the importance of rebuilding trust through honest communication. Venktesh offers practical strategies for combating burnout, highlighting self-compassion and teamwork as vital tools. He encourages healthcare professionals to embrace their limits and pursue wellness beyond just health.
57 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 40min
61. Vents 101
Cyrus and Nick dive deep into the world of mechanical ventilation, breaking down its essential goals like oxygenation and airway protection. They explore the differences between ventilation and oxygenation, how various ventilator modes function, and the importance of measuring pressures. Listeners learn about modes like Assist Control and Pressure Support, and the pitfalls to avoid when managing patients. With practical tips and insights, they ensure that both novices and seasoned pros will grasp vital concepts in critical care.
63 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 8min
Reboot - Hypoxemia Masterclass
Dive into a master class on hypoxemia, where oxygen delivery is paramount. Discover the clinical distinction between hypoxemia and hypoxia, and the essential types of hypoxia that can arise. Fascinating lessons are drawn from Arctic icefish on effective oxygen strategies. The hosts explore six critical causes of hypoxemia, from altitude effects to various physiological mismatches. A practical bedside approach is outlined to tackle hypoxemia, emphasizing the importance of optimizing oxygen delivery in critical care settings.
20 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 31min
60. Journal Club: Should We Save The Right IJ?
Hosts dive into a debate on whether the right internal jugular vein (IJ) should be preserved for future procedures. They review a critical study on hemodialysis catheter complications, revealing higher reinsertion rates associated with initial right IJ placements. Methodological flaws spark lively critique, addressing selection bias and infection risks linked to guidewire exchanges. The conversation also touches on anatomical advantages, practical experiences, and emphasizes the importance of safe, informed site selection for optimized patient care.
51 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 41min
59. Airway Controversies with Dr. Jarrod Mosier, MD
Dr. Jarrod Mosier, an emergency medicine-trained intensivist and ECMO director, dives into airway controversies and best practices. He discusses the importance of effective pre-oxygenation techniques, weighing the pros and cons of induction agents like etomidate and ketamine. The conversation touches on the advantages of video laryngoscopy and strategies for awake intubation. Mosier also makes a compelling case for supraglottic airways during cardiac arrest, explaining how these choices can significantly impact patient outcomes.
