SCCM Podcast

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Diane C. McLaughlin, DNP, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, FCCM, speaks with Muhammad Mansoor Mohiuddin, MD, MBBS, DSc (Hon), FAST, director of the Cardiac Xenotransplantation Program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, about his Thought Leader presentation at the 2025 Critical Care Congress, The Remarkable Potential of Xenotransplantation, and his groundbreaking work on that subject. Dr. Mohiuddin discusses the need to address the global shortage of donated organs and the use of genetically modified pig organs as a viable solution. He explains the science behind xenotransplantation, including the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to delete immunogenic pig genes and insert human-compatible genes. The conversation explores the unique immunologic challenges of xenotransplantation, particularly antibody-mediated rejection and the need for tailored immunosuppression protocols. Ethical considerations include religious perspectives and public opinion. Dr. Mohiuddin emphasizes the importance of continued research funding and collaboration with industry partners to advance clinical trials and refine genetic modifications. Listeners will gain insight into how decades of research are transforming xenotransplantation and its potential to extend life and reshape the future of organ transplantation.

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Marilyn Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, speaks with Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of the John A. Hartford Foundation, about her Norma J. Shoemaker Honorary Lecture at the 2025 Critical Care Congress and the transformative impact of the 4Ms framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—on age-friendly critical care. Dr. Fulmer shares her journey from bedside critical care nurse to national leader in geriatric health, emphasizing the need to adapt healthcare systems to meet the needs of an aging population. She discusses the development of the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, a collaboration among the John A. Hartford Foundation, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, American Hospital Association, and Catholic Health Association. Now implemented in nearly 5000 facilities, the initiative is supported by evidence from models such as the Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) units, Hospital Outcomes Program for Elders (HOPE) initiative, and Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program. The episode highlights the January 2025 adoption of a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services measure that incorporates the 4Ms into inpatient care standards. Dr. Fulmer explains how hospitals of all sizes can implement age-friendly practices using existing resources and how multiprofessional collaboration is key to success. She also discusses findings from a national survey from Age Wave and the John A. Hartford Foundation, which revealed that only 19% of older adults feel their clinicians consistently address all 4Ms. Listeners will gain insight into how the 4Ms framework improves outcomes and promotes functional recovery in older adults. Whether you're a clinician, educator, or healthcare leader, this episode offers practical strategies and a compelling call to action to join the age-friendly health systems movement.

Brian Boling, an advanced practice provider in critical care and co-host of the Critical Care Scenarios podcast, dives into lifelong learning for nurses and APPs. He emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning through diverse resources like podcasts and blogs while building a personal curriculum that balances essential skills and emerging trends. Boling also discusses how experienced clinicians can support novices through mentorship and practical teaching, encouraging honesty about knowledge gaps for deeper understanding.

Dr. Fajun Wang, a neurocritical care specialist and assistant professor, discusses his journey as an immigrant physician. He shares how mentorship has been pivotal in shaping his career, especially in overcoming challenges in a new healthcare system. The ICCP mentorship program is highlighted for its support in career development and emotional resilience. Dr. Wang emphasizes the importance of shared backgrounds in mentorship and encourages early-career professionals to seek guidance and build community for success.

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Diane McLaughlin, DNP, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, FCCM, is joined by John Appino, MBA, founder and CEO of Contract Diagnostics, and Ryan Hakimi, DO, MS, NVS, RPNI, CPB, FNCS, FCCM, neurointensivist at Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina, for a conversation on salary and contract negotiations for advanced practice providers (APPs). The guests explore the nuances of evaluating job offers and negotiating compensation, as well as prioritizing onboarding, mentorship, and job fit. Dr. Hakimi shares insights from his leadership roles in academic neuro-ICUs and his longstanding advocacy for APPs, while Mr. Appino offers a strategic perspective on contract structures, compensation models, and negotiation tactics. The discussion highlights the variability in contract practices across academic and private institutions, the importance of defining full-time employment expectations, and the role of offer letters versus formal contracts. Listeners will learn how to approach salary discussions with confidence, including when to negotiate, which data to reference (e.g., Medical Group Management Association and American Medical Group Association benchmarks), and how to assess a job offer beyond salary. This episode is valuable for APPs at any career stage seeking fair compensation and sustainable career growth. It emphasizes that successful negotiations are not just about salary—they are also about clarity, support, and long-term professional satisfaction.

In this discussion, pediatric intensivist Jeremy Loberger dives into the complexities of pediatric ventilator liberation. He talks about standardizing practices while grappling with the diverse needs of patients in ICUs. Key topics include the importance of spontaneous breathing trials, the nuanced use of pressure support, and the role of noninvasive ventilation strategies. Loberger emphasizes individualized care, especially for high-risk children, and highlights collaborative efforts like the Ventilation Liberation for Kids initiative aimed at improving extubation practices.

Kaitlin M. Alexander, a clinical associate professor specializing in AI in pharmacy education, and Ankit Sakhuja, director of AI at an Institute for Critical Care Medicine, share insights on integrating AI in critical care. They discuss how AI can enhance education through interactive simulations and improve clinical decision-making by analyzing vast data. The duo addresses challenges like patient data privacy and algorithm transparency, while exploring the future of personalized medicine and the importance of teaching responsible AI usage to healthcare professionals.

In this discussion, Dr. Matheus Bannach, a neurosurgeon specializing in neurocritical care, shares insights from his systematic review on blood transfusion strategies for traumatic brain injury. He reveals that a liberal transfusion approach can improve neurologic outcomes compared to a restrictive one. Dr. Bannach delves into study methodologies, the limited supply of blood, and the risks involved in transfusions. He also highlights the importance of optimizing transfusion thresholds while addressing concerns over resource use and potential complications like ARDS.

Vincenzo Russotto, an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at the University of Turin, shares his expertise on induction agents for tracheal intubation in critically ill patients. He discusses the pros and cons of ketamine, etomidate, and propofol, highlighting recent findings suggesting ketamine may offer a safer profile. Ethical challenges in testing these drugs and the importance of hemodynamic optimization during intubation are emphasized. Russotto advocates for personalized treatment approaches based on individual patient conditions.

In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Marilyn N. Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, welcomes Bram Tilburgs, RN, PhD, of Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands. They discuss Dr. Tilburgs’ article, “Associations Between Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Domains of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Multicenter Cohort Study,” published in the January 2025 issue of Critical Care Medicine. The conversation offers key insights into the prevalence and long-term effects of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Dr. Tilburgs’ study surveyed intensive care unit (ICU) patients on their quality of life three months, twelve months, and two years after ICU discharge. The survey included physical, cognitive, and mental health domains. The findings show a significant link between PICS and diminished long-term quality of life. Drs. Bulloch and Tilburgs discuss how these results highlight the need for PICS prevention across all three domains. They review potential strategies, such as diaries to help patients better understand their ICU experience. Dr. Tilburgs also highlights the benefits of his institution’s discussion group for ICU survivors. Listeners will gain key insights on the long-term effects of PICS, actionable ideas for improving ICU patient care, and ideas for future research. Resources referenced in this episode:  Associations Between Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Domains of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Multicenter Cohort Study (Tilburgs B, et al. Crit Care Med. 2025 Jan;53:e74-e86).