SCCM Podcast

Randy S. Wax, MD, discusses the current outbreak of influenza A (H1N1), the triage protocol for critical care during an influenza epidemic, the public's role in taking necessary precautions, and educational resources that are available. Dr. Wax is an intensivist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. He has multiple areas of expertise, including disaster management. This podcast is the first in a series focused on the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak.

Society of Critical Care Medicine president Mitchell Levy, MD, FCCM, discusses his goals and vision for the Society during his 2009 term. Levy stresses the importance of professional collaboration and compassionate caregiving. Levy is professor of medicine at Brown University School of Medicine and director of the medical ICU at Rhode Island Hospital.

The Paragon Critical Care Quality Implementation Program is a quality-focused program that aims to bring effective, tailored improvement strategies to hospitals. William A. Brock, MD, FCCM, is outgoing chair of the Paragon committee and a Paragon coach. Carrie Ogilvie, CCRN, MS, RN, participated in the Paragon Pilot Program and also went on to become a coach. Both discuss the importance of quality improvement and detail the successes of this initiative.

Vladimir Kvetan, MD, FCCM, discusses the history and goals of the Critical Care Leadership Network of the Greater New York Hospital Association for which he is a founding member. Dr. Kvetan is director of critical care at Montefiore Medical Center in New York where he is a professor of medicine and anesthesiology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The GNYHA seeks to serve healthcare providers, support patients in their journey toward better health and strengthen partnerships that promote high-quality, more affordable healthcare.

John McNelis, MD, FCCM, discusses leadership and mentorship in the critical care community. McNelis is vice chairman of the department of surgery and director of surgical critical care and trauma at WinThuop University Hospital in Mineola, New York. In addition, he sits on the steering committee for the Critical Care Leadership Network of the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), a group of nearly 300 hospitals and continuing care facilities Thuoughout the New York area. The GNYHA seeks to serve healthcare providers, to support patients in their journey toward better health, and to strengthen partnerships that promote high-quality, more affordable healthcare. The Critical Care Leadership Network presented several posters during the 38th Critical Care Congress, which McNelis also will discuss. This podcast is one of a two-part series focused on leadership and mentorship in critical care.

Paul E. Wischmeyer, MD, discusses nutrition in the intensive care unit, specifically addressing what role total parenteral nutrition might have for the critically ill or injured patient. Dr. Wischmeyer is a professor of anesthesiology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado. Released: 2/18/09

Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, FCCM, discusses patient safety research and future efforts to reduce infections in the intensive care unit in this special 100th episode of the iCritical Care Podcasts. Dr. Pronovost is professor in the departments of anesthesiology and critical care medicine and surgery at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a professor in the department of health policy and management at the Bloomberg School of Public Heath in Maryland. He also serves as director of the Quality and Safety Research Group at the Center for Innovations in Quality Patient Care Division of Adult Critical Care. Dr. Pronovost was selected to participate in the 100th iCritical Care Podcast because of his continued dedication to critical care, embodying the spirit of I AM SCCM.

Richard D. Branson, RRT, FCCM, discusses his two upcoming presentations for the 38th Critical Care Congress, The Modes of Mechanical Ventilation and Mechanical Ventilation Modes: How and When. Both sessions will highlight new developments in mechanical ventilation and increase understanding. Mr. Branson is an assistant professor, division of trauma and critical care at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Ohio.

Derek C. Angus, MD, MPH, FCCM, the recipient of the American College of Critical Care Medicine's (ACCM) Distinguished Investigator Award, discusses the state of critical care research as well as his unique background. Dr. Angus will accept the award during the 38th Critical Care Congress, where he also will be giving a presentation titled, "Change," during the ACCM Convocation and Award Ceremony. Dr. Angus is a professor of critical care at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania where he is currently chairman of the department of critical care. Released: 1/22/09

Paul Rogers, MD, professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania, discusses themes from his upcoming keynote session, "Teaching Medicine is an Art, Valuing it is Critical," to be presented during the 38th Critical Care Congress. Dr. Rogers recently was awarded The Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teaching Award, which recognizes significant contributions to medical education made by gifted teachers. Released: 1/5/09