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Jen Swisher, PA-C
By Jen Swisher, PA-C
on April 08, 2024

The choice between absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials for skin closure hinges on various factors, including patient comfort, follow-up availability, and ease of removal. During a recent appearance on ERcast, Dr. Justin Cohen discussed his plastic surgery approach to repairing facial lacerations with Dr. Christina Shenvi. Here are some key takeaways from Dr. Cohen for selecting suture material for closing the skin surface:

Geoff Comp, DO
By Geoff Comp, DO
on March 06, 2024

After residency training, the ABEM Oral Board Exam is the second major hurdle in becoming a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician. While the pass rate is high (~91% in 2023), examinees must be ready to play the game by ensuring they know the format, standards, and rules. ABEM offers the virtual exam twice yearly; the 2024 dates are April 16-19, 2024, and September 10-13, 2024.

In the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, healthcare professionals are often viewed as unsung heroes, tirelessly working to save lives in high-stress situations. However, behind the scenes, a silent struggle persists—one that is often overlooked and stigmatized. Physician addiction is a complex issue that demands our attention and understanding.

Geoff Comp, DO
By Geoff Comp, DO
on February 06, 2024

As an emergency medicine resident, preparing for the ABEM In-Training Exam (ITE) is a pivotal phase in your medical journey. This high-stakes exam not only assesses your knowledge and readiness for the next steps in your career but also lays the groundwork for your lifelong practice in emergency medicine. While there is no “passing” score for the ITE, studies and empirical data have shown a strong correlation between test results and performance on the ABEM written board exam. Physicians with higher ITE scores have a higher likelihood of passing the ABEM Qualifying Exam than those with lower scores. The ITE helps identify areas of weakness early in your residency training. Addressing these areas promptly can significantly improve your chances of passing the board exam on the first attempt.

Jen Swisher, PA-C
By Jen Swisher, PA-C
on September 06, 2023

If you’re on the frontlines of the emergency department, you’ve probably noticed the uptick in respiratory infections and viruses in the early kick-off to 2023’s respiratory season.

As we brace for fall and winter, it looks like we’ll have additional tools in our arsenal to decrease complications and hospitalizations from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): adult vaccines and a monoclonal antibody for all infants.

Three different vaccines will be available this season to combat viral respiratory symptoms and threats: 

  • An updated Covid booster 
  • The annual influenza vaccines
  • Two adult RSV vaccines


Additionally, there will be another RSV monoclonal antibody option for our tiniest patients. Phase 3 trials and regulatory approval are underway for maternal vaccines and passive immunity protection for newborns.

Let’s dive into these tools now.

We are all learning how to be good stewards of prescription opioids which has resulted in a significant downward trend in dispensing rates over the past decade. However, the number of fatal overdoses due to fentanyl continues to rise. ​​

Ashley Greer PA-C
By Ashley Greer PA-C
on August 09, 2023
By Ashley Greer PA-C and Vicky Pittman PA-C

 

As clinicians, many of us have been touched personally as well as professionally by the opioid crisis and overdose deaths. According to the CDC, over 107,000 people in the U.S. died of drug overdoses from January 2021-January 2022, and 67% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Fentanyl is especially terrifying because many people who overdose on it may have had no intention of using it at all.

Jen Swisher, PA-C
By Jen Swisher, PA-C
on July 11, 2023

By Jen Swisher, PA-C and Geoff Comp, DO

Summer is here - and we know all too well that drowning and water-related medical emergencies rise during this time of year.

As emergency medicine providers, we all have one degree of separation from a tragic story of a submersion event. While we’re well-versed in the in-hospital care of a drowning victim, it’s possible that we may also have to play the part of first responder at home, the pool, river, lake, or beachside.

Are you ready to take action outside of the ED? Matt DeLaney, MD and Geoff Comp, DO are.

Melissa Orman, MD
By Melissa Orman, MD
on June 08, 2023

That’s a wrap on Essentials of Emergency Medicine 2023!