Beyond Delta-9: The Surge of Synthetic THC

By Melissa Orman, MD
on August 05, 2024

In recent years, the landscape of cannabis accessibility has dramatically shifted, not just in conventional dispensaries but in everyday storefronts across the United States. This new wave of products, stemming from the 2018 Farm Bill's legal distinction between hemp and marijuana, has ushered in an era of synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and THCA, which are finding their way into the hands of consumers and, inevitably, into emergency departments. As emergency clinicians, it's crucial to understand the implications of these substances, their legal ambiguities, and their effects on public health.

The Hidden Widowmaker

By Amber Sheeley, PA-C
on July 15, 2024

You've seen it countless times: a patient walks into the ED with chest pain, and the EKG isn't screaming STEMI. But in follow-up, they end up having a massive myocardial infarction. What is the hidden culprit lurking behind those non-alarming EKGs? Welcome to the Occlusive Myocardial Infarction (OMI) world, where traditional STEMI criteria fall short, and a new paradigm shifts our approach to acute cardiac ischemia. 

Cold Water in the Hot Desert: Lessons from Arizona and Heat Stroke Management

By Geoff Comp, DO FACEP FAWM
on July 15, 2024

But it’s a Dry Heat…

Revolutionizing Preoxygenation: Insights from the PREOXI Trial

By Melissa Orman, MD
on June 13, 2024

Is there anything more bread and butter in emergency medicine than intubating patients in high-stress situations? With five million adults needing emergency intubation annually, staying updated on intubation best practices is crucial. The PRagmatic trial Examining OXygenation prior to Intubation (PREOXI), just published in the NEJM and discussed on ERcast in this free segment, could revolutionize our approach to preoxygenation and, most importantly, improve patient safety.

Clinicians Are Only Human

By Neda Frayha, MD
on June 12, 2024

Recently, one of my primary care patients sent me a routine question through the electronic medical record, asking when they should get a specific blood test to guide their medication dosing. When an hour went by and I hadn’t responded, my patient called the front desk of our clinic to ask the question over the phone and inquire why I hadn’t written back. They also wrote me another message, voicing their disappointment that I hadn’t responded to their question right away.

Why Would I Do That? Postgraduate Emergency Medicine Training for PAs

By Doug Larsen, PA-C
on June 05, 2024

Are you captivated by the adrenaline-filled environment of emergency medicine (EM)? You’re not alone. EM attracts 12.5% of PAs, making it a popular choice among advanced practice providers. But how do you get started in such a fast-paced, varied, and occasionally high-stakes practice environment? 

"I Messed Up"

By Suzette Iverson, PA-C
on June 04, 2024

In the high-stakes world of medicine, where every decision holds weight, the inevitability of human error can loom large over clinicians. It's a reality we all face, yet admitting our mistakes and grappling with their aftermath can be one of the most challenging aspects of our profession. How do we reconcile our desire for perfection with the reality of fallibility? How do we move forward gracefully and resiliently after making a clinical error?

When the Provider Becomes the Patient: A Personal and Clinical Journey with Dermatomyositis

By Jen Swisher, PA-C
on May 20, 2024

My 10,000-foot View with Dermatomyositis

Keeping Up: New Updates for Hippo Emergency Medicine Board Review

By Melissa Orman, MD
on May 15, 2024

As emergency clinicians, the fast-evolving medical landscape challenges us to stay current with the latest knowledge and practices. We're excited to share the latest updates to our Hippo Emergency Medicine (EM) Board Review video course. These enhancements are designed to equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary for excelling in your Board Examinations and daily clinical scenarios. These videos were created with the expertise of renowned educators, including Drs. Matt DeLaney, Emily Rose, Geoff Comp, and Drew Kalnow. Make the most of your time, have fun, and crush your test with high-yield, laugh-out-loud video education. Hippo EM Board Review is evidence-based, true-to-test education with a sense of humor.

Is Prescribing for Friends and Family Worth It?

By Matthew DeLaney, MD
on May 02, 2024

I’ve always appreciated having a friend with some strings they could pull. For years, we had a family friend who ran one of the most popular restaurants in town. I never fully appreciated their willingness to let me skip the line and a never-ending stream of free apps until they moved and a new owner took over.