Close a Forehead Laceration Like a Plastic Surgeon

By Jen Swisher, PA-C
on April 16, 2024

The importance of multilayer closure in a laceration repair cannot be overstated, with techniques like buried dermal closure and strategic skin closure options enhancing both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Dr. Justin Cohen made a guest appearance on ERcast, where he joined Dr. Christina Shenvi to discuss his techniques for repairing facial lacerations as a plastic surgeon. He went into great detail about repairing deep forehead lacerations in the emergency department, and here are some of the techniques he discussed.

Skin Deep: Selecting Suture Material for the Skin Surface

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:

Mastering the ABEM Oral Board Exam: Tips for Success and Pitfalls to Avoid

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.

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Physician Addiction in Emergency Medicine

By Amber Sheeley, PA-C and Melissa Orman, MD
on February 19, 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.

The Road to ABEM ITE Mastery: How Practice Questions Can Elevate Your Prep

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.

A New-Years Resolution: Caring for Clinicians in 2024

By Katy Vogelaar, FNP-C
on December 26, 2023

As we usher in a new year, we find ourselves at the forefront of healthcare, continuously providing vital services and compassionate care to those in need. Amidst the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, we must remember that we, too, deserve care and attention – not just for the sake of our well-being but also for the benefit of those we serve. According to an article published by the Journal of General Internal Medicine, nearly half of healthcare professionals are burned out. Burnout among healthcare providers has been shown to negatively impact patient safety, quality of care, and patient satisfaction. This new year presents a golden opportunity for us to prioritize self-care, fostering a healthier and more resilient healthcare workforce.

SNOT this Season RSV

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.

Fentanyl Test Strips: Coming to an ED Near You

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. ​​

The Fentanyl Crisis: What Clinicians Can Do

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.

Drowning Myths, Missteps, and Pro-Tips: The Truth about Submersion Events

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.