EM Match Advice: VSAS 101 – Securing an away EM rotation

Dr. Michael Gisondi has recruited another all-star cast of residency program leaders around the United States to share their sage wisdom about the Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS). This centralized process to coordinate visiting clerkship rotations first began in 2008 and now almost all medical schools participate. Because anecdotally the VSAS application process has been challenging, we gathered some experts to share their insights in a podcast.

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2026-06-16T16:07:37-07:00May 22, 2015|EM Match Advice, Podcasts|

Announcing the ALiEM-AgileMD Educational Design Fellowship

Based on the successes of our 2014-15 ALiEM-EMRA (for medical students), ALiEM-CORD (for residents), and ALiEM-AAEM Young Physicians fellowships, we are thrilled to be launching the 2015 ALiEM-AgileMD Educational Design Fellowship! The application process for this virtual fellowship is now open.

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2026-06-16T16:07:20-07:00Apr 9, 2015|ALiEM Cards, Social Media & Tech|

ALiEM Chief Resident Incubator: Mentoring the Future Leaders in EM

We at ALiEM are incredibly excited to publicly announce the 2015-16 ALiEM Chief Resident (CR) Incubator. Every single year, I have seen Chief Residents struggle with their new role as a near-peer leader in the residency program. Because Chief Residents are generally high-functioning individuals, they usually figure it out as the year progresses. Why is it that we can’t we do better and prepare them for what is to come?

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2019-01-28T21:44:28-08:00Feb 18, 2015|Medical Education, Social Media & Tech|

Trick of the Trade: L5 medial hamstring reflex

Traditionally in medical school, it is taught that lower extremity deep tendon reflexes for L4 and S1 nerve root levels can be elicited by tapping on the patella and Achilles tendons. It was just taught that L5 didn’t have a reflex to check. Knowing if an L5 radiculopathy existed would be especially helpful when assessing a patient for a potential lumbar disc herniation where a careful lower extremity neurologic exam is important. It turns out one can actually check for a L5 reflex.

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2019-01-28T21:44:46-08:00Feb 9, 2015|Neurology, Tricks of the Trade|

PV Card: Pericarditis – Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendations

When the topic of pericarditis is mentioned, the classic electrocardiogram (ECG) findings of diffuse ST elevation and PR depression are often the focus of discussion. What about the criteria for diagnosis, the 3-prong approach to treatment, and contraindications to colchicine? These are the great questions answered by Dr. Chris Bond (@socmobem) in this PV card, which summarize 3 key papers by Imazio et al from the New England Journal of Medicine, Archives of Internal Medicine, and Circulation.

PV Card: Pericarditis – Diagnosis and Treatment

2014 Annual Report | ALiEM

As this new year begins, we reflect back on a really incredible year of growth, diversification, and continued innovation. Thanks to the leadership and design expertise of Dr. Teresa Chan and Scott Kobner, the entire ALiEM team chipped in to add relevant content. We are proud to present our 2014 Annual Report, which highlights many projects and collaborations, as well as some behind the scenes insights. Here are the table of contents:

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2016-10-26T17:04:33-07:00Jan 2, 2015|Annual Report|

I am Chris Nickson, co-creator of LITFL: How I Work Smarter

Unless you have been living under a rock, you undoubtedly have used a resource or participated in an event led by Chris Nickson. Chris is an emergency physician and intensivist, who has humbly amassed an impressive list of accomplishments in the community of FOAM, including co-creating Life in the Fast Lane, SMACC, iTeachEM, and The RAGE podcast to name a few. In fact, he wins the prize for the person tagged the most number of times by other How I Work Smarter contributors. Everyone certainly wants to know how he is able to get things done so efficiently. Here are Chris’ words of wisdom.

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2026-06-16T16:06:37-07:00Dec 28, 2014|How I Work Smarter|

About Michelle Lin, MD

EM Match Advice: VSAS 101 – Securing an away EM rotation

Announcing the ALiEM-AgileMD Educational Design Fellowship

ALiEM Chief Resident Incubator: Mentoring the Future Leaders in EM

Trick of the Trade: L5 medial hamstring reflex

PV Card: Pericarditis – Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendations

PV Card: Pericarditis – Diagnosis and Treatment

2014 Annual Report | ALiEM

I am Chris Nickson, co-creator of LITFL: How I Work Smarter