ALiEM Expert Peer Reviewed Posts in 2014

Last year, we launched a new initiative to bring on solicited Expert Peer Reviewers (EPR) for selected posts. These reviewers would need to have specific credentials, such as having previously published in a journal or textbook, presented the topic at a national conference, or have extra training in the area. In fact, we have added this as an required feature for all posts which have come through our New Submissions process. We wish to thank all our expert peer reviewers, who have kindly provided their open comments, which have significantly added to the educational value of the post. Below lists the 22 ALiEM expert peer reviewed posts in 2014:

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2016-11-11T19:35:56-08:00Dec 19, 2014|Emergency Medicine, Expert Peer Reviewed (Clinical)|

Diagnose on Sight: Painful Scrotal Swelling

Case: A 48 year old male with a history of alcoholism presents with one day of painful scrotal swelling. What is the most important next step in management? Please read below for uncensored image.

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By Jeff Riddell, MD|2016-12-23T19:57:51-08:00Dec 17, 2014|Diagnose on Sight, Genitourinary|

AIR Series: Psychiatry Module 2014

Welcome to the fifth ALiEM Approved Instructional Resources (AIR) Module! In an effort to reward our residents for the reading and learning they are already doing online we have created an Individual Interactive Instruction (III) opportunity utilizing FOAM resources for U.S. Emergency Medicine residents. For each module, the AIR board curates and scores a list of blogs and podcasts. A quiz is available to complete after each module to obtain residency conference credit. Once completed, your name and institution will be logged into our private database, which participating residency program directors can access to provide proof of completion.

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By Andrew Grock, MD|2017-03-05T14:14:15-08:00Dec 16, 2014|Approved Instructional Resources (AIR series), Psychiatry|

US4TW Case: 74F with Right Arm Tingling | Ultrasound for the Win series

Welcome to another ultrasound-based case, part of the “Ultrasound For The Win!” (#US4TW) Case Series. In this peer-reviewed case series, we focus on real clinical cases where bedside ultrasound changed management or aided in diagnoses. In today’s case, a 74-year-old woman presents to the Emergency Department with painful right arm paresthesias.

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By Rob Bryant MD|2017-07-19T00:08:52-07:00Dec 15, 2014|Cardiovascular, Ultrasound, Ultrasound for the Win|

Esmolol Use in Cardiac Arrest

There is an abundance of sympathetic stimulation in patients who present in ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) whether endogenously released as a stress response or exogenously administered in a resuscitation attempt.¹ The hope is that sympathetic stimulation will increase the coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure of the patient and aid in resuscitation. However, there are numerous detrimental effects associated with epinephrine such as an increase in myocardial oxygen demand leading to increased ischemia.²

Contrary to traditional teaching, interesting evidence exists in both animal models as well as in limited reports in human subjects that show a potential benefit with beta blockade in cardiac arrest.

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By Jill Logan, PharmD BCPS|2016-12-19T10:52:53-08:00Dec 11, 2014|Cardiovascular, Critical Care/ Resus|

The Training of an EM Pharmacist

At the 2014 American College of Emergency Physicians Scientific Assembly, ACEP passed Resolution 44, officially recognizing Emergency Medicine Pharmacists as valuable members of the EM team. Nadia Awad (@Nadia_EMPharmD) summarized the importance of the resolution’s passage on the EMPharmD blog. The role of an EM Pharmacist has been outlined by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). In addition, Zlatan Coralic (@ZEDPharm), one of ALiEM’s regular contributors, framed the EM Pharmacist as the ‘ultimate consult service.’ The intent behind this post is not to discuss the role of the EM Pharmacist, but to highlight the rigorous training process through which most EM Pharmacists have traversed to work in this amazing specialty.

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By Bryan D. Hayes, PharmD, DABAT, FAACT, FASHP|2026-06-16T16:06:34-07:00Dec 9, 2014|Academic, Tox & Medications|

Palliative Care in the ED – The Time is Now

“Don’t delay engaging available palliative and hospice care services in the emergency department for patients likely to benefit.” This statement was one of ACEPs 2013 Choosing Wisely recommendations. How palliative care can be effectively and practically integrated into the ED, and which patients are likely to benefit from it is still being worked out at many institutions.^1–4 However, it is clear that the time for palliative care in the ED has come.

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By Christina Shenvi, MD, PhD, MBA|2026-06-16T16:06:32-07:00Dec 8, 2014|Geriatrics|