D50 vs D10 for Severe Hypoglycemia in the Emergency Department
Think back to your last severely hypoglycemic and lethargic patient presenting to the ED. What was the first treatment modality that came to mind? The initial knee-jerk reaction might be to reach for that big blue box of D50 if the patient has IV access. After all, top priority is to reverse hypoglycemia as fast as possible. But in the midst of stabilizing the patient, how often do we consider the potential aftermath of concentrated glucose? [+]
US4TW Case: 39F with Chest Pain
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 a real clinical case where bedside ultrasound changed the management or aided in the diagnosis. In this case, a 39-year-old female with history of lupus presents with chest pain. [+]
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. [+]
MEdIC Series | The Case of the Late Letter
Programs across the country are in the midst of the residency selection process. Fourth years have submitted personal statements, CVs, and letters of reference and are starting on the interview circuit. Obtaining letters is a hot topic for students but it is also important topic for preceptors and educators to consider their role in this process too! This month’s ALiEM MEdIC series case hopes to elicit our community’s considerations about the best and worst practices for requesting and responding to reference letter requests. Join us for this discussion! [+]
Top 20 ALiEM Clinical Posts in 2014
Seasons greetings from the ALiEM. We have been expanding our range of posts in the hopes of sharing new lessons, exploring the concept of digital scholarship, and advancing life skills. Based on our recent survey, we understand that our loyal base of readers are those looking for clinical content. So here are our top 20 most popular ALiEM clinical posts in 2014. Did you read these? [+]
I am Professor Simon Carley, co-creator of St. Emlyn’s blog: How I Work Smarter
Professor Simon Carley’s (@EMManchester) many roles and titles would not fit in the title of this post, and so I mentioned the St. Emlyn’s blog because this was how I first learned of Simon and his passionate dedication for education. As the co-creator of the St. Emlyn’s blog and podcast, Simon worked with a team of amazing contributors teaching about EM, critical care, and medical education. Fun fact: Simon starred in a Trick of the Trade video on Ring Removal on ALiEM that thus far has >1.8 million views! He has been incredibly successful in two contrasting careers – the worlds of online education and academia. He has published [+]
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 [+]
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. [+]
Director of Growth, [+]
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. [+]
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. [+]
