Em Pulse

Dive into the second half of our envenomation series! Dr. Jonathan Ford, a UC Davis Medical Toxicologist and Professor of Emergency Medicine, returns to the podcast to tackle scorpions and spiders. We're going beyond the basics to discuss the "why" and "how" of these bites and stings. Learn about the neurotoxic effects of bark scorpion venom and the life-threatening airway risks. Explore the mechanism behind black widow bites that leads to intense pain and spasms, and the crucial role of antivenom in severe cases. Plus, we're setting the record straight on a common myth—the brown recluse—and the proper supportive care for its nasty bite. Join us to discover the latest evidence-based approaches that could change how you manage your next bite or sting. Have you had a patient with a serious or challenging envenomation?  How did you manage it? Share your story with us social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis

Summer hikes and backyard play mean we’re bound to see a few snakebites in the ED—and getting the first steps right makes all the difference. In the first half of this 2 part series, Medical Toxicologist Dr. Jonathan Ford joins us to walk through the key steps in caring for patients with snake envenomations. We’ll walk through what to do (and not to do) in terms of pre-hospital care, how to triage and assess patients when they arrive in the ED, and how to decide which patients need antivenom. Dr. Ford reviews dosing strategies, monitoring, and key considerations for children, elderly, and pregnant patients. And we discuss practical guidance on supportive care, from pain control to wound management. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to provide effective, evidence-based care for your next snakebite patient. Have you had a patient with a serious or challenging envenomation?  How did you manage it? Share your story with us social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Ju

In the second half of this two part episode, Dr. David Leon unpacks some of the most hotly debated topics in resuscitation—fluids, blood products, ECMO, and post-arrest care. He breaks down the pros and cons of crystalloids (yes, even the “pasta water” debate), explains why lactated Ringer’s is often preferred over normal saline, and dips into the use of albumin and colloids. Dr. Leon also discusses the promise and challenges of extracorporeal life support (ECLS), the evolving role of targeted temperature management (TTM), and even peeks into what advances the future might hold. It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation every resuscitationist should hear. What do you think of Dr. Leon’s tips? Are you using these tools in your practice? We’d love to hear from you. Share them with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: D

In this high-yield two part episode, we dive into the evolving world of resuscitation with Dr. David Leon, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesia at UC Davis. From the shift in priorities from ABC (Airway-Breathing-Circulation) to CAB (Circulation first) to the practical use of peripheral vasopressors and rapid infusion catheters, this episode breaks down how frontline ED care is adapting to sicker patients, longer ICU boarding times, and limited resources. Tune in for insights on advanced access strategies, pre-hospital blood products, and why old tools, like whole blood and vasopressin, are making a powerful comeback. What do you think of Dr. Leon’s tips? Are you using these tools in your practice? We’d love to hear from you. Share them with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: Dr. David Leon, Assistant

We’re back with another episode of Push Dose Pearls with ED Clinical Pharacist, Haley Burhans! In this episode, we break down the essentials of managing agitation in the ED—starting with why you should avoid diphenhydramine in the elderly and benzodiazepines in the 3 D’s: drunk, delirium, and dementia. We discuss how to quickly assess the cause, choose the right medication, and decide between IM and IV routes. And Haley offers some key safety tips and considerations for special populations, including kids and the elderly.  Was this episode helpful? What other medications would you like to learn more about? Hit us up on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Haley Burhans, PharmD, Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist at UC Davis Resources: ACEP’s New Clinical Policy on Severe Agitation. By Molly E.W. Thiessen, MD, FACEP | on February 12, 2024

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. John Rose as cohost for a conversation with Dr. Gary Tamkin—Emergency Physician and Vice President of Provider Development at US Acute Care Solutions. Together, they explore what it really takes to find happiness and fulfillment in the high-stakes world of emergency medicine. From the trap of the arrival fallacy to the pressure of always chasing the next milestone, Dr. Tamkin shares personal insights and practical strategies tailored to the unique challenges EM clinicians face. You’ll come away with two actionable tools to help build more meaning, balance, and joy—both on shift and off. What are your tips for avoiding burnout and finding balance? Share them with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest Host: Dr. John Rose, Professor of Emergency Medicine and EMS Medical Director at UC Davis

Hypoglycemia can be subtle—or dangerously obvious—and knowing when and how to treat it is critical. In her first episode as our new Push Dose Pearls expert, Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist, Haley Burhans, joins us to break it down. We discuss glucose thresholds by age, when to draw critical labs, and how to choose the right treatment—whether it’s oral glucose, IV dextrose, or IM or intranasal glucagon. From neonates to older adults, Haley delivers practical, evidence-based pearls to help you manage low blood sugar safely and effectively in the ED. Was this episode helpful? What other medications would you like to learn more about? Hit us up on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Haley Burhans, PharmD, Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist at UC Davis Resources: Gandhi K. Approach to hypoglycemia in infants and children. Transl Pedia

Summer travel is in full swing and, for physicians, that means more than just packing swimsuits and sunscreen. In this episode of EM Pulse, we sit down with wilderness medicine expert, Dr. Mary Bing, to unpack the real-world essentials of travel medical kits. From duct tape and whistles to epinephrine and steroids, you’ll learn what to bring, how to tailor your supplies based on destination and group, and why your role as a physician—formal or not—comes with extra responsibilities. Whether you’re headed to the Alps or the backyard, this episode is your go-to guide for staying medically prepared on the move. Don’t just travel light—travel smart. What’s in your first aid kit? Hit us op on on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Dr. Mary Bing, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Assistant EM Residency Program Director at UC Davis

In this follow-up to our artificial intelligence in EM series, we’re diving into how AI can enhance your professional life outside of clinical shifts. Joined by Dr. Jaymin Patel—Assistant Residency Program Director and tech-savvy educator—we explore three practical AI tools that can streamline teaching, content creation, communication, and even how you consume literature on your commute. From ChatGPT to DALL·E to NotebookLM, we break down what each tool does, how to use it effectively, what pitfalls to avoid, and how even non-educators can leverage them. Tune in to learn how to use AI intentionally, efficiently, and ethically in your day-to-day professional life.  Are you using AI in your professional life? What’s your favorite tool? Share your experience with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Dr. Jaymin Patel, Assista

In this episode of EM Pulse, Dr. Daniel Hernandez, an emergency medicine and addiction specialist at UC Davis, joins the team to spotlight methadone—one of the original and still powerful tools for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). While newer medications like buprenorphine often steal the spotlight, methadone remains a critical option, especially in the era of fentanyl. Tune in for a practical conversation on when and how to initiate methadone in the ED, navigating regulatory barriers, arranging follow-up at opioid treatment programs, and managing pain in patients already on methadone. Whether you’re new to methadone or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode offers real-world insights and actionable pearls  Have you started methadone from the ED? Share your experience with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: D

This is the next episode of our Push Dose Pearls miniseries with ED Clinical Pharmacist, Chris Adams. In this ongoing series we’ll dig into some of the questions we all have about medications we commonly see and use in the ED. In this epsidoe, we unpack the complexities of anticoagulation reversal in the emergency department - It’s not just about vitamin K anymore! Tune in as we explore the key reversal agents, when and why to use them, how fast they work, and the risks that come with turning off anticoagulation. From bleeding emergencies to stroke prevention, this quick dive offers practical pearls for navigating the coagulation cascade in real time. Have you had a bad GI bleed or intracranial hemorrhage in a patient on thinners?. Share your story with us on social media or at ucdavisem.com. Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Christopher Adams, PharmD, Emergency Department Senior Clinical

Big news for emergency medicine residencies! The ACGME is proposing several major changes to EM program requirements. To comply with these new requirements, programs would need to be 4 years long. This is a hotly debated topic at the moment as most EM residencies in the U.S. currently are 3 year programs. So what are the proposed changes? How would they affect the curriculum and training for future EM physicians? To answer these questions, we sit down with UC Davis EM Program Director and medical education specialist, Dr. Aaron Danielson.  What do you think of these proposed changes? We’d love to hear from you. We’re on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Host: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: Dr. Aaron Danielson, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director at UC Davis Resources: Share your comments with the ACGME ACEP: ACGME Releases Proposed Changes to EM Program Requirements U

In the fourth and final episode of our advocacy mini series with guest host, Dr. Anna Yap, we dive into a powerful story of advocacy led by a mother-daughter duo. Pediatric nurse practitioner Robyn Lao and her 9-year-old daughter, Addie, who has severe food allergies, turned their personal challenges into a statewide movement by co-authoring California Senate Bill 68—the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act. Together, they share their journey from navigating daily food allergy struggles to pushing for legislative change, proving that anyone, at any age, can make a difference. Tune in to hear how their determination is shaping a safer future for millions. Have you been involved in health care related legislation? Share your story with us on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Host: Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest Host: Dr. Anna Yap, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director and Health Policy & Administration Fellows

In the third episode of our advocacy mini series with Dr. Anna Yap, we explore the evolving challenges faced by transgender patients and medical professionals in today’s political climate. We’re joined by Charlie Adams, a fourth-year medical student and dedicated advocate, who shares his powerful journey fighting for transgender rights and health equity. Together, we discuss the importance of gender-affirming care, the real-world impact of restrictive laws, and how we can improve emergency department care for transgender patients. Tune in for an insightful conversation on advocacy, inclusivity, and the role we all play in creating a more supportive healthcare system. How have your patients and your practice environment been affected by legal and political changes in transgender rights? Share your story with us on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Host: Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest Host: Dr. Anna Yap, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medici

In the second episode of our advocacy mini series with Dr. Anna Yap, we dive into the critical intersection of emergency medicine and immigration health. As emergency physicians, we frequently care for undocumented patients, asylum seekers, and refugees—individuals who face significant barriers to medical care, including fear, cost concerns, and language obstacles. Dr. Ellen Shank, a UC Davis health policy fellow and expert in migrant healthcare, joins us to explore the legal and ethical responsibilities of emergency providers, including how to navigate interactions with immigration enforcement, protect patient rights, and provide trauma-informed care. We’ll discuss practical ways physicians can advocate for these vulnerable populations, from facilitating asylum medical exams to supporting protective hospital policies. Tune in for an essential discussion on how emergency physicians can go beyond medical treatment to become informed advocates for their patients in an evolving immigration landscape. Has ICE co

When corporate interests threaten patient care, who speaks up for doctors and their patients? This episode kicks off a special EM Pulse mini-series with guest host, Dr. Anna Yap, in which we explore the power of advocacy in medicine. In our first episode, Dr. Michelle Wiener shares how she and her colleagues took on a private equity-backed staffing group, formed a union, and fought for safer working conditions—proving that real change starts from within. Whether you’re new to advocacy or already involved, this series will inspire you to take action. Have you or you colleagues considered collective bargaining to address concerns in your ED?  We’d love to hear from you on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Host: Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest Host: Dr. Anna Yap, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director and Health Policy & Administration Fellowship Director at UC Davis Guest: Dr. Michelle Wiener, Emergency Physician and Clinical

In this final installment of our three-part series on artificial intelligence in emergency medicine, we explore the rapid expansion of AI and its implications for clinical practice. In previous episodes, we explored how AI is revolutionizing tasks like diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. In this final chapter, guest expert, Dr. Brian Patterson, joins us to discuss how to safely integrate AI into clinical practice. We recap insights from previous episodes, including AI’s transformative potential and real-world applications, while diving into the challenges and regulatory efforts shaping this exploding field. Whether you’re an AI skeptic or an early adopter, this episode unpacks what you need to know about integrating AI safely and effectively into emergency medicine. How are you using AI in your ED? What are your concerns and hopes for the future of AI in medicine? Keep the discussion going on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric

In the second episode our three part series, we dive deeper into the practical impact of artificial intelligence on emergency medicine with expert, Dr. Gabriel Wardi. Building on our previous discussion about AI’s role in healthcare, we explore clinical decision support systems (CDS)—how they aim to improve diagnostic accuracy but can sometimes miss the mark. Dr. Wardi shares insights from his own experience implementing AI-driven CDS, highlighting both its successes and challenges, including bias, reliability, and the importance of high-quality data. We discuss how AI can address traditional pitfalls of CDS, improve outcomes like sepsis care, and offer a glimpse into the future of AI in emergency settings. Plus, we look ahead to the critical conversation of AI governance and regulation in EM. Tune in as we break down what’s working, what’s next, and how frontline EM physicians can stay ahead of the curve. How are you using AI in your ED? What are your concerns and hopes for the future of AI in medicine? Kee

In this episode, we dive into how AI is changing emergency medicine with Dr. Peter Steel, an expert in AI and EM at Cornell. We break down the basics of AI, machine learning, and deep learning, explore real-world applications like improving triage and clinical decision-making, and tackle challenges like bias and integration in high-pressure settings. Dr. Steel shares insights on generative AI, large language models, and the exciting future of AI in EM. If you’re curious about how AI can transform patient care and what’s next for the field, this episode is for you! How are you using AI in your ED? What are your concerns and hopes for the future of AI in medicine? Keep the discussion going on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: Dr. Peter Steel, Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine and Vice Chair of Clinical Services at We

In this episode, we dive into the rising threat of cyberattacks on healthcare systems and their profound impact on emergency medicine. With 386 attacks reported in 2024 alone (as of October 7th), the likelihood of your hospital being targeted is increasing. But why are these attacks happening, and what can we do to mitigate their effects? To explore this critical topic, we’re joined by Dr. In Kim, Executive Vice Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and a leader in advancing his university’s cyber capabilities. From real-world examples of devastating attacks to actionable steps for hospitals, departments, and individual physicians, we’ll break down what you need to know to protect your patients, your practice, and yourself. Don’t miss this essential discussion for every emergency medicine provider! Has your health system been the victim of a cyber attack? Tell us your story and keep the discussion going on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Ma