The Critical Care Commute Podcast

Critical Care Commute
  • 4.6 (7)
  • Medicine

The Critical Care Commute Podcast is grateful for your ears, insights and feedback. In return its hosts- Peter Brindley and Leon Byker, two ICU doctors in Alberta, Canada- offer up knowledge and debate with some of the most qualified, interesting, enlightened and provocative folks in Critical Care Medicine, and beyond. We strive to keep it practical and concise. Like you, our overriding goal is to get better, do better and feel better.

  1. Sep 23

    The Role of Acute Care Ultrasound at the Bedside - A "Fireside" Chat with Peter Brindley, Brian Buchanan, Leo Smyth and Leon Byker

    In this "fireside" chat, recorded in front of a live audience at the Canadian Resuscitative Ultrasound Course West 2026 (CRUS WEST), Peter Brindley explores the role of point-of-care ultrasound in clinical practice, as we kick of Season 6. Join us as Drs Brian Buchanan and Leon Byker, course directors for this year's CRUS WEST 2026, along with Dr Leo Smyth, Internist and Point of Care Ultrasound specialist, share insights on how to integrate ultrasound effectively while avoiding common pitfalls, examining its benefits, limitations, and the evidence surrounding its impact on patient outcomes. Key Topics Discussed: Ultrasound as a diagnostic and monitoring toolThe role of physical exam versus ultrasoundEvidence, (or lack thereof) on ultrasound reducing mortalityRisks of over-reliance on ultrasoundTraining and competency in ultrasound useLegal and medicolegal considerationsUltrasound in procedural guidanceImpact of ultrasound on clinical workflowKey Words: ultrasound, point-of-care, clinical practice, diagnosis, procedure, evidence, medical education, patient safety

    The Role of Acute Care Ultrasound at the Bedside - A "Fireside" Chat with Peter Brindley, Brian Buchanan, Leo Smyth and Leon Byker

  2. Aug 20

    Vaccines: A Story of Heroes or Villains

    In this episode, Prof. Lynora Saxinger and hosts Peter Brindley and Leon Byker explore the history, impact, and public perception of vaccines. They discuss how vaccines have saved millions of lives, the challenges of vaccine hesitancy, and strategies for effective science communication. Key topics The impact of vaccines on global health and mortalityThe role of vaccines as heroes in medicineChallenges of vaccine hesitancy and misinformationThe importance of trust and communication in vaccinationStrategies for effective vaccine advocacy and education This episode was made possible by: Pfizer - Unrestricted Educational Grant - https://www.pfizer.com/

    Vaccines: A Story of Heroes or Villains

  3. Jul 21

    The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guideline 2026 with Prof. Bram Rochwerg.

    This episode features Professor Bram Rochwerg discussing the latest guidelines on surviving sepsis, covering evidence-based practices, fluid management, vasopressor use, and emerging therapies. Gain insights into how expert panels synthesize evidence to guide critical care in sepsis management. Key Topics Covered: Sepsis guideline updates 2026Evidence synthesis and recommendation strengthFluid resuscitation strategies and targetsVasopressor use and peripheral administrationEmerging therapies: Methylene blue, steroids, bicarbonateBiomarkers and diagnostics in sepsis Links: Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026 | SCCM Executive Summary: Surviving Sepsis Campaign:... : Critical Care Medicine

    The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guideline 2026 with Prof. Bram Rochwerg.

  4. Jun 29 ·  Bonus

    Staying Safe with Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers - Practical Skills with Sonja Hoag, RN, CNE and Podcast Host.

    In this episode, we're joined by Sonja, RN, Nurse Educator, and host of the Sedation Vacation Radio podcast. (Full disclosure: we're big fans, so we might be just a little biased!) Sonja shares practical, real-world advice on infection prevention and control, from getting PPE right to safely managing patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers. Along the way, we explore what it takes to prepare healthcare teams and systems for these high-consequence situations, with plenty of practical tips and lessons you can apply in your own workplace. Key topics Infection control procedures for viral hemorrhagic fever PPE donning and doffing protocols with step-by-step guidance System-level response and isolation procedures for high-risk infectious cases Role of medical officers and rapid response teams in outbreak management Waste disposal and sample handling for contagious diseases Aerosol-generating medical procedures and precautions Takeaways: Proper PPE donning and doffing is critical to prevent self-contamination. Clear protocols and checklists improve safety during high-risk procedures. System-level planning includes designated isolation units and inter-agency communication. Understanding the difference between contact, droplet, and airborne precautions is essential. Links of Interest: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ebola/border-measures.htmlPractical PPE: Coverall PPE (this is the PPE that anyone going into the room and doing patient care or assessments will be wearing) https://youtu.be/ADosrKxfsNIBuddy PPE (this is the PPE that is worn by those who assist with Coverall doffing and other tasks) https://youtu.be/RaNwdvSyrb4Coverall and Buddy Doffing https://youtu.be/EjVoXmRNzWcSedation Vacation Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/15P4tJ7uW17u41bm3V7CEf?si=1ua7uXu-Sa6nQGrkur0Gow

    Staying Safe with Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers - Practical Skills with Sonja Hoag, RN, CNE and Podcast Host.

  5. Jun 16

    Ebola!

    Join us on this episode as we discuss Ebola Disease with Dr Rob Fowler, critical Care Physician, Researcher and Scientist. As a physician who experienced working with patients with Ebola Disease, there is no better person to discuss this hot topic. Key Topics Ebola virus strains and outbreaksDiagnostic testing and laboratory protocolsTherapeutic developments and clinical trialsSupportive care principles in Ebola treatmentInfection prevention and PPE in outbreak settingsCase fatality rates and clinical outcomesVirus immune evasion mechanismsPublic health response and outbreak management. Further reading and important links: WHO Supportive Care Guidelines (2026 – coming soon) https://www.magicevidence.org/WHO Specific Therapeutic Guidelines (not Bundibugyo species specific) (2022) http://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240055742WHO Ebola and Marburg virus IPC Guidelines (2026) https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240111332

    Ebola!

  6. May 26

    Hantavirus Infection: From Rodents to Cruise Ships and ICU.

    This episode features Professor Wendy Sligl discussing hantaviruses, their transmission, clinical presentation, public health response, and prevention strategies. Aimed at healthcare professionals and public health officials, it provides critical insights into managing outbreaks and understanding zoonotic diseases. Key Topics: Hantavirus family and strains Transmission routes and human-to-human spread Clinical presentation and severity spectrum Public health response and quarantine protocols Prevention and protective measures

    Hantavirus Infection: From Rodents to Cruise Ships and ICU.

  7. May 12

    Intubate at the Roadside? A.I Modelling that Could Save Lives, Money and Justify Resources.

    From Intubation Dilemmas to Data-Driven Decisions: Cutting-Edge Research in Pre-Hospital Trauma Care. In this episode, we explore a study that leverages machine learning and causal modeling to improve pre-hospital trauma interventions, specifically endotracheal intubation. Experts Amy Nelson and Julian Thompson discuss how innovative data analysis can inform real-time decision-making, enhance patient outcomes, and optimize resource allocation in emergency settings. Main Topics: The long-standing debate over early pre-hospital intubation and its survival benefitsMethodological advances using machine learning and causal inference in emergency researchHow predictive models can support clinicians at the roadside and future directions for trauma careThe significance of integrating AI tools into clinical judgment without replacing human expertiseCost-effectiveness and system-wide implications of adopting data-driven protocols in trauma systems

    Intubate at the Roadside? A.I Modelling that Could Save Lives, Money and Justify Resources.

  8. Apr 28

    Dr Craig Spencer: I Went to an Anti Vax Conference, So Should You!

    In this in-depth interview, Dr. Craig Spencer discusses the anti-vaccine movement, its community dynamics, historical context, and how healthcare professionals can engage effectively. The conversation explores the psychology behind vaccine hesitancy, community engagement strategies, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. Further Reading: https://www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/childrens-health-defense-conference-pro-vaccine-doctor/ Craig Spencer, MD, MPH | Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies | Brown University

    Dr Craig Spencer: I Went to an Anti Vax Conference, So Should You!
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Critical Care Commute Podcast is grateful for your ears, insights and feedback. In return its hosts- Peter Brindley and Leon Byker, two ICU doctors in Alberta, Canada- offer up knowledge and debate with some of the most qualified, interesting, enlightened and provocative folks in Critical Care Medicine, and beyond. We strive to keep it practical and concise. Like you, our overriding goal is to get better, do better and feel better.

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