EMplify by EB Medicine

EB Medicine
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Take a deeper dive into our peer-reviewed emergency medicine content with the EMplify podcast. Join hosts Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD for educational, conversational reviews of current evidence guaranteed to help you make your best clinical decisions. Each high-yield episode gives you practical, time-tested guidance from practicing emergency medicine clinicians and subject-matter experts. Listen and learn!

  1. Being A Pre-Litigation Expert with Jeff Willis, MD

    1D AGO

    Being A Pre-Litigation Expert with Jeff Willis, MD

    In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD interviews Jeff Willis, MD on the topic of pre-litigation review, being a medical expert, and common pitfalls leading to medical malpractice cases. 0:15 Introduction0:51 Guest Introduction1:20 Jeff's Background2:00 Current Work3:37 How He Got Started6:57 Pre-Litigation vs. Expert Witness8:01 Four Components of Malpractice Cases13:55 Case Review Statistics17:11 When Cases Get Filed18:58 Common Patterns in Cases19:55 Documentation Best Practices22:06 Shift Handoff Problems25:56 Bounce Backs27:25 Medical Record Volume30:00 Audit Trails32:53 Communication with Consultants41:35 Conflicting Documentation43:46 Getting Started in This Work47:37 Closing Emergency Medicine Residents, get your free subscription by writing resident@ebmedicine.net

    24 min
  2. Syphilis: The Great Masquerader

    JAN 30

    Syphilis: The Great Masquerader

    In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD discuss the Januray 2026 Emergency Medicine Practice article, Emergency Department Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Syphilis Syphilis cases have surged 42% in the US, making it critical for emergency physicians to recognize and treat this "great masquerader." In this episode, hosts Sam Ashoo and Dr. T.R. Eckler break down the January 2026 Emergency Medicine Practice article on syphilis diagnosis and management. They cover the rising prevalence in high-risk populations, the four clinical stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), special presentations like neurosyphilis and congenital syphilis, and practical diagnostic approaches. With a national penicillin shortage, they discuss alternative treatment options including doxycycline and post-exposure prophylaxis. The conversation also addresses the dark history of the Tuskegee Study and its lasting impact on medical ethics. Whether you're seeing more cases in your ED or want to sharpen your diagnostic skills, this episode provides actionable insights for frontline providers. Timestamps[0:00] Opening/Introduction [0:11] Host Welcome & Resources [0:50] Episode Introduction [1:30] Epidemiology & Rising Cases [4:30] Risk Factors & Screening [6:30] Pathophysiology & Transmission [9:30] Primary Syphilis [12:30] Secondary Syphilis [15:30] Tertiary & Latent Syphilis [18:30] Neurosyphilis [22:30] Congenital Syphilis [25:30] Ocular & Otic Syphilis [28:30] Differential Diagnosis & Pre-hospital Care [31:30] History & Physical Examination [34:30] Diagnostic Testing Overview [38:30] Testing Details & Titers [41:30] Treatment: Penicillin & Alternatives [43:30] Closing Subscribers, take the CME test here.Emergency Medicine Residents, get your free subscription by writing resident@ebmedicine.net

    22 min
  3. Cannabis Related Emergencies

    12/28/2025

    Cannabis Related Emergencies

    In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD discuss the December 2025 Emergency Medicine Practice article, Diagnosis and Management of Cannabis-Related Emergencies Episode Outline: [0:00] IntroductionWelcome and show overview by Sam AshooMention of resources at ebmedicine.net[0:46] Episode StartHosts introduce themselves: Sam Ashoo and Dr. T.R. EcklerDr. Eckler’s background and experience with cannabis cases in Colorado[1:16] Topic IntroductionFocus on diagnosis and management of cannabis-related emergenciesPrevalence and importance in emergency medicine[1:34] Legal LandscapeOverview of cannabis legality across statesMedicinal vs. non-medicinal use[3:03] Increase in ED VisitsStatistics: ~1 million cannabis-related ED visits annuallyDemographics: younger population most affected[3:52] Synthetics and ChallengesDiscussion of synthetic cannabinoids and their risksIssues with detection and legality[4:50] Clinical SpectrumRange of presentations: from nausea/vomiting to psychosis and seizuresImpact on different age groups[6:34] FDA-Approved UsesCannabis-derived products approved for specific medical conditions[7:20] Physiology and PathophysiologyCannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and their effectsDifferences between plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids[9:10] Chronic Use and WithdrawalDownregulation of receptors, withdrawal symptoms, and persistent nausea[10:20] Product Forms and Delivery MethodsSmoking, edibles, oils, tinctures, suppositories, topicals, etc.Risks associated with concentrated forms (e.g., wax, oils)[12:00] Clinical Effects by SystemPsychiatric: anxiety, psychosis, paranoiaCardiovascular: tachycardia, MI risk, QT prolongationPulmonary, renal, metabolic, dental, and ocular effects[13:50] Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)Phases: prodrome, hyperemesis, recoveryHot showers as a diagnostic clue[16:00] Withdrawal SyndromeSymptoms and timelineExacerbation with synthetic cannabinoids[18:15] Counseling and ManagementImportance of cessation and patient educationTimeline for symptom improvement[18:42] Differential DiagnosisBroad differential for persistent nausea/vomiting and abdominal painImportance of considering other causes[20:55] Diagnostics and TestingLimitations of drug screens (false positives/negatives)Importance of EKG, labs, and imaging as indicated[23:10] Treatment ApproachesFirst-line: benzodiazepines, antiemetics (ondansetron, metoclopramide)Second-line: butyrophenones (haloperidol, droperidol), olanzapineCapsaicin as adjunct therapy[29:50] Complications and Special ConsiderationsRisks of undertreatment (e.g., Boerhaave syndrome, aspiration)Pediatric and pregnant populations: unique risks and reporting requirements[36:00] Five Practice-Changing TakeawaysElicit cannabis use historyKnow testing limitationsConsider ECG and appropriate labsUse butyrophenones when indicatedAdmit if symptoms are refractory[39:00] Conclusion Emergency Medicine Residents, get your free subscription by writing resident@ebmedicine.net

    21 min
  4. Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella with Dr Tim Horeczko

    12/11/2025

    Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella with Dr Tim Horeczko

    In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and Tim Horeczko, MD discuss the November 2025 Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice article, Emergency Department Management of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella in Pediatric Patients 00:00 Introduction to Emergency Medicine 00:21 Welcome and Holiday Greetings 01:16 Special Guest Introduction 01:41 Discussion on Pediatric Emergency Medicine 04:55 Epidemiology of Measles 08:16 Challenges in Diagnosing Measles 14:27 Mumps: Symptoms and Complications 27:36 Rubella: Risks and Symptoms 29:28 Varicella: Symptoms and Precautions 33:12 Differential Diagnosis and Conclusion 35:14 Using Inductive Reasoning in Medical Diagnosis 35:40 Recognizing Purpuric Rash and Its Implications 36:22 Guidance for EMS Colleagues on Handling Fever and Rash 37:14 Importance of Communication and Relationships with EMS 39:12 Decontamination and PPE Protocols for EMS 42:34 Detailed Patient Assessment in the ED 46:06 Diagnostic Testing and Clinical Diagnosis 49:20 Reporting Responsibilities and Treatment Protocols 01:01:19 Addressing Vaccine Controversies and Public Trust 01:06:25 Conclusion and Additional Resources Check out Dr Horeczko's podcast - Pediatric Emergency Playbook Emergency Medicine Residents, get your free subscription by writing resident@ebmedicine.net

    35 min
  5. Alcohol Withdrawal

    11/21/2025

    Alcohol Withdrawal

    In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD discuss the November 2025 Emergency Medicine Practice article, Diagnosis and Management of Emergency Department Patients With Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Epidemiology & Background Rising ED visits related to alcohol use. Mortality rates and spectrum of patient presentations. Importance of high suspicion and complexity of cases.Pathophysiology & Mechanisms Alcohol metabolism and neurochemical changes. Differential diagnosis: Conditions that mimic alcohol withdrawal.Prehospital & EMS Considerations Role of EMS in triage and initial management. Use of sobering centers vs. ED transport. Prehospital administration of benzodiazepines (IM midazolam).History & Risk Assessment Key questions to assess risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Importance of patient history, medication use, and comorbidities. Discussion on patient honesty and rapport.Physical Exam & Scoring Systems DSM-5 criteria for alcohol withdrawal. Use of CIWA-AR, BAWS, and PAWSS scoring systems. Importance of objective measurement for monitoring and disposition.Complications & Special PresentationsComplicated alcohol withdrawal: Hallucinosis, seizures, delirium tremens. Diagnostic workup: Labs, imaging, and co-ingestions. Special populations: End-stage liver disease, pregnancy, intubated patients.Treatment Strategies Mainstay: Benzodiazepines (types, dosing, and protocols). Phenobarbital: Indications, dosing, and evidence. Adjunctive therapies: Thiamine, glucose, magnesium. Alternative/adjunct medications: Gabapentin, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, baclofen.Clinical Pearls & Practice Changes Early, aggressive therapy to prevent complications. Symptom-based vs. fixed-schedule treatment. Gabapentin as an alternative or adjunct. Anti-craving medications for relapse prevention.Disposition & Protocols Use of scoring systems for safe discharge, observation, or admission. Importance of protocolized approaches and community resources.Summary & Take-Home Points Five key practice-changing points. Clinical pathway. Emergency Medicine Residents, get your free subscription by writing resident@ebmedicine.net

    32 min
  6. Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus with Dr Lara Zibners

    11/07/2025

    Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus with Dr Lara Zibners

    In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and Lara Zibners, MD discuss the August 2025 Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice article, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus: An Update of Evidence-Based Management of Pediatric Patients in the Emergency Department Introduction and guest backgroundHost welcome, show contextDr. Lara Zibners’ credentialsEB Medicine involvementPersonal stories and clinical experienceMemorable tetanus and pertussis casesVaccine advocacyRare disease encountersDiphtheria: overview, presentation, treatmentToxigenic vs. non-toxigenic, “bull neck”Cardiac, neurologic complicationsAntitoxin, antibiotics, public healthPertussis: symptoms, vaccine, treatment“100-day cough,” apnea in infantsWaning immunity, boostersAzithromycin, treat contactsTetanus: risk, presentation, managementClostridium ubiquity, no outbreaksMuscle spasms, autonomic instabilityAirway, sedation, antibioticsKey ED takeaways and pearlsEarly suspicion, isolationICU admission for severe casesVaccination, reportingResources and article summaryAppendix, clinical pathwayebmedicine.net referenceCME, further readingGuest’s podcast plug and closing remarks“Unstable Vitals” podcastWhere to listenThank you, sign-off Check out Dr Zibner's podcast Unstable Vitals Emergency Medicine Residents, get your free subscription by writing resident@ebmedicine.net

    21 min
  7. Adrenal Insufficiency

    10/21/2025

    Adrenal Insufficiency

    In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD discuss the October 2025 Emergency Medicine Practice article, Emergency Department Evaluation and Management of Patients With Adrenal Insufficiency Introduction Welcome and host introductionsBrief overview of the episode’s topicResources and CME reminderArticle Overview Source: Emergency Medicine Practice, October 2025Authors: The SimcoesImportance of evidence-based reviewClinical Context & Epidemiology Frequency and rarity of adrenal insufficiencyDiagnostic challenges and statisticsImportance of recognizing adrenal crisisPathophysiology Primary, secondary, and tertiary adrenal insufficiencyCauses and mechanismsKey anatomical and physiological conceptsDifferential Diagnosis Overlap with other diseases (infections, autoimmune, endocrine, psychiatric, cardiac, GI, etc.)Importance of considering adrenal crisis in complex casesPrehospital Care EMS recognition and limitationsImportance of medication history and emergency kitsLegal and logistical barriers to prehospital hydrocortisoneEmergency Department Evaluation Recognizing symptoms and prioritizing careRole of EMR and clinical decision supportKey history and risk factors (medications, steroid use, opioid use, comorbidities)Physical Examination Specific and nonspecific findingsCushingoid features vs. primary adrenal insufficiency signsDiagnostic Workup Laboratory studies (cortisol, ACTH, renin, aldosterone, TSH, etc.)Imaging considerationsGold standard tests and their limitations in the EDTreatment Immediate administration of hydrocortisoneDosing for adults and pediatricsSupportive care (fluids, glucose, treating underlying cause)Sick day dosing and home managementSpecial Populations Pregnancy considerationsSeptic shock and adrenal crisisCommon Pitfalls & Takeaways Delaying steroids for labs/diagnosisImportance of high suspicion and early treatmentKey trivia and learning pointsClosingSummary and final thoughts Reminders for further reading and CMEFarewell and next episode teaser Emergency Medicine Residents, get your free subscription by writing resident@ebmedicine.net

    26 min
  8. Steroid Use – An Interview with Dr. Evan Dvorin

    10/06/2025

    Steroid Use – An Interview with Dr. Evan Dvorin

    In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD interviews Evan Dvorin, MD about the dangers of short term steroid use. Background & Regional Differences Dr. Dvorin’s clinical journey from New England to New Orleans. Noticing increased use of corticosteroids for common conditions in the Southeast. Discussion of how steroid prescribing practices vary by region and setting.Inappropriate Steroid Use Common conditions where steroids are often inappropriately prescribed (sinus infections, bronchitis, sciatica, rashes, plantar fasciitis, etc.). Trends showing increased steroid prescribing over time. Similar patterns observed in emergency, urgent care, and primary care settings.Risks and Side Effects of Short-Term Steroid Use Short-term steroids can cause significant side effects: infection, sepsis, bone fractures, thromboembolism, psychiatric effects, hyperglycemia. Dose-response relationship: higher doses and repeated use increase risks. Some side effects (e.g., bone loss) may persist beyond two months.Patient Communication & Shared Decision-Making Importance of discussing risks with patients, tailored to individual risk factors (e.g., diabetes, psychiatric history, age). Strategies for educating patients and managing expectations. The role of patient education videos and resources.Impact of Provider Education & Quality Metrics Ochsner Health’s initiatives to reduce inappropriate steroid use. Use of CME, quality dashboards, and feedback to clinicians. Evidence that education and reporting can reduce unnecessary prescriptions.Special Populations & Scenarios Considerations for pediatric patients and repeated dosing. Challenges when specialists recommend steroids for certain conditions (e.g., sciatica, neurosurgery cases). The need for evidence-based practice and inter-provider communication.Medical-Legal Considerations Lawsuits related to steroid side effects (e.g., fat atrophy, infection). Importance of documentation and informed consent.Alternatives & Symptom Management Focusing on treating the patient’s most bothersome symptoms. Non-steroid options and the value of patient education about illness duration and expectations.Resources Mention of Dr. Dvorin’s educational video on corticosteroid side effects (available on YouTube). Reminder of EB Medicine’s journals and resources for further learning.Conclusion Key takeaway: “Do no harm” and practice evidence-based medicine. Encouragement for clinicians to review their prescribing habits and educate patients. Ochsner "Side effects from corticosteroids" Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdMJ9HYxkck

    19 min
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About

Take a deeper dive into our peer-reviewed emergency medicine content with the EMplify podcast. Join hosts Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD for educational, conversational reviews of current evidence guaranteed to help you make your best clinical decisions. Each high-yield episode gives you practical, time-tested guidance from practicing emergency medicine clinicians and subject-matter experts. Listen and learn!

Information

  • Creator
    EB Medicine
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 EMplify by EB Medicine
  • Show Website
    EMplify by EB Medicine

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