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. Hantavirus Infection: From Rodents to Cruise Ships and ICU.

    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

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

    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

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

    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

    34 min
  4. Antibiotic Stewardship: IV Amoxiclav with Dr George Zhanel

    Apr 17

    Antibiotic Stewardship: IV Amoxiclav with Dr George Zhanel

    In this episode, made possible through an educational grant from Sandoz Canada, Dr. George Zhanel discusses the latest developments in antimicrobial stewardship, focusing on IV Amox Clav, its clinical applications, safety profile, and the Canadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Real-Life Usage Registry (CLEAR). Gain insights into optimizing antibiotic use and future prospects in antimicrobial development. Key Topics: IV Amox Clav clinical applicationsCanadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Usage Registry (CLEAR)Antibiotic stewardship strategiesFuture developments in antimicrobial agents Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 01:47 Introduction of Dr. George Zhanel and his background 02:41 The journey into IV Amox Clav and its significance 03:21 Overview of the CLEAR registry and its purpose 06:18 Findings from the CLEAR study on IV Amox Clav usage 07:57 Clinical indications and safety profile of IV Amox Clav 10:58 De-escalation and appropriate use of IV Amox Clav 12:34 Use in bacteremia and various infections 13:35 Side effects and safety data of IV Amox Clav 15:02 Dosing strategies and renal adjustments 17:29 Beta-lactamase inhibitors and future antimicrobial development 20:16 Future prospects for new antibiotics in Canada 23:13 Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA) and involvement 25:53 Case examples and clinical decision-making in pneumonia and skin infections 31:09 Closing remarks and appreciation for the audience Resources: Canadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Real-Life Usage Registry (CLEAR) - https://www.clearregistry.ca Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA) - https://www.cara.ca Meropenem Vaborbactam - https://www.meropenem.com Ceftazidime-Avibactam - https://www.ceftazidime-avibactam.com Guest Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-zhanel Twitter - https://twitter.com/GeorgeZhanel

    32 min
  5. Meningitis: Implications for Critical Care

    Apr 3 ·  Bonus

    Meningitis: Implications for Critical Care

    Young lives have sadly been lost in the 2026 Kent meningitis outbreak. An “unprecedented” cluster centred on the University of Kent, linked to a Canterbury nightclub, and rapidly spreading through student halls and social mixing. In this timely and hard-hitting podcast episode, Jonny is joined by Intensivists Martin Beed, Peter Brindley (authors of the new primer on infectious meningitis and encephalitis in the Journal of the Intensive Care Society), and Andrew Conway-Morris. They explore the UK government’s targeted MenB vaccination program for university students and affected schools, the critical importance of early clinical suspicion and prompt antibiotic administration, transmission risks in nightclubs and social settings (including behaviors like vaping), and lessons from past UK and global outbreaks. The discussion also covers practical public education, healthcare worker resources including useful infographics. The discussion stresses the need for high vigilance, rapid treatment, vaccination where appropriate, and support for public and family mental health during outbreaks. Packed with actionable clinical guidance and real-world takeaways, this episode is essential listening for healthcare professionals, students, parents, and anyone wanting to understand how to spot, treat, and prevent this devastating disease.

    51 min
  6. Dose VF: Defibrillation Done Right! With Prof. Sheldon Cheskes

    Mar 25

    Dose VF: Defibrillation Done Right! With Prof. Sheldon Cheskes

    This episode features Sheldon Cheskes discussing advanced defibrillation techniques, including double sequential defibrillation, vector change, and the importance of early intervention in refractory VF. Gain insights into recent trials, practical protocols, and the impact on neurological outcomes. Key topics Double sequential defibrillation (DSD)Vector change and pad positioning in defibrillationTiming and dosing of medications in VFImpact of early intervention on neurological outcomesRecent clinical trials: Dose VF and EpiDose Further Reading: Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation

    31 min
  7. Science Communication and the Certainty Illusion - Prof Tim Caulfield

    Mar 11

    Science Communication and the Certainty Illusion - Prof Tim Caulfield

    In this conversation, Peter Brindley and Timothy Caulfield discuss the critical importance of science communication in the face of misinformation and the challenges posed by predatory journals. They explore the societal impact of vaccines, the misuse of scientific terms for marketing purposes (scienceploitation), and the illusions surrounding science, goodness, and opinion. The discussion emphasizes the need for humility in science, the pressures researchers face, and the responsibility of all individuals to advocate for accurate scientific information. Lessons: We all have to speak up for science. Science is a process, not a list of facts. There is pressure to publish, leading to predatory journals. Vaccines are one of the most successful biomedical interventions. Science is often misused as clickbait. Terms like 'natural' have become meaningless in marketing. You can't really boost your immune system; it's about maintaining health. The wellness industry has significant conflicts of interest. The opinion illusion shows how we are manipulated by online reviews. Trillions of dollars depend on the credibility of online reviews.

    38 min
  8. Critical Care Workforce: Where We Are, And Where We're Going with Prof. Peter Kruger

    Feb 24

    Critical Care Workforce: Where We Are, And Where We're Going with Prof. Peter Kruger

    In this conversation, Peter Brindley and Leon Byker sit down with Peter Kruger, President of the College of Intensive Care Medicine, to unpack one of the defining issues facing healthcare today: workforce reform. Against the backdrop of national workforce reviews across Australia and New Zealand, the discussion explores the tension between aspiration and reality. Governments want equitable access, rural coverage, sustainable systems, and improved wellbeing for clinicians. Colleges want standards, safety, and meaningful careers. Trainees want jobs. Communities want hospitals. Politicians want solutions. So how do we reconcile all of it? Dr. Kruger reflects on the growing engagement between specialist colleges and government, particularly around workforce maldistribution, rural and regional care, sub-specialization versus generalism, and the moral complexity of relying on internationally trained doctors. The conversation highlights a key truth: intensive care is a hospital-based, system-dependent specialty. You cannot simply “place a doctor” in a community without the supporting infrastructure. The episode also tackles uncomfortable but necessary questions: Can there be a universal standard for ICU access across vastly different hospital settings? Should governments mandate rural placements—or can communities be strengthened from within? What role should nurse practitioners and multidisciplinary teams play? Are we protecting turf, or protecting patients? And how do we better support doctors across the entire career pipeline—from medical student to senior intensivist winding down night shifts? Throughout, the tone is candid but diplomatic. There’s recognition that workforce reform is complex, long-standing, and resistant to simple solutions. Yet there is also optimism: trust, transparency, and genuine partnership between colleges and government may offer a way forward. At its core, this episode is about purpose. The shared mission between clinicians, colleges, and governments is delivering safe, effective care to the community. The challenge lies in doing so while balancing standards, sustainability, and humanity.

    24 min
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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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