PEM Chatt

Toni Dobson

A peer-to-peer educational podcast about pediatric emergency medicine for the advanced practice provider. Hosted by Toni Dobson, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, ENP-C, RNC-OB, a Nurse Practitioner at Erlanger Children’s Emergency Department and Erlanger’s Obstetric Emergency Department.

  1. JAN 6

    18 | Febrile Neonate with Dr Lindsay McHale

    In this episode of PEM CHATT, the focus is on febrile neonates, the first part of a two-part series on pediatric fever management. Host Toni speaks with Dr. Lindsay McHale, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, to discuss how historical protocols for managing febrile neonates have evolved with advances in vaccines, PCR testing, and maternal surveillance. The discussion covers the 2021 AAP guidelines for managing febrile neonates, the essential components of a fever workup, interpretation of test results, and the nuances of decision-making across neonatal age groups. Practical insights on performing lumbar punctures, antibiotic selection, and interpreting potentially confounding results, such as bloody CSF taps, are shared, along with real-life case examples that illustrate the complexities involved. The conversation aims to equip clinicians with an evidence-based approach to improve patient outcomes in various clinical settings. #PEM #NP #APP #PA #pediatrics #emergencymedicine #emergencynursepractitioner #fellowship #medicaleducation #podcast #children #nursepractitioner #clinicalpharmacists #febrileneonate #sickbabies #lumbarpuncture 00:00 Introduction to Febrile Neonates 00:57 Historical Management of Febrile Neonates 01:25 Advancements in Medicine and New Guidelines 02:23 Introducing Dr. Lindsay McHale 03:56 Defining Febrile Neonates 04:54 Managing Febrile Neonates in the ER 05:51 Cold Babies and Controversies 07:45 Treating Fever in Neonates 09:06 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Febrile Neonate Protocol 10:27 Why Neonates Are High-Risk 11:40 Code 60: Rapid Response for Febrile Neonates 12:30 Hypothetical Case Study: Febrile Neonate 14:24 Parental Concerns and Communication 19:57 Detailed Workup and Testing 23:27 Antibiotic Choices for Neonates 25:13 Dosing Nuances in Neonatal Antibiotics 26:49 Tips for Performing Lumbar Punctures 30:25 Interpreting Test Results in Neonates 32:46 AAP Sepsis Protocol for Neonates 40:06 Managing Febrile Infants: Case Studies 44:18 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview   LINKS: AAP Guideline https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/148/2/e2021052228/179783/Evaluation-and-Management-of-Well-Appearing?autologincheck=redirected CHOP Algorithm https://www.chop.edu/clinical-pathway/febrile-infant-emergent-evaluation-clinical-pathway THE MISFITS  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gpUsQOxMlbuqI-6hBDcZEF5ckpJWhWWb/view?usp=sharing

    46 min
  2. 17 | Essential Medications in the Peds ED with Maggie Raker PharmD and Morgan Padron PharmD

    12/04/2025

    17 | Essential Medications in the Peds ED with Maggie Raker PharmD and Morgan Padron PharmD

    🩺 Essential Medications in Pediatric Emergency Medicine - In-Depth Discussion with Clinical Pharmacists, Mager Raker and Morgan Padron 💊 In this episode of PEM CHATT 🎙️, host Toni Dobson is joined by clinical pharmacists Maggie and Morgan to delve into the key medications used in pediatric emergency medicine 🏥. They cover a wide range of topics, from proper medication dosing and pain control 💉 to antiemetics for nausea 😷, asthma management 🫁, and safe sedation practices 😴. The discussion also includes practical tips for advanced practice providers working in both community hospitals and pediatric-focused facilities 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️. Listeners will gain insights into common pitfalls in pediatric prescribing 🚫, the importance of proper dosing ⚖️, and strategies to effectively use medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, Zofran, morphine, fentanyl, Decadron, and others 💊. The episode aims to enhance the confidence and skills of healthcare providers in caring for young patients 👶👧🧒. The show concludes with a look ahead to the next episode, which will focus on the febrile neonate workup 🍼. 00:00 Introduction to Pediatric Emergency Medicine 00:42 Meet the Hosts and Guests 02:08 Common Pitfalls in Pediatric Prescribing 03:51 Basics of Antipyretics: Tylenol and Ibuprofen 10:03 Anti-Emetic Medications: Zofran and Alternatives 21:19 Pain Control Strategies in Pediatric ER 26:42 Pediatric Dosing and Medication Caps 28:06 Fentanyl: Usage and Administration 29:26 Intranasal Medication Techniques 31:30 Pain Management in Pediatric Emergencies 34:58 Enemas for Constipation Relief 40:00 Asthma Management in Pediatric Patients 48:18 Sedation Techniques in Pediatric Care 52:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    55 min
  3. 16 | Easy to Miss OB Emergencies in the ED (ACOG Initiative) with Dayna Jaynstein PA

    11/06/2025

    16 | Easy to Miss OB Emergencies in the ED (ACOG Initiative) with Dayna Jaynstein PA

    🎉 In this special 1-year anniversary episode of PEM CHATT, host Toni Dobson reflects on the podcast’s growth and welcomes guest Dayna Jaynstein, PA, to discuss the critical topic of maternal mortality. Together, they explore why the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, highlight the unique risks for Black and Native women, and introduce ACOG’s new initiative to help non-OB providers recognize and manage OB emergencies. The episode covers key warning signs, the importance of asking about current pregnancy status and delivery within the last year, and practical algorithms for managing cardiovascular and hypertensive emergencies in pregnant and postpartum women. Listeners are encouraged to use these resources, advocate for patients, and share knowledge to help prevent maternal deaths. Link to ACOG website with algorithms: ACOG.org/obemergencies ⏰ Timeline: 0:00 – Welcome & 1-year anniversary celebration 2:00 – Podcast journey & gratitude to listeners 5:00 – Guest introduction: Dana Jane Dean, PA 7:00 – Maternal mortality stats & disparities 10:00 – ACOG’s new initiative explained 15:00 – Key questions for providers & identifying at-risk patients 20:00 – Cardiovascular emergencies in pregnancy 25:00 – Hypertensive emergencies & management tips 30:00 – Eclampsia, preeclampsia, and medication guidance 35:00 – Family-centered care & advocating for moms 40:00 – Resources, final thoughts, and next episode preview

    36 min
  4. 15 | Antibiotics with Pediatric Clinical Pharmacists Maggie Raker and Morgan Padron

    10/06/2025

    15 | Antibiotics with Pediatric Clinical Pharmacists Maggie Raker and Morgan Padron

    In this episode of 🎤PEM CHATT, host Toni Dobson is joined by pediatric clinical pharmacists 💊Maggie Raker and 💊Morgan Padron for an in-depth discussion on antibiotic use in the pediatric emergency department. The conversation highlights the unique and invaluable role clinical pharmacists play in patient care, from assisting with medication selection and dosing to providing real-time support during traumas and codes. Maggie and Morgan share their backgrounds and offer practical insights into the collaborative approach between pharmacists, providers, and nurses. The episode dives into evidence-based strategies for treating common pediatric infections 🦠, including ear infections, UTIs, pneumonia, animal bites, cellulitis, and more. Listeners will learn about first-line therapies, dosing nuances, and the importance of selecting targeted antibiotics. The team also shares helpful resources and tips for staying current with best practices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of pediatric antibiotics and the importance of clinical pharmacy collaboration in emergency medicine. Resources Mentioned: Maggie and Morgan’s antibiotic guide with ID man: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZLNEeUAXlG8hvX_rycAASB3PZ5x0GOuh/view?usp=sharing Ninja Nerd’s YouTube lecture on antibiotics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGtwJ-SGXTA&t=7s Sanford Guide, EMRA app, and UpToDate for antibiotic selection Part two of this series with Maggie and Morgan will cover other common medications in the pediatric ER (coming December 2025). Next month: 🤰🏻Special episode on OB emergencies for the one-year anniversary of PEM CHATT. Thank you for listening to PEM CHATT! 🫶🏽   Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your local guidelines and collaborate with your physician leader as appropriate.

    42 min
  5. 14 | Chest Pain in Children with Dr Sarah Sterner

    09/07/2025

    14 | Chest Pain in Children with Dr Sarah Sterner

    In this episode of PEM CHATT, host Toni Dobson is joined by Dr. Sarah Sterner, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and medical director at Children's at Erlanger, to discuss chest pain in children. The discussion delves into the differences between pediatric and adult chest pain presentations, common causes, high-risk diagnoses, and appropriate workup strategies. The episode includes discussions on real-life case scenarios, covering conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pericarditis, pneumothorax, and more. Dr Sterner also discusses why it is important to admit children with persistent tachycardia. The importance of a systematic approach, thorough history-taking, and recognizing potential red flags in pediatric patients is highlighted. WATCH on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PEMChatt 00:00 Introduction to PEM CHATT 00:19 Understanding Pediatric Chest Pain 01:28 Introducing Dr. Sarah Sterner 03:22 Common Causes of Chest Pain in Children 04:05 Don't Miss Diagnoses 05:03 Approach to Pediatric Chest Pain Workup 06:31 Case Study: 14-Year-Old Male with Chest Pain 11:54 Case Study: 5-Year-Old Female with Chest Pain 22:23 Understanding Myocarditis 23:05 Pericarditis in Children 24:59 Pneumonia Management 25:56 Case Study: 9-Year-Old with Chest Pain 29:25 Case Study: 16-Year-Old with Pneumothorax 32:19 Case Study: 15-Year-Old with Pneumomediastinum 35:03 Rare but Serious: ACS and PE in Kids 39:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    42 min
  6. 08/06/2025

    13 | Mental Models with Dr Dan France

    Exploring Mental Models in Emergency Medicine with Dr. Dan France In this episode of PEM CHATT, host Toni discusses the importance of mental models in emergency medicine with Dr. Dan France, a professor at Vanderbilt University. They examine how mental models influence decision-making, resilience, and teamwork in high-pressure medical settings. Dr. France shares his journey and explains how mental models have played a significant role in his career, providing practical examples from healthcare and personal experiences. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their mental models to improve their clinical practice and patient interactions. WATCH on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PEMChatt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pem-chatt/id1806882767 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oaYDeq5AXIZGxBvEIxaTs #PEM #NP #APP #PA #pediatrics #emergencymedicine #emergencynurse practitioner #fellowship #medicaleducation #podcast #children #nursepractitioner #mentalmodels #criticalthinking #mentalevolution #pediatricemergencymedicine   00:00 Introduction to Mental Models in Emergency Medicine 02:00 Meet Dr. Dan France: A Pioneer in Patient Safety 04:32 Understanding Mental Models: A Deep Dive 06:57 Developing Mental Models: Influences and Examples 07:38 The Ladder of Inference: How We Form Beliefs 09:29 The Evolution of Mental Models: Adapting to Change 15:52 The Shadows of the Neanderthal: A Book Discussion 26:55 Personal Reflections on Mental Models 36:44 Personal Reflections on Palliative Care 38:09 Navigating Family Dynamics in Healthcare 40:07 Professional Growth and Conflict Resolution 43:32 Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in the ER 51:50 The Importance of Mental Models in Medicine 53:36 Building a Culture of Safety and Reliability 59:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Link to Shadows of the Neanderthal on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Neanderthal-Illuminating-Beliefs-Organizations/dp/1883823307

    1h 11m
  7. 12 | Dysautonomia with Cheryl Fabor and June Bryant, DNP

    07/06/2025

    12 | Dysautonomia with Cheryl Fabor and June Bryant, DNP

    You can WATCH this episode now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/lH4dYBOVihc   In this episode of PEM CHATT, Toni sits down with nurse practitioner, June Bryant, and Cheryl Fabor, Director of Education for the Dysautonomia Project, to discuss the common yet rarely diagnosed condition of dysautonomia. They focus on this impact, symptoms, and treatment options. The conversation sheds light on conditions like POTS that falls under the umbrella of dysautonomia. The discussion includes real-life patient scenarios, diagnostic criteria, and both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options. The episode aims to educate providers and raise awareness of autonomic nervous system disorders, with a focus on understanding patients' experiences and symptoms. **The details of any patient encounters discussed in this episode have been changed to protect the privacy of patients. Resources: https://thedysautonomiaproject.org/ Cheryl Fabor, Director of Education for the Dysautonomia Project Contact information: cheryl@dysproject.org Book Referenced in Podcast: https://thedysautonomiaproject.org/get-a-book/ Reach out to Cheryl for a FREE copy!   Follow PEM CHATT on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! https://www.instagram.com/pemchatt/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575207741783# https://youtu.be/lH4dYBOVihc   Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to PEM CHATT 00:26 Understanding dysautonomia 00:55 Case Study: 16 y/o F with syncope 01:32 Meet the Experts: Cheryl Fabor and June Bryant 03:06 What is dysautonomia? 04:30 Common symptoms and misconceptions. 06:31 Prevalence and types of dysautonomia 08:27 Causes and triggers of dysautonomia 10:53 Diagnosing dysautonomia 16:49 Tilt table test explained 22:10 Non-pharm treatments 27:11 Pharmacologic treatments 28:47 Understanding patient symptoms and treatments 31:05 The role of mental health in dysautonomia 32:53 Challenges faced by adolescents with dysautonomia 34:09 Parental involvement in misconceptions 34:50 Lack of education among healthcare providers 34:50 Recovery and management of dysautonomia 39:20 Case study discussed 45:59 Resources and support for dysautonomia 50:02 Conclusion and final thoughts   NEXT MONTH: Dr Dan France from Vanderbilt University will be sitting down with Toni to discuss Mental Models and how they shape the way we think and interact with others.

    55 min
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

A peer-to-peer educational podcast about pediatric emergency medicine for the advanced practice provider. Hosted by Toni Dobson, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, ENP-C, RNC-OB, a Nurse Practitioner at Erlanger Children’s Emergency Department and Erlanger’s Obstetric Emergency Department.