Podcasts about ICU

Send a textIn this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review the highly anticipated TREOCAPA trial results exploring the prophylactic use of acetaminophen for PDA closure in extremely preterm infants. They break down the study's tailored dosing regimens, safety outcomes like cholestasis, and discuss why achieving a higher rate of early ductal closure didn't necessarily translate to improved survival without severe morbidity. Plus, they share a nod to recent Neo Conference interviews and the realities of conducting clinical research in private practice. Tune in for a nuanced discussion on individualizing PDA management in the NICU!----Prophylactic Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus With Acetaminophen: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Rozé JC, Cambonie G, Flamant C, Patkaï J, Mühlbacher T, Gascoin G, Rideau Batista Novais A, Tauzin M, Le Duc K, Beuchée A, Joye S, Babacheva E, Bouissou A, Ligi I, Tammela O, Plourde M, Dempsey E, Tosello B, Nguyen K, Vincent M, Andresson P, Binder C, Kruse C, Barcos Munoz F, Kuhn P, Proença E, Bartocci M, Kermorvant-Duchemin E, Nellis G, Lumia M, Giapros V, Rigo V, Sankilampi U, Mendes da Graça A, Rønnestad A, Soukka H, Mondì V, Aikio O, Torre-Monmany N, Rüegger C, Baud O, Zeitlin J, Morgan AS, Baruteau AE, Ancel PY, Carbajal R, Bouazza N, Diallo A, Levoyer L, Kemper R, Hallman M, Alberti C, Ursino M; TREOCAPA Study Group.JAMA Pediatr. 2026 Feb 16:e256150. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.6150. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41697673Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Three months after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Joe Oppold had a cerebral aneurysm. Instead of reporting to OBC, or Officer Basic Course, he wound up in the ICU. Just a year later though, he was able to go skiing with some fellow disabled veterans, which he still enjoys doing today as well as other activities. The Move United Warfighters Ambassador wrote a book,” That's a Great Haircut” about his experience.

Send a textThink space is fast? Try outrunning time. We kick off with a clear-eyed breakdown of Project Hail Mary's core science.Using the Parker Solar Probe as our real-world speed limit, we map the math of interstellar distances to compare to the ability for Ryan Gosling to get to Tau Ceti in Project Hail Mary.Then we turn to biology's unforgiving rules. Could a years-long medically induced coma carry a crew through deep space? We explain how coma differs from sleep, why weeks mark a dangerous threshold, and the cascade of complications ICU teams fight daily—muscle wasting, clots, pneumonia, pressure injuries, and dysregulated hormones. We sketch what a future-ready, autonomous critical-care system would actually need to stabilize a human body for years, and why today's medicine isn't there yet.Our pet science segment shifts from galaxies to living rooms, dissecting a viral claim about Sweden “banning” leaving cats home alone. We clarify the Swedish Animal Welfare Act, the twice-daily human check-in guideline for cats, and why cameras don't count. You'll hear how these rules protect animal welfare without criminalizing a normal workday, and why enforcement stories online deserve a healthy fact-check. It's the same habit we apply to sci-fi: verify the source, understand the standard, and do right by the beings who rely on us.If you enjoy smart science, grounded skepticism, and practical takeaways—from relativistic travel to responsible pet care—follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Your notes help more curious minds find us.Support the showFor Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!Being Kind is a Superpower. All our social links are here!

Send a textLive from the NEO Conference in Las Vegas, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Tarek Nakhla to discuss his new book, Saving Babies Behind the Doors of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Moving beyond standard medical textbooks, Dr. Nakhla shares how chronicling nearly 30 years of challenging patient encounters and complex family dynamics can serve as an essential guide for new trainees. The conversation highlights the therapeutic power of narrative medicine for clinicians and the profound impact of non-clinical staff on the family experience. Discover why capturing the human side of neonatology is just as critical as the clinical science.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send a textHow can a database tracking 20% of all US NICU admissions change the way we practice neonatology? Live from the NEO Conference, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Veeral Tolia to discuss his groundbreaking work with the Pediatrix Clinical Data Warehouse. Dr. Tolia dives into the power of leveraging decades of observational data to supplement randomized trials—from analyzing the 50-fold increase in Precedex usage to studying natural experiments like the vitamin A shortage. The group also looks ahead to the Newborn Express dataset, exploring how socioeconomic metrics like the Child Opportunity Index might help us understand the alarming rise in neonatal vitamin K refusals.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Critical illness impacts not only the patient in the bed but also their entire family during and after the ICU. Eli and Cathy Garrison join us to share their young family's course of twists and turns of an amniotic fluid embolism to long-term disability.Check out Cathy's podcast at: Birth Trauma Storieswww.DaytonICUConsulting.com

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! A 24-year Army veteran races 28 hours to his soldier son's bedside and steps into a maze of tests, policies, and a life-or-death decision he never agreed to. Eddie Peoples recounts the night an apnea test was called “inconclusive,” the promised blood-flow study was dropped, and a brain death declaration arrived anyway—followed by a “family advocate” carrying a donor registry printout the family says does not reflect Keone's wishes.We walk through the ICU timeline in detail: early assurances that injuries looked survivable, abrupt scheduling and cancellations of critical exams, and the moment consent became the central battle. Eddie lays out why the family opposes organ donation on religious grounds, how two government IDs showed no donor designation, and why a no-signature, shifting-date registry record raised alarms. Along the way, we unpack how hospitals coordinate with organ procurement organizations, where state rules mandate notification, and why families so often feel the process becomes unstoppable once “donor” appears on a chart.This conversation goes beyond one case to surface the bigger issues: the ethics of brain death determinations under time pressure, the reliability of online donor registries, and the need for clear, verifiable consent. We share practical steps to protect your choices—advance directives, named proxies, consistent updates across DMV, military, and VA systems, and a dated video statement your family can present if records conflict. Whether you support organ donation or question its current safeguards, this story asks for transparency, accountability, and respect for patient autonomy when it matters most.If this moved you, subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your takeaways. Your voice can help more families document their wishes and avoid preventable turmoil.Support the showVisit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTERRead my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.comWatch episodes of my podcast:https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

Mind Movers is back — and what a return. Rhona is fresh from maternity leave (and a rather eventful ICU stay) and she's brought a guest who needs little introduction: cosmetic dentist Neelima Patel, known to fans of Married at First Sight UK as the woman who handled an absolute car crash of a match with extraordinary grace. This episode covers a lot of ground. From Neelima's route into dentistry and Kailash Solanki's famous mentorship programme at Kiss Dental, to the full, unfiltered story of her time on MAFS — the honeymoon that promised everything, the energy shift that followed, the Hinge bombshell, and the trolling she endured throughout. But this isn't just a reality TV debrief. It's a genuinely honest conversation about self-worth, the bruising reality of modern dating, what it means to be a high-achieving woman looking for a partner who matches your pace — and how to come out the other side stronger.In This Episode00:00:25 – Rhona's return & introducing Neelima00:02:05 – Choosing dentistry over medicine00:03:25 – Finding Kiss Dental & Kailash's mentorship programme00:05:10 – What makes Kiss Dental unique00:06:10 – Cosmetic dentistry aesthetics: Manchester vs London00:10:25 – How Neelima ended up on MAFS00:11:40 – Going against everyone's advice00:13:50 – Why she wanted to find love on TV00:16:30 – The wedding day: what you do (and don't) get to choose00:20:05 – First impressions of Stephen00:21:35 – The honeymoon — and the moment things shifted00:25:35 – Internalising doubt: gaslighting in real time00:27:05 – The trolling, and trusting her own intuition00:31:25 – The earnings conversation that changed everything00:38:25 – His true colours: recognising the venom00:44:30 – The Hinge incident00:50:20 – Traumatic, enlightening — or both?00:53:05 – The modern dating landscape & the male loneliness debate00:58:10 – Balancing dentistry with a media career01:01:00 – Mental health pressures in the profession01:04:10 – What she'd do differentlyAbout Neelima PatelNeelima Patel is a cosmetic dentist at Kiss Dental in Manchester, working alongside Kailash Solanki after completing his two-year mentorship programme in 2020. She qualified from the University of Sheffield in 2017 and has since built a reputation for high-end cosmetic work in one of the north's most sought-after practices. In 2024, she appeared on Channel 4's Married at First Sight UK.

Send a textHow will artificial intelligence fundamentally change the way we chart, teach, and monitor patients in the NICU? Live from the NEO Conference, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. James Barry to explore the critical need for "AI literacy" among bedside clinicians. Dr. Barry draws parallels between driver's education and safe AI use, highlighting the hidden dangers of automation complacency with AI scribes. They also discuss the exciting potential of computer vision in respiratory monitoring and how the CONCERN early warning system is quantifying nursing intuition. Join us as we navigate the guardrails of neonatology's technological future.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send a textCan groundbreaking neonatal research thrive outside of academic medicine? Live from the NEO Conference, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Kaashif Ahmad, Vice President of Research at Pediatrix. Dr. Ahmad shatters the myth that community NICUs can't drive clinical science, discussing how everyday documentation in systems like Baby Steps quietly fuels hundreds of publications. He also unveils "The Parent Network," a revolutionary initiative designed to partner with family-led organizations from day one to establish comparative effectiveness trial priorities. Tune in to discover how private practice clinicians are successfully balancing bedside care with robust, meaningful research.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Howie and Harlan are joined by Yale School of Medicine neurologist Kevin Sheth to discuss how collaboration helps drive breakthroughs in brain health, including advances in detecting stroke and other neurological diseases earlier and more precisely. Harlan reflects on lessons from his family's recent experience navigating the healthcare system; Howie examines the expanding marketplace for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and the challenges of ensuring safe and appropriate use. Show notes: The Family Perspective Cleveland Clinic: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention "What's the Difference Between a CCU and an ICU?" Kevin Sheth Alva Health Mayo Clinic: Stroke Video: Kevin Sheth at the Yale Innovation Summit Sandra Saldana, PhD, MBA "Buddy System"  NIH: Multiple Principal Investigators "Assessing the Decade of the Brain" "Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers in Alzheimer disease" Kevin Sheth: "Burden of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke Across the US From 1990 to 2019"  Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic Stroke "What is cognitive reserve?"  Cheaper Obesity Drugs "Will Novo Nordisk's slashing of obesity drug prices save patients' money? It depends"  "Novo Nordisk to halve US list price of Wegovy from 2027"  "Walgreens Virtual Healthcare Adds Weight Management Services to Support Patients on Their Weight Loss Journey"  In the Yale School of Management's MBA for Executives program, you'll get a full MBA education in 22 months while applying new skills to your organization in real time. Yale's Executive Master of Public Health offers a rigorous public health education for working professionals, with the flexibility of evening online classes alongside three on-campus trainings. Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.

Howie and Harlan are joined by Yale School of Medicine neurologist Kevin Sheth to discuss how collaboration helps drive breakthroughs in brain health, including advances in detecting stroke and other neurological diseases earlier and more precisely. Harlan reflects on lessons from his family's recent experience navigating the healthcare system; Howie examines the expanding marketplace for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and the challenges of ensuring safe and appropriate use. Show notes: The Family Perspective Cleveland Clinic: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention "What's the Difference Between a CCU and an ICU?" Kevin Sheth Alva Health Mayo Clinic: Stroke Video: Kevin Sheth at the Yale Innovation Summit Sandra Saldana, PhD, MBA "Buddy System"  NIH: Multiple Principal Investigators "Assessing the Decade of the Brain" "Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers in Alzheimer disease" Kevin Sheth: "Burden of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke Across the US From 1990 to 2019"  Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic Stroke "What is cognitive reserve?"  Cheaper Obesity Drugs "Will Novo Nordisk's slashing of obesity drug prices save patients' money? It depends"  "Novo Nordisk to halve US list price of Wegovy from 2027"  "Walgreens Virtual Healthcare Adds Weight Management Services to Support Patients on Their Weight Loss Journey"  In the Yale School of Management's MBA for Executives program, you'll get a full MBA education in 22 months while applying new skills to your organization in real time. Yale's Executive Master of Public Health offers a rigorous public health education for working professionals, with the flexibility of evening online classes alongside three on-campus trainings. Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.

🧭 REBEL Rundown 🔑Key Points Try the coffee nap! Where you combine caffeine and a 30-minute nap to then have that boost energy and alertness by the time it kicks in.💤 Sleep isn’t optional—it’s crucial for memory, mood regulation, and physical recovery. It is fundamentally different from rest❌ Replacing sleep with caffeine isn’t effective and can have negative health impacts. Make getting enough sleep a priority🌞 Sunlight exposure is important for maintaining circadian rhythms and sleep quality. This applies even if you work as a nocturnist💡 Creating a personalized sleep system enhances quality and consistency. It gives you back control of a schedule that you may feel like is out of your hands.🧩 If you’ve tried these strategies and you’re still struggling, consider true sleep pathology (insomnia, shift work disorder, sleep apnea) and get help—this is not a “be tougher” problem.🩺 Better sleep isn’t just about feeling good; it’s directly tied to error reduction, patient safety, and longevity in EM/ICU careers. Click here for Direct Download of the Podcast. 👀Previously Covered and Related Content: REBEL Core Cast: Sleep HygieneREBEL MIND: Rest Is Not Sleep: The Seven Dimensions of True RecoveryRebellion in EM: Care For Yourself – Sleep HygieneFirst10EM: Some Evidence For Working Night ShiftsREBEL MIND: Dunning Kruger Effect 📝 Introduction Welcome to this episode of REBEL MIND, where MIND stands for Mastering Internal Negativity during Difficulty. Here we sharpen the person behind the practitioner by focusing on things that improve our performance, optimizing team dynamics and the human behavior that embodies the hidden curriculum of medicine. Today we are exploring the imperative topic of rest and why it’s not just about sleeping. The second of a two part series, hosted by Dr. Mark Ramzy with guests Dr. Maureen Aiad and Dr. Amil Badoolah, continue our discussion but this time on the multifaceted nature of sleep, how it serves as medicine and how we can use our tools deliberately to get more of it! Cognitive Question How would your clinical performance, patience with families, and long-term career sustainability change if you treated sleep as a non-negotiable clinical intervention rather than a flexible “nice-to-have”? 💤How is Sleep Different From Rest? 1. Rest reduces load; sleep repairs systemsWe previously talked about the 7 types of rest and you can check that out hereExamples of physical rest include: pausing tasks, stepping away from the monitor, taking a walk, stretching, breathing, journaling, connecting with a colleague. This lightens your cognitive/emotional burden.Sleep is fundamentally different in that it’s an active biologic process that helps:Consolidates memory and learning (yes, including the tough cases from last night).Regulates mood, impulse control, and emotional reactivity.Supports immunity, metabolic health, and cardiovascular function.Repairs tissue, replenishes neurotransmitters, and fine-tunes neural networks.You can have “rested but underslept” days (you took breaks but got 4 hours in bed), and “slept but unrested” days (you got hours, but all junk sleep). Both matter, but they are not interchangeable.2. Sleep architecture vs. “knocking out”True restorative sleep cycles through NREM and REM in predictable patterns.Alcohol, late caffeine, and fragmented nights may help you fall asleep faster but:Suppress REM.Shorten deep sleep.Increase awakenings and light sleep.The result: you technically slept, but your brain didn’t get the “software updates” it needed.Biology isn’t built for your scheduleCircadian rhythms were designed for light-day / dark-night cycles, not:10 pm–7 am ED shifts.24-hour calls.6 nights in a row followed by days.Your body can adapt partially, but not instantly and not perfectly. That’s why:You can feel “jet-lagged” even when you haven’t traveled.Sleep before and after nights feels odd and fragile.Recognizing that “this is biologically unnatural” is key: you’re not weak; you’re fighting physiology. 🏥How This Applies to the Emergency Department or ICU? Performance & safetySleep deprivation:Slows reaction time and increases error rate.Impairs risk assessment and complex decision-making.Drops your frustration tolerance with consultants, families, and staff.In both emergency medicine and critical care, that translates into:Anchoring on the wrong diagnosis.Missing subtle clinical changes.Snapping at a tech, nurse or resident and damaging team culture. Chronic health for chronic shift workLong-term sleep disruption is associated with:Hypertension, diabetes, obesity.Depression, anxiety, burnout.Arrhythmias (e.g., AFib) and increased stroke risk.Possibly increased all-cause mortality.You’re already in a high-stress, high-exposure specialty. Chronically poor sleep amplifies that risk profile and can end a career early—or make you miserable while you’re still in it.Culture of “heroics” vs. healthSkipping sleep to pick up extra shifts, late meetings, or “just one more note” is often praised.We rarely celebrate:The attending who says “no” to a 2 pm meeting post-nights.The resident who defends their blackout-curtains-and-earplugs routine. 🛏️Different Ways to Improve Your Sleep Clarify your “sleep non-negotiables”Decide how many hours you realistically need to function (e.g., 7–9 on off days, realistic blocks on nights).Treat those hours as you would a procedure time—blocked, protected, and respected.Use caffeine like a drug, not a reflexAim for ≤ 2 cups equivalent on most days.Avoid caffeine within 4–6 hours of your planned sleep time (remember: it can hang around up to 12 hours).Consider scheduling caffeine for:Early in the shift for alertness.Strategic “coffee naps” (see below), not late-night chugging.Respect alcohol’s impact on sleepRecognize that even small to moderate doses degrade sleep architecture.Avoid using alcohol as a “sleep aid”—you’ll fall asleep faster but sleep worse.If you do drink, separate it from bedtime and keep it modest.Optimize food and fluid timingHydrate consistently on shift, but taper fluids ~4 hours before bed to reduce nocturnal bathroom trips.Avoid heavy, spicy, or large meals within 2–3 hours of sleep to decrease reflux and discomfort.Plan a light, balanced “pre-sleep” snack if going to bed hungry keeps you awake.Move your body (but not right before bed)Regular exercise improves sleep depth and latency.Try to avoid intense workouts within 2 hours of bedtime.On shift: micro-movement (stairs, brisk walks between pods, quick stretch sessions) can help alertness without wrecking sleep later.Control light exposureMaximize sunlight or bright light after waking (even if that’s 3–4 pm after a night).Minimize bright light and screens before sleep:Dim lights.Use night mode/blue-light filters if you must scroll.For daytime sleep:Use blackout curtains, tinfoil, cardboard, or sleep masks.Yes seriously use tinfoil if you have to, we talk about it on the podcast episode!Aim for “I might be blind” darkness—so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face.Dial in your sleep environmentCool room temperature (fan or AC if possible).White noise or sound machine to mask household/traffic noise.Earplugs and eye masks as needed.Bed used primarily for sleep (and sex)—not for charting, doom scrolling, or email.Strategic power napsKeep naps ≤ 20–30 minutes to avoid sleep inertia.Prefer early-afternoon or pre-night-shift naps.Coffee nap strategy:Drink a small coffee.Immediately lie down for a 20–30 min nap.Wake up as the caffeine kicks in, combining nap benefit + stimulant.Thoughtful melatonin useRemember melatonin is a hormone, not a vitamin gummy.Lower doses often work as well as (or better than) large OTC doses.Use it intentionally and intermittently, not as a crutch every night.Over-reliance may reduce your own natural production and its effectiveness over time.Build pre-sleep ritualsRepeated, calming habits signal your body it’s time to downshift:Warm shower, gentle stretching, or yoga.Guided breathing or body scan.Brief journaling or “brain dump” of tasks to get them out of your head and onto paper.Protect from pathologic patternsIf despite consistent effort you:Snore heavily, stop breathing, or gasp in sleep.Feel excessively sleepy driving home or at work.Cannot fall asleep or stay asleep for weeks to months.Consider evaluation for sleep apnea, insomnia, or shift-work sleep disorder with your physician or sleep specialist. ⏩Immediate Action Steps for Before/During/After Your Next Shift 1. **Before the Shift**: Plan a 20–90 minute nap before your first night shift (many clinicians find 3–5 hours earlier in the day is ideal).I treat ED and ICU shifts very differently. I always sleep 3-5 hours before my night shifts aiming for the full 5 (sometimes 6 or more) hours for my ED shifts because you always have to be “on”. Depending on the ICU I’m working in, I may have a bit more downtime so 3 to 5 hours is plenty.Set a caffeine plan: decide in advance when your last dose will be (e.g., none after 2–3 am if sleeping at 8–9 am).Tell your household, “This is my sleep block” and agree on a plan for kids, pets, deliveries, etc.On my calendar, I completely block off time called “Pre-call sleep” so no meetings can be scheduled and then put my phone in airplane mode2. **During the Shift** Hydrate early; taper fluids in the last 3–4 hours of your shift Eat something light but adequate; avoid “last-minute” heavy meals right before sign-out.Build in micro-breaks and movement: one or two short walks, a few stretches, even a quick stair run if safe.Get outside or near a window for a few minutes of light exposure if possible.3. **After the Shift**On the way home:Use sunglasses to reduce bright morning light if you’re aiming for sleep soon.Avoid “just checking” email or messages; shift into wind-down mode.At home:Do a brief, calming decompression (shower, light snack, 10–15 minutes of low-stimulation TV or reading).Make your room cold, quiet, and dark (blackout curtains, tinfoil/cardboard, white noise, fan).Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and physically place it away from the bed.On my calendar, I completely block off time called “Post-call sleep” so again no meetings can be scheduled and then I personally don’t just put my phone on Do Not Disturb but rather in airplane mode and WIFI OFF If you can’t sleep after ~20–30 minutes:Get out of bed, do something calming in dim light (breathing, gentle stretching, journaling).Return to bed when sleepy—this trains your brain to associate bed with sleep, not frustration. Conclusion Rest and sleep are both critical—but they’re not interchangeable. Rest helps you step out of the constant “on” of our jobs, while sleep is the biological intervention that restores your ability to show up safely and sustainably. Rest ≠ sleep. Rest reduces load; sleep repairs your brain and body. You need both, on purpose.As EM and ICU clinicians, we’re trying to perform formula-one-level medicine with engines that often only see half their maintenance. You won’t fix shift work. You can build a sleep system that respects your biology, your schedule, and your life at home.That system starts with valuing sleep, then prioritizing it, personalizing it, trusting the process when it’s imperfect, and actively protecting both your routine and your mindset. 🚨 Clinical Bottom Line Sleep is medicine. Shift work is biologically unnatural. Struggling does not mean you’re weak; it means you’re human fighting physiology. Use your tools deliberately. Caffeine, naps, light, food, movement, melatonin, and environment can be leveraged—or can quietly sabotage you. Build and defend a personalized sleep routine. Communicate it, normalize it, and protect it from casual encroachment. You can’t control every trauma, code, or admission—but you can control how seriously you take your own recovery. Your patients, your team, and your future self all benefit when you do. Further Reading Espie CA. The ‘5 principles’ of good sleep health. J Sleep Res. 2022 Jun; PMID: 34676592Solodar, J“Sleep hygiene: Simple practices for better rest.” Harvard Health, 31 January 2025 Link is HereSuni, E.“Mastering Sleep Hygiene: Your Path to Quality Sleep.” Sleep Foundation, 7 July 2025, Link is Here Meet the Authors Mark Ramzy, DO Co-Editor-in-Chief Cardiothoracic Intensivist and EM Attending RWJBH / Rutgers Health, Newark, NJ Maureen Aiad, DO Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York Amil Badoolah, DO Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York REBEL Core Cast 119.0 – Sleep Hygiene REBEL Core Cast 119.0 – Sleep Hygiene Click here for Direct Download of ... Read More The post REBEL MIND – How to Sleep When the World Says You Can't appeared first on REBEL EM - Emergency Medicine Blog.

Send a textHow does individualized medicine shape both patient trust and neonatal careers? Live from the NEO Conference, Ben and Daphna catch up with Dr. Zubin Shah, Clinical Ambassador for Pediatrix. The team explores the power of tailoring bedside conversations to individual babies—whether discussing targeted hemodynamics or framing RSV prevention with nirsevimab—rather than relying solely on generalized trial data. Dr. Shah also sheds light on the evolving landscape of neonatal recruitment, emphasizing how peer mentorship and direct networking can help new physicians find practices that balance rigorous clinical care with research and quality improvement.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send a textWhen parents fundamentally disagree on life-saving interventions in the delivery room, how do clinical teams decide the next step? Live from the NEO Conference, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Mark Mercurio, Executive Director of the new Center for Pediatric Bioethics at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Mercurio dissects a highly complex ethical case regarding parental disagreement over resuscitation at the border of viability. Emphasizing the distinction between parental "preference" and parental "judgment," he explores the necessity of clinical humility, the hidden margins of error in gestational age dating, and how admitting our own medical uncertainty is the first step toward honest family counseling.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send a textDr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is a returning guest on our show! Be sure to check out his first appearances on episode 471 and 585 of Boundless Body Radio!Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is an ICU physician, health advocate, and wellness influencer dedicated to transforming lives. With a deep understanding of critical care medicine and a passion for prevention, he helps individuals like you take charge of your health through education and community. His holistic approach empowers you to live healthier and more fulfilling lives—and ensures he meets you thriving, not in the ICU.Dr. Kwadwo is here to guide you toward the health transformation you deserve. By addressing the core aspects of your well-being, he equips you with practical strategies to create lasting change. With every article, podcast, and resource he shares, Dr. Kwadwo's focus remains on helping you prevent health setbacks, avoid the ICU, and live a life rooted in wellness.He is the author of two books, including Unapologetic Leadership: Finding The Moral Courage To Do The Right Thing, and his latest book Prevention Over Prescription: Take Control of Your Health through Nutrition, Movement and Community.He is also the host of the amazing Prevention over Prescription Podcast, AKA the KWADCAST!!Find Dr. Kwadwo at-https://drkwadwo.ca/TW- @kwadcastIG- @kwadcastFind Boundless Body at- myboundlessbody.com Book a session with us here!

Dr. Kelly Pruden shares her innovative "Build Your Dream Unit – Nurse Recruitment Challenge," where students design an innovative clinical unit and then compete to recruit peers to work there. In this activity, small groups design a specialty unit (eg, ICU, Labor & Delivery, Medical-Surgical) incorporating evidence-based principles of healthy work environments, nurse well-being, and recruitment strategies. Dr. Pruden believes nursing students deserve to practice leadership long before they inherit it on the job.

There is enormous heterogeneity in clinical outcomes and severity of septic shock, with some patients needing only supportive care in the ICU and others progressing to multiorgan system failure and death. How can clinicians identify patients at higher risk of death? In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Marilyn Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, is joined by John A. Kellum, MD, FCCM, to discuss high endotoxin activity as a possible endotype for septic shock. Dr. Kellum's article, “Organ Failure, Endotoxin Activity, and Mortality in Septic Shock,” was published in the September 2025 compendium of Critical Care Explorations. Dr. Kellum is a professor and director of the Center for Critical Care Nephrology, as well as vice chair for the Department of Critical Care Medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The study used a novel biomarker called the endotoxin activity assay (EAA) to detect endotoxin in the blood. While the EAA is not good at identifying patients who are at risk for sepsis, Dr. Kellum said that, when combined with organ failure, it identifies patients at high risk for endotoxic septic shock. In the study, these patients had a mortality rate of 60%. Neither the EAA nor the anti-endotoxin therapy is readily available. And, although endotoxic septic shock is rare, occurring in only a quarter of patients with septic shock, Dr. Kellum hopes that, through precision medicine, segmenting this population into treatable subgroups may allow better diagnostics and opportunities to develop or repurpose therapies in the future. This episode is sponsored by Prenosis. Resources referenced in this episode: Organ Failure, Endotoxin Activity, and Mortality in Septic Shock (Molinari  L, et al. Crit Care Explor. 2025;7:e1308) Derivation, Validation, and Potential Treatment Implications of Novel Clinical Phenotypes for Sepsis (Seymour CW, et al. JAMA. 2019;321:2003-2017) Safety and Efficacy of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion (PMX) for Endotoxemic Septic Shock in a Randomized, Open-Label Study (TIGRIS) (ClinicalTrials.gov. ID NCT03901807. Last update posted January 9, 2026)

The latest DNS Podcast episode features Anisha Chhibber, MS, RDN, CNSC, FAND, and highlights what it takes to bring indirect calorimetry from concept to clinical practice.In this episode, Christina Rollins speaks with Anisha about her mini-grant journey, implementing indirect calorimetry at her institution, developing policies and procedures, coordinating vendor and interdisciplinary training, and collaborating with respiratory therapy to educate staff. They also explore how bedside implementation can evolve into abstract submission, ongoing skill development, and future research—particularly in the surgical ICU population.This conversation showcases how dietitians lead meaningful, sustainable change through education, collaboration, and practice-based innovation.

Welcome to Classic Skeptic Metaphysicians! We're re-releasing some of our back catalog so that these gems can be re-discovered!This week: Should We Fear Death? An Honest Conversation with Hospice Nurse Julie McFaddenDeath. It's the one certainty we all share...and the one topic most of us avoid like the plague. For years, Will openly admits his biggest fear was dying. Not just the process… but the terrifying possibility of nothingness afterward. And even after years of exploring consciousness, spirituality, and Near-Death Experiences on this show, that old panic still sneaks in from time to time. So this week, we go straight to the source. We sit down with Hospice Nurse Julie McFadden, a former ICU nurse turned hospice advocate who has witnessed hundreds of deaths, and calls the experience not tragic… but beautiful. Yes. Beautiful. Julie pulls back the curtain on what really happens as the body shuts down, what families often misunderstand about the dying process, and why so many people report seeing deceased loved ones in the final weeks of life. We cover:What actually happens to the body in the final months, weeks, and hoursWhy dying does not automatically mean sufferingThe science behind decreased appetite, increased sleep, and metabolic shiftsWhat “visioning” is, and why it happens to so many peopleWhether atheists experience end-of-life visions tooThe truth behind the “6 ounces of the soul” mythWhat it feels like to be in the room when someone takes their final breathWhy education about death reduces fearAnd the ultimate question: Is there life after death?Julie speaks candidly about the mysterious, metaphysical phenomena she's witnessed, and the sacred stillness that seems to fill a room when someone transitions. This conversation may not give you absolute certainty about what lies beyond… But it may radically change how you think about the journey getting there. If you've ever feared the process of dying… If you've ever sat beside a loved one and wondered if they were suffering… Or if you're simply curious about what really happens when we take our last breath… This episode might bring you more peace than you expect.Why This Episode Matters We spend so much time preparing for life. Almost none preparing for death. And yet, according to someone who sees it daily, the body knows exactly what to do. The real fear may not be death itself…But our misunderstanding of it. Listen in. You may walk away feeling lighter.The Skeptic Metaphysicians is a spiritual awakening podcast for open-minded thinkers who refuse to check their critical thinking at the door. Each episode explores consciousness expansion, enlightenment, soul purpose, and soul growth through honest, grounded conversation with leading voices in metaphysics, psychic phenomenon, quantum healing, and beyond. We dive deep into spiritual awakening, ascension, alignment, and the awakening process without the dogma. From mediumship and spirit guides to Arcturian contact, astrology, and the subconscious mind, we explore it all with curiosity, humor, and zero guru worship. Whether you're in the middle of your own awakening, questioning reality, or just spiritually curious, this is the podcast for seekers and skeptics alike.Subscribe, Rate & Review!If you found this episode enlightening, mind-expanding, or even just thought-provoking (see what we did there?), please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us bring more transformative guests and topics your way!Connect with Us: 

Send a textJoin Ben and Daphna live from the NEO Conference as they welcome the 2026 Legends in Neonatology Award recipient, Dr. Waldemar "Wally" Carlo. In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Carlo discusses the driving forces behind his enduring passion for clinical care and the critical need for robust bedside research. They explore how full-time clinicians can actively shape the research agenda by turning everyday diagnostic uncertainties into innovative trials. Dr. Carlo also offers a preview of his highly anticipated lecture on neonatal oxygen targets, revealing why it remains one of the most rigorously studied—yet complex—areas in modern medicine.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send a textDoes our fear of necrotizing enterocolitis do more harm than good? In this live episode from the Neo conference, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Ariel Salas to challenge the "culture of fear" surrounding neonatal nutrition. Dr. Salas argues that while we obsess over ill-defined NEC risks, we may be sacrificing the proven benefits of early feeding on sepsis reduction. From the emotional weight of "wasted" breast milk to the "illusion of control" provided by strict protocols, this conversation urges neonatologists to move toward a family-centered, evidence-based approach that prioritizes human milk over clinical hesitation.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

The organ donation stories are inspiring and hopeful, but Anita Slominska says they leave out one very important part of the story. When Anita's sister was in her 20s, she was on a waitlist for a liver transplant and eventually ended up in the ICU, being kept alive by a ventilator in the hopes that a donor would be found. But, that didn't happen. Anita Slominska is now a postdoctoral researcher at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. We talk to her about her new book, about her sister's story, Other Endings: Organ Transplantation and the Burdens of Hope.

Send a textWhat happens when a movement-first profession steps into a simulation lab built for physiology and decision-making under pressure? We sit down with Denise Romano, an assistant professor leading physical therapy simulation at Binghamton University, to unpack how PT learners can safely practice high-stakes mobility long before they enter acute care. From AFib in the ICU to COPD patients whose vitals shift during transfers, Denise maps out realistic scenarios that force students to balance safety, lines and tubes, and evolving clinical data while communicating clearly as a team.We walk through a full landscape of PT-focused simulations: early infection control adapted from nursing with Glow Germ, mobility checkoffs in hospital-like spaces, ventilator cases requiring careful progression, and standardized patient interviews for differential diagnosis. Denise explains why PT relies heavily on SPs for authentic movement, where mannequins still shine for physiologic fidelity, and how thoughtful debriefs convert messy moments into durable clinical judgment. Her use of entrustability scales tied to EPAs gives faculty a shared framework to chart each learner's path from novice to entry-ready clinician, with formative feedback that guides safer practice.The conversation also tackles the big barrier: unlike nursing, PT lacks the large-scale evidence to replace a portion of clinical hours with simulation. Denise makes a compelling case for a multi-site study to unlock that recognition, particularly as acute care placements tighten and risk tolerance narrows. She also shares a favorite classroom memory that turned a tangled SCD mistake into a lifelong safety cue, highlighting why simulated missteps are often the most memorable teachers. If you care about physical therapy education, clinical placements, competency assessment, or the future of healthcare simulation, you'll leave with concrete ideas and renewed urgency to give PT a stronger seat at the table.Subscribe for more conversations on simulation, clinical education, and the skills that move patient care forward. Share your thoughts, leave a review, and tell us which PT competencies you think simulation should tackle next.Innovative SimSolutions.Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, two experts present from the Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos conference on why children—especially Hispanic and Latino youth—are being left behind in pediatric cancer care. Adam De Smith, PhD, University of Southern California, reviews genetic and ancestral contributors to increased acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) risk in Latino populations, highlighting IKZF1 and polygenic risk patterns, ancient origins of risk alleles, and ongoing efforts to expand genomic studies across Latin America. Jenny Ruiz, MD, University of Pittsburgh,  examines how language access and communication gaps affect pediatric cancer experiences and outcomes, presenting qualitative interviews and quantitative analyses showing higher acuity and ICU needs for Spanish-preferred patients, and calling for better interpreter services and multifaceted interventions.

Bryce Savoy lost his father unexpectedly on New Year's Day. Ten months later, he became a father himself.In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore grief, masculinity, faith, and transformation. Bryce shares what it was like walking into the ICU, watching his father's health decline suddenly, and starting a new year in shock.Months later, he and his partner received devastating news at their 20-week ultrasound — including a rare one-in-a-million condition affecting their unborn son.We discuss:Losing a parent unexpectedlyGrieving as a manBlack men and emotional suppressionFaith during crisisBecoming a father after lossFacing fear and the illusion of controlGrowing through griefThis is a conversation about death, resilience, and stepping into adulthood through pain.Check out Bryce Savoy on IG: ⁠@brycesavoy510⁠Check out his music and here: ⁠Bryce Savoy⁠Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new ⁠Grief Journey App⁠⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠Support the Show Join the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: ⁠Shop Here⁠ ⁠“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club”⁠ – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts⁠10% off Neurogum⁠ – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio approaches death differently. Each guest shares raw stories of grief, loss, or unique perspectives that challenge the “don't talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end—it evolves. After losing his father on September 11th at just 12 years old, David discovered the power of conversation. Through laughter, tears, and honest dialogue, DEAD Talks helps make it a little easier to talk about death, mourning, trauma, and the life that continues beyond it.Connect with DEAD Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

Send a textLive from the Neo Conference in Las Vegas, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Zach Anderson from Winnie Palmer Hospital to demystify the integration of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in the NICU. Moving beyond the intimidation of complex cardiac scans, Zach explains why starting with "pinch points" like vascular access or bladder volume can revolutionize bedside decision-making. From the SAFER protocol to managing the agitated infant on ECMO, this episode explores how POCUS serves as a powerful problem-solving tool that bridges the gap between clinical mystery and immediate intervention.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send a textIn this live episode from the Neo Conference in Las Vegas, we welcome back Dr. Souvik Mitra to unpack the evolving landscape of PDA management in extremely preterm infants. We dive into the recent AAP guidelines recommending against early medical treatment and explore potential unintended consequences, including rising transcatheter closure rates and delayed intervention. Dr. Mitra shares his institution's approach using the SMART-PDA criteria, highlighting the importance of treatment timing and proper patient selection. Join us for a nuanced discussion balancing large pragmatic trial data with bedside clinical judgment for our most vulnerable babies.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Send a textIn this live episode from the Neo Conference in Las Vegas, we welcome back Dr. Souvik Mitra to unpack the evolving landscape of PDA management in extremely preterm infants. We dive into the recent AAP guidelines recommending against early medical treatment and explore potential unintended consequences, including rising transcatheter closure rates and delayed intervention. Dr. Mitra shares his institution's approach using the SMART-PDA criteria, highlighting the importance of treatment timing and proper patient selection. Join us for a nuanced discussion balancing large pragmatic trial data with bedside clinical judgment for our most vulnerable babies.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

In this episode, Rosie Moss speaks with Natalie Dodds.Natalie is a mum of two who lost her partner, Dave, following a workplace crane collapse. She speaks with clear eyed honesty about parenting through shock, bureaucracy and the long tail of grief, while still finding ways to keep Dave's humour and presence alive at the family dinner table.We begin with life before. How Natalie and Dave met, built a home and became parents. Alongside that joy came an earlier rupture, the stillbirth of their daughter, Emily Daisy, at just over 38 weeks. Natalie shares the visceral reality of delivering on a main ward while hearing other babies cry, and the complex coexistence of grief and love that followed. In time, she volunteered with SANDS and welcomed two more children, carrying both loss and hope.At the heart of this conversation is the day of the accident. The unexpected paramedic call. The 126 mile drive. The 7pm news report confirming a crane collapse in Crewe. The moment “alive” became the only word that mattered.What followed was five weeks of ICU limbo. Sedation, ventilation, internal bleeding and sepsis. Dark humour. Small kindnesses from staff. Impossible choices about protecting children from trauma. Then the call no one survives hearing. There is absolutely nothing we can do. The kindest thing is to switch the machines off and let him die.Natalie speaks about what comes after the headline moment. The secondary losses that keep arriving. Mortgage threats. Next of kin complications. Institutions insisting on speaking to the person who has died. An 8.5 year wait for an inquest. The exhaustion of fighting systems that do not bend.She shares how she chose not to take her children into ICU, how she refused false promises, and how she found the words to tell them their dad was not coming home, while still getting them up for school the next morning.Eight and a half years later, the inquest brought answers about training failures and a wrong method statement, followed by the additional blow of hearing “not guilty.” Natalie reflects on the strange mixture of validation and devastation that comes with official findings that change nothing.This is a conversation about compounded grief. About loving someone who has died without freezing them in sainthood. About keeping Dave the man present through stories, laughter and everyday references. About maintaining a close bond with his family. About integrating a new partner into a home where Dave is still spoken about with love.It is also about resilience that does not look shiny. About coping strategies that sound small but keep you upright. Work routines. Blood pressure bingo. Cherries to stay awake on the motorway.Above all, it is about a woman doing the unthinkable and still showing up for her children.A powerful, unfiltered episode about loss, responsibility, anger, love and the long road towards something that resembles stability.

In this powerful continuation of the Slight Shift Show, Angela shares her harrowing yet inspiring recovery from multiple strokes at age 29. Moving from the isolation of the ICU to the grueling physical work of regaining her strength, Angela illustrates how she reclaimed her life through sheer determination and a radical positive mindset. This episode explores how simple shifts in perspective can transform traumatic obstacles into meaningful growth, offering listeners a blueprint for navigating their own "less-than-ideal" circumstances. Key Takeaways & Advice Practice Active Reframing: Use the "Yeah, But" technique. When a negative thought or event occurs, immediately follow it with "Yeah, but..." to find a hidden benefit or positive alternative. Choose Your Memories: You have the power to decide which parts of a tragedy to hold onto. Angela chose to focus on the bonding moments with her father and the kindness of strangers rather than the pain of recovery. The "When" vs. "If" Mindset: Shift your internal dialogue from "if" you will recover or succeed to "when" you will. This subtle linguistic shift builds resilience. Avoid Stress as a Biological Essential: Recognize that anger and stress are physically detrimental. Intentionally staying positive is not just "wishful thinking"—it's a vital tool for physical healing. Utilize a "Circle of Confidence": Identify a past moment where you felt powerful and use it as a reference point to prove to yourself that you can overcome current challenges.  

Send a textWhat are we actually compressing during neonatal CPR? This week on The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna dive into a provocative echocardiography study out of Edmonton showing that standard chest compressions in newborns likely target the right heart and great vessels — not the left ventricle. A small sample size, but a finding that anyone who ultrasounds hearts all day will instantly recognize.Daphna presents a retrospective multicenter study from Nationwide Children's on antibiotic duration for Gram-negative bloodstream infections in the NICU. Short course (≤8 days) showed no treatment failures — while 14% of infants in the long duration group developed a multi-drug resistant organism infection. Eight days versus ten: does the difference matter? The data says yes.Ben reviews a randomized controlled trial from UAB on early vitamin D supplementation in extremely preterm infants fed human milk. Eight hundred units daily for the first two weeks appears safe and effective at achieving vitamin D sufficiency — but did it move the needle on BPD? And is that even the right question to ask?Daphna brings a QI paper from Levine Children's on universal social determinants of health screening across nine pediatric divisions, achieving 92% compliance and connecting thousands of families to resources through findhelp.org. A reminder that the tools are already there — we just have to use them.The episode wraps with Ben, Daphna, and Eli discussing Colorado's landmark paid NICU leave law — the first in the nation to require employers to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for parents with a baby in the NICU. What does the evidence say, and how do we advocate for this in our own states?Science, equity, and advocacy — all in one episode.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

CardioNerds (Dr. Jenna Skowronski [Heart Failure Council Chair], Dr. Shazli Khan, and Dr. Josh Longinow) are joined by renowned leaders in the field of AHFTC (Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology) and mechanical circulatory support, Dr. Jeff Teuteberg and Dr. Mani Daneshmand to continue the discussion of advanced heart failure therapies by taking a deep dive into the world of durable LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Devices). In this episode, we will review the history of ventricular assist devices, the basics of LVAD function, selection criteria for LVAD therapy, and surgical nuances of LVAD implantation. Audio Editing by CardioNerds intern, Joshua Khorsandi. Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. CardioNerds Heart Success Series PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls There have been significant advances in the field of MCS/LVAD therapy since the first implanted LVAD in the 1960s, to the first FDA approved device in the early 2000's, to now the HM3 LVAD, with the most important change being a centrifugal flow/magnetically levitated design that led to minimized hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAE's) (MOMENTUM 3 trial comparing HM2 and HM3).  The REMATCH trial in 2001 was a pivotal trial for LVAD therapy, demonstrating that in a population of patients with advanced HF (70% IV inotrope dependent), LVAD therapy significantly improved survival at both 1 and 2 years as compared to medical therapy alone.    MOMENTUM 3 trial was a landmark trial for the HM3 device, showing that in a population of end stage HF patients (86% inotrope dependent, 32% INTERMACS 1-2, and 60% DT strategy), 5-year survival with HM3 was 58% and HM3 had lower HRAE's compared with HM2.  There are both patient-specific factors and surgical considerations when it comes to candidacy for LVAD therapy.  RV function prior to LVAD is a key determinant for success post-LVAD  Many patients being considered for LVAD may not have robust RV function, however, predicting RV failure after LVAD is exceedingly difficult.   In general, it doesn’t matter how bad the RV may look on imaging; we care more about the pre-LVAD hemodynamics (look at the PAPi and RA/wedge ratio).   What happens in the OR may be the most important determinant of how the RV will do with the LVAD!  Notes Notes drafted by Dr. Josh Longinow.  1. Historical background of heart pumps and LVADs  LVAD Evolution   FDA approval year  2001  2008  2012  2017  Pump  HeartMate XVE   HeartMate II  Heartware HVAD  HeartMate III  Flow/Design Features  Pulsatile Technology   Continuous flow Axial design  Continuous flow  Centrifugal design  Continuous flow   Full MagLev + Centrifugal design  The 1960's ushered in the first ‘LVADs', when the first air-powered ‘LVAD' was implanted. It kept the patient alive for four days before the patient expired.   The first generation of LVADs were pulsatile pumps   The first nationally recognized, FDA approved LVAD was the HeartMate XVE (late 1990s to early 2000s, REMATCH trial). The XVE pump used compressed air (pneumatically driven) to power the pump.   Prior to the XVE, OHT was the standard of care for patients with advanced, end-stage heart failure.   The second and third generations of LVADs were non-pulsatile, continuous flow devices and included the HVAD, HM2, and HM3 devices.   MOMENTUM 3 was a landmark trial for the HM3 device, showing that in a population of sick patients with end stage HF (86% inotrope dependent, 32% INTERMACS 1-2, and 60% DT strategy), 5-year survival with HM3 was 58% and HM3 had lower HRAE's compared with HM2.   The only pump that is currently FDA approved for implant is the HM3, although other pumps are in clinical trials (BrioVAD system, INNOVATE Trial).  2. What are LVADs, and how do they work?   In simplest terms, the LVAD is a heart pump comprised of several key mechanistic components:   Inflow cannula  Mechanical pump   Outflow cannula  Driveline  Controller/Power source  The HM3 differs from its predecessors (HM2 and HVAD) in several key ways;   HM3 is placed intrapericardial whereas the HM2 was placed pre-peritoneal.   Perhaps most importantly, the HM3 is a fully magnetically levitated, centrifugal flow pump, whereas the HM2 is an axial flow device.  Axial flow pumps are not magnetically levitated, leading to more friction produced between the ruby bearing's contact with the pump rotors, and higher rates of hemocompatibility related adverse events (HRAEs, i.e. pump thrombosis) and the HM2 was ultimately discontinued in favor of the HM3 (MOMENTUM 3 trial).  3. What do the terms ‘Destination Therapy' (DT) or ‘Bridge to Transplant' (BTT) mean when it comes to LVADs?   When LVADs first came on the stage, EVERYONE was a BTT; these early pumps weren't designed for long term use (I.e. REMATCH Trial, Heartmate XVE)  Destination therapy means the LVAD was placed in leu of transplant because there are contraindications to transplant   REMATCH trial brought about the concept of “Destination therapy”, comparing outcomes in patients (with contraindications for transplant) who received an LVAD vs optimal medical therapy  Bridge to transplant means we are placing the LVAD in a patient who may not be a transplant candidate at this moment in time (is too sick, or conversely, not sick enough), but may be down the line   Bridge to recovery is another term used when the LVAD is being placed for a patient we think may have a recoverable cardiomyopathy  4. What are some factors we should consider when assessing a patient’s candidacy for LVAD, in general, and from a surgical perspective?   Patient factors   Older age might push us towards thinking LVAD rather than transplant  In general, age > 70 is the cutoff for transplant, but this is not a hard cut off and varies institution to institution    In general, think about things that help predict recovery after a major surgery; Frailty and Nutritional status are important, we try to optimize these prior to LVAD implant   Right ventricular function remains the Achilles heel of LV support  We know that needing temporary RV support post LVAD puts you on a different survival curve than patients who don’t need RVAD support  Studies have not been able to successfully predict who will develop RV failure after LVAD implantation  What happens in the time between when the patient goes to the OR and when they get back to the ICU is an important determinant who might develop RV failure post LVAD   Surgical techniques such as implanting the HM3 in the intra-thoracic cavity, rather than intra-pericardial may help maintain LV/RV geometry to help optimize the RV post LVAD   Surgical considerations for LVAD candidacy  Small, hypertrophied LV: HM3 inflow cannula is small, but small hypertrophied ventricles tend towards chamber collapse during systole causing suction, needing to run slower with lower flow rates  Chest size/diameter: pumps have gotten so small now, that for adults, these have become less of a consideration  BMI: low BMI used to be more of a concern with the older pumps due to where they were placed, and the relative size of the pump itself, not so much now with the smaller HM 3 pumps  Calcified LV apex: would increase risk of stroke, bleeding   Driveline tunneling becomes a concern in the super obese population, higher risk for driveline infections (might tunnel these driveline's shorter, and to a less fatty region of the abdomen, could even tunnel out the thoracic cavity in the super obese to limit skin motion)    5. Is there a role for MCS (i.e. temporary LVAD such as Impella) in pre-habilitation of patients prior to LVAD surgery?   The theory of being able to improve systemic perfusion, decongest the organs, and make the patient feel better prior to surgery makes sense, but becomes problematic due to the lack of a hard end point/time for prehabilitation which might risk delays in surgery   More likely that it can lead to delay in the surgery, with less-than-optimal benefit; you don't want to prolong the wait for surgery and increase the risk for complications prior to surgery    An Impella 5.5 is currently FDA approved for 2 weeks of support, not 2 months so timing is important to keep in mind  It’s unlikely that you will take a patient and convert them from a malnourished, cachectic person in 2 weeks’ time   6. Is there a role for LVAD therapy in the younger patient population? Should we be thinking of LVAD up front for these patients, with the goal of transplanting down the line?   Recovery may be more likely in certain populations, particularly younger females with smaller LV's; in those populations, perhaps bridge to recovery should be the focus, optimizing them on GDMT etc.   The replacement of transplant, with MCS (LVAD) in young patients has become a topic of discussion, because these pumps have become better and better, with the thinking that an LVAD could bridge a patient for 10 years or so, and they could get a transplant later   It is still a big unknown, but several concerns exist  Patients who get LVADs might end up with complications that become contraindication to transplant down the line (stroke, sensitization etc)   Patients and providers are more hesitant because of the more recent iteration for the UNOS criteria for OHT listing which no longer gives patients with an uncomplicated LVAD higher priority, and therefore they could end up waiting a longer time for a heart after undergoing LVAD  References Rose EA, Gelijns AC, Moskowitz AJ, et al. Long-term use of a left ventricular assist device for end-stage heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2001;345(20):1435-1443. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa012175  Mehra MR, Uriel N, Naka Y, et al. A Fully Magnetically Levitated Left Ventricular Assist Device – Final Report. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(17):1618-1627. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1900486  Mancini D, Colombo PC. Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Rapidly Evolving Alternative to Transplant. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015;65(23):2542-2555. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2015.04.039  Mehra MR, Goldstein DJ, Cleveland JC, et al. Five-Year Outcomes in Patients With Fully Magnetically Levitated vs Axial-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices in the MOMENTUM 3 Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2022;328(12):1233-1242. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.16197  Rose EA, Moskowitz AJ, Packer M, et al. The REMATCH trial: rationale, design, and end points. Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure. Ann Thorac Surg. 1999;67(3):723-730. doi:10.1016/s0003-4975(99)00042-9  Kittleson MM, Shah P, Lala A, et al. INTERMACS profiles and outcomes of ambulatory advanced heart failure patients: A report from the REVIVAL Registry. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2020;39(1):16-26. doi:10.1016/j.healun.2019.08.017  Mehra MR, Netuka I, Uriel N, et al. Aspirin and Hemocompatibility Events With a Left Ventricular Assist Device in Advanced Heart Failure: The ARIES-HM3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023;330(22):2171-2181. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.23204  Mehra MR, Nayak A, Morris AA, et al. Prediction of Survival After Implantation of a Fully Magnetically Levitated Left Ventricular Assist Device. JACC Heart Fail. 2022;10(12):948-959. doi:10.1016/j.jchf.2022.08.002  Bhardwaj A, Salas de Armas IA, Bergeron A, et al. Prehabilitation Maximizing Functional Mobility in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock Supported on Axillary Impella. ASAIO J. 2024;70(8):661-666. doi:10.1097/MAT.0000000000002170 

Vicki and Wilma Schroeder discuss a new CTRI workshop, De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations for Health Care Workers. They review de-escalation as primarily verbal intervention aimed at calming escalation before it becomes physical, and note violence in health care has increased dramatically since the pandemic. Wilma outlines challenges specific to health care, including patients arriving with already elevated stress baselines (especially in emergency rooms), family distress, system and environmental “enablers”, and cognitive impairment factors such as dementia, ICU psychosis, or substance effects. For more resources in the areas of trauma, mental health, counselling skills, and violence prevention visit ctrinstitute.com

Send a textBen and Daphna conclude Journal Club with a quality improvement study from Pediatrics titled "Improving Health-Related Social Needs Screening and Support Across a Pediatric Health Care System". The hosts discuss the successful implementation of universal social determinants of health (SDOH) screening across nine pediatric divisions at Levine Children's. They highlight the impressive results—screening compliance reaching 92%—and the practical impact of connecting families to resources like FindHelp.org, which led to a 56% resolution rate in food insecurity for positive screens. Daphna makes a personal commitment to improve resource accessibility in her own unit.----Improving Health-Related Social Needs Screening and Support Across a Pediatric Health Care System. Laroia R, Minor W, Carr A, Buitrago Mogollon T, White BB, Mabus S, Stilwell L, Ahmed A, Mehta S, Obita T, Reed S, Senturias Y, Mittal S, Horstmann S, Demmer L, Dantuluri K, Chadha A, Noonan L, Courtlandt C.Pediatrics. 2026 Feb 5:e2024070035. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-070035. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41638605Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Media and fans have been piling on Luka lately, saying he's “tough to watch” because of his complaining to refs, it disrupts the game, etc. and Kap agrees. Sedano brings up a story ESPN's Dave McMenamin just posted about Deandre Ayton being the key to unlocking the Lakers' success. Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Jairo Marin and ICU nurse Emma Blake from Providence St. Joseph Hospital stop by and talk about saving Christopher Arthur Morales' life one year ago! Producer Lindsey asks the guys about Suns owner Mat Ishbia offering to put up $2 million out of his own pocket as prize money for next year's 3-point and dunk contests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ICU is a high-stress environment that can strain the most functional team. Learn how the Neurocritical Care Unit at Johns Hopkins undertook a comprehensive culture transformation to repair team dynamics, why culture change is difficult and risky, and how … Ep 22: A Risk Worth Taking: The Hard Work and Reward of Culture Change| Johns Hopkins Medicine Office of Well-Being Read More »

    In this episode of War Docs, we speak with retired Army Colonel Dr. Robert Mabry, a figure whose career trajectory from an 18 Delta Special Forces medic to a senior physician-leader has shaped the face of modern military medicine. Dr. Mabry recounts his harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, where he provided care for 15 hours under intense fire. He reflects on how those "blood-written" lessons exposed the flaws of applying civilian EMS standards to the battlefield, eventually leading to his involvement as a founding member of the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). The conversation moves from the tactical to the systemic, as Dr.Mabry discusses his pivotal role in upgrading Army flight medics to critical care paramedics and his advocacy for the "Mission Zero Act," which integrates military surgical teams into civilian trauma centers to maintain clinical readiness during the interwar period.     Dr. Mabry also addresses the looming challenges of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). He warns that the "Golden Hour" luxury enjoyed in Iraq and Afghanistan will likely vanish in future peer-on-peer conflicts due to the lack of air superiority and the threat of mass casualties from advanced weaponry. To prepare, he proposes a radical overhaul of the medical career pathway, advocating for a "Battlefield Medical Specialist" track that allows medics to advance into high-level operational roles without losing their tactical expertise. By embedding military teams into a nationalized mesh network of civilian hospitals, Mabry envisions a "Team America" approach that ensures the military is never again forced to relearn life-saving lessons at the start of a new conflict. This episode is a masterclass in operational medicine, leadership, and the persistent need for innovation within the military health system bureaucracy.   Chapters (00:00-01:30) Introduction to Retired Colonel Dr. Robert Mabry (01:30-05:37) From Small-Town Oklahoma to Army Ranger (05:37-10:51) The Path to Special Forces Medic and 18 Delta Training (10:51-18:54) 15 Hours Under Fire: The Battle of Mogadishu (18:54-25:03) Transitioning from NCO to Physician at USUHS (25:03-31:15) Founding TCCC and the Joint Trauma System (31:15-39:54) Revolutionizing Flight Medic Training and Evidence-Based Reform (39:54-48:00) Prolonged Field Care and the Reality of Future Conflict (LSCO) (48:00-56:17) Mission Zero and Embedding Military Teams in Civilian Centers (56:17-1:03:40) Designing the Future Battlefield Medical Specialist Career Track (1:03:40-1:05:42) Legacy and Closing Remarks   Chapter Summaries (00:00-01:30) Introduction to Retired Colonel Dr. Robert Mabry Host Dr. Doug Soderdahl introduces Dr. Robert Mabry, highlighting his journey from the Battle of Mogadishu to his role as a founding member of the Committee on TCCC. The introduction sets the stage for a discussion on overhauling military medical training and preparing for future high-casualty conflicts. (01:30-05:37) From Small-Town Oklahoma to Army Ranger Dr. Mabry shares his early motivations for enlisting, citing a family tradition of military service and a desire to escape his small town. He explains how a recruiter's pitch led him to the Army over the Marine Corps, eventually landing him in the newly formed 3rd Ranger Battalion. (05:37-10:51) The Path to Special Forces Medic and 18 Delta Training Inspired by a mentor, Mabry pursued the rigorous Special Forces Medic (18 Delta) pathway, known for its high attrition rate and intense training. He discusses the 1.5-year pipeline and how his early marriage provided the stability needed to succeed in the academically and physically demanding course. (10:51-18:54) 15 Hours Under Fire: The Battle of Mogadishu Mabry provides a first-hand account of the "Black Hawk Down" mission, detailing the chaos of the crash site and the makeshift bunker he used to treat casualties overnight. He reflects on the realization that contemporary medical protocols, like C-spine immobilization under fire, were dangerously ill-suited for combat. (18:54-25:03) Transitioning from NCO to Physician at USUHS Inspired by clinical encounters as a medic, Mabry discusses the arduous process of completing medical school prerequisites while on active duty, including retaking organic chemistry after returning from Somalia. He details his experience at USUHS, balancing family life with the challenges of the basic science curriculum. (25:03-31:15) Founding TCCC and the Joint Trauma System Mabry explains the "grassroots" origins of the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and the later development of the Joint Trauma System (JTS). He critiques the military's initial lack of a data-driven trauma system and the years it took to improve survivability during the Global War on Terror. (31:15-39:54) Revolutionizing Flight Medic Training and Evidence-Based Reform Mabry recounts the struggle to convince the Army to upgrade flight medics from EMT-Basics to Critical Care Paramedics. He highlights a landmark study that proved a 15% improvement in survival for the most critically injured patients when treated by higher-trained providers. (39:54-48:00) Prolonged Field Care and the Reality of Future Conflict (LSCO) Drawing from experiences on the Afghan-Pakistan border, Mabry demystifies prolonged field care as essential nursing care. He warns that future conflicts (LSCO) will lack air superiority, requiring medics to manage mass casualties at the point of injury for days rather than hours. (48:00-56:17) Mission Zero and Embedding Military Teams in Civilian Centers Mabry advocates for a nationalized "Team America" strategy to embed military surgical teams in busy civilian level-one trauma centers. He discusses his work on the Mission Zero Act to ensure military providers maintain their trauma skills during periods of peace. (56:17-1:03:40) Designing the Future Battlefield Medical Specialist Career Track Mabry proposes a new career pathway for operational medicine that allows experienced medics to transition into specialized Physician Assistant roles. This track would keep tactical expertise in the field and provide a long-term career for those dedicated to battlefield care. (1:03:40-1:05:42) Legacy and Closing Remarks In the final segment, Mabry reflects on his legacy, hoping his work inspires future medical leaders to have the courage to innovate. The episode concludes with a tribute to his contributions to saving lives on and off the battlefield.   Take Home Messages Combat Medicine Requires Tactical Adaptation: Medical protocols designed for civilian settings, such as C-spine immobilization or the avoidance of tourniquets, are often counterproductive in high-threat environments. True innovation in combat casualty care comes from acknowledging that the tactical situation dictates the medical intervention, a realization that led to the birth of TCCC. Data Drives Survival in Trauma Systems: The military health system cannot rely on luck or anecdotal evidence to improve clinical outcomes. Establishing a robust trauma registry and a continuous quality improvement process, as seen with the Joint Trauma System, is essential to bending the survival curve and preventing the repetition of past mistakes. Advanced Training is Non-Negotiable for Flight Medics: Moving from an "evacuation only" mindset to a "critical care in the air" model significantly improves survival rates for the most severely injured. Investing in high-level paramedic and nursing certification for flight crews ensures that the aircraft serves as a mobile ICU rather than just a transport vehicle. Preparing for Large-Scale Combat Requires Triage Mastery: In future peer-on-peer conflicts where medical evacuation may be delayed for days, military providers must be trained to manage expecting casualties and perform complex triage. This requires a shift in focus toward prolonged field care and the psychological readiness to make difficult resource-allocation decisions. Civilian-Military Integration is Essential for Readiness: To maintain the surgical skills necessary for war, military teams must be permanently embedded in high-volume civilian trauma centers. A nationalized strategy like the Mission Zero Act ensures that the nation's medical assets are integrated and ready to handle a sudden surge of casualties in a "Team America" approach.   Episode Keywords Military Medicine, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, TCCC, Battle of Mogadishu, Black Hawk Down, Army Rangers, Special Forces Medic, 18 Delta, Joint Trauma System, Flight Medic, Critical Care Paramedic, Mission Zero Act, Large Scale Combat Operations, LSCO, Prolonged Field Care, Combat Surgeon, USUHS, Medical Readiness, Trauma Surgery, Battlefield Medicine, Veteran Stories, Army Medical Department, AMEDD, Medevac, Operational Medicine   Hashtags #MilitaryMedicine, #WarDocs, #TCCC, #CombatMedic, #TraumaCare, #SpecialOperations, #VeteranLeadership, #BattlefieldMedicine   Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation. Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast        

This week's guest, Abby Horton, opens up about her journey as a Child Life Specialist working across ICU, burn, surgical, rehab, and inpatient settings—and how those experiences shaped the way she supports families navigating physical differences. From sudden trauma and accidents to limb differences, burn injuries, surgical scars, and hair loss from chemotherapy, Abby shares how parents can gently empower their children to own their story with confidence. She and Katie discuss simple, age-appropriate scripts that help children respond to questions about their bodies. Abby explains why modeling these conversations early matters, how to give kids space to answer for themselves, and why curiosity from peers is often just that—curiosity, not cruelty. If you've ever wondered how to help your child respond to stares, questions, or comments about a physical difference, this conversation offers practical tools and deep reassurance. Abby's biggest message? You're probably doing better than you think—and it's not about having perfect words, but about helping your child feel loved and supported. Today's Episode is sponsored by Moog Medical. Moog Medical is a trusted leader in infusion and enteral feeding technology, designing reliable, easy-to-use pumps that support safe, precise care for patients with complex medical needs—at home and in healthcare settings. Resources & Ways to Connect: Website: Little Lighthouses Child Life Services Instagram: @littlelighthouseschildlife Abby offers virtual support for families navigating physical differences, medical transitions, and post-hospital adjustment. Connect & Support from Child Life On Call: Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Follow us on Instagram for updates and opportunities to connect with other parents Download SupportSpot: receive Child Life tools at your fingertips. Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources! Medical information provided is not a substitute for professional advice—please consult your care team.   Keywords: physical differences in children, limb difference support, burn survivor child, surgical scars in kids, hair loss from chemotherapy, child life specialist, five cent story, five dollar story, resilience in children, bullying vs curiosity, parenting medically complex child, body confidence in kids, hospital to home transition, psychosocial support for families, sibling advocacy, Little Lighthouses Child Life

Send a textBen and Daphna review a randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Pediatrics by Dr. Ariel Salas and colleagues at UAB. The study investigates whether early high-dose vitamin D supplementation (800 IU/day starting day 1) in extremely preterm infants reduces the incidence of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) compared to standard care (starting day 14). The hosts discuss the physiologic rationale linking vitamin D to lung development, the use of impulse oscillometry to measure lung mechanics, and the secondary findings regarding metabolic bone disease. They explore why the "physiologic rationale" doesn't always translate to clinical significance.----Early Vitamin D Supplementation in Infants Born Extremely Preterm and Fed Human Milk: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Salas AA, Argent T, Jeffcoat S, Tucker M, Ashraf AP, Travers CP.J Pediatr. 2025 Dec;287:114754. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114754. Epub 2025 Jul 24.PMID: 40714046 Clinical Trial.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

In this episode, we unpack new pediatric research from the Vizient® Clinical Data Base (CDB) with Sg2 Associate Principal Rhae Ana Gamber and Vizient's Research, Analytics and Insights team—Lead Hannah Murphy, PhD, and Associate Principal Alyssa Harris. From rising ICU utilization and RSV surges to firearm injury, diabetes and mental health, the team explores how clinical complexity and community vulnerability are reshaping pediatric care. By layering in the patent pending Vizient Vulnerability Index™, they reveal how social risk factors influence where and how children access care—and with what outcomes. Tune in for data-driven insights that help health system leaders translate pediatric trends into strategic action.   Vizient Vulnerability Index™ Patent Pending. Copyright Vizient Inc. 2022. All rights reserved.   We are always excited to get ideas and feedback from our listeners. You can reach us at sg2perspectives@sg2.com, or visit the Sg2 company page on LinkedIn.

Cheri Carandanis, an abstract painter and former Air Force critical care nurse, shared her journey from pre-med studies to nursing, driven by her desire to balance career and family. She transitioned to the military, specializing in ICU and CCAT teams, and served in Afghanistan post-9/11. After separating from the military, she pursued hospice nursing and earned a master's degree in nursing. In 2019, she suffered two brain injuries, leading to cognitive and vestibular issues, forcing her to retire her nursing license. Through functional neurology and alternative therapies, she recovered significantly, emphasizing the importance of creativity and mindfulness in healing. For the transcript and full story go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/cheri-carandanis  Highlights from today's episode include:  When I paint, I don't have a brain injury." – Abstract art and flow state became a powerful part of her neurological and emotional healing after two brain injuries. "If you've seen one healing, you've seen one healing." – Every healing journey is unique, and creativity, intuition, and somatic work can open paths that conventional medicine alone often can't. "Nothing's really broken; it's just not communicating how it should." – The body often needs a reset, not a label, and approaches like Bowen and other body-centered work help "reboot" the nervous system so healing can happen.   ABOUT CHERI CARANDANIS: Cheri Carandanis is an abstract painter, mixed media artist, and former Air Force Critical Care nurse who knows a thing or two about surviving what she never saw coming. After a traumatic brain injury ended her 25-year nursing career, she turned to art…not as a hobby, but as a lifeline. Now based in Portland, Oregon, Cheri creates raw, emotionally layered work that invites connection and contemplation. Her paintings don't try to explain everything—instead, they hold space for what's been broken, unraveled, and rebuilt. Through texture, color, and bold mark-making, she explores themes of healing, resilience, and the beauty that often shows up after the fall. Her story is one of reinvention, grit, and choosing creativity when everything else falls away. Core purpose/passion: My core purpose is to create space for truth, the kind that lives in the body, not just the story. I'm passionate about art as a place where people can slow down, feel what they've been avoiding, and come back to themselves without being fixed or explained. I care about honest healing, not performative healing, and about beauty that holds weight, not escape. My work invites presence, courage, and staying with what's real. Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube |  ABOUT MANON BOLLIGER, RBHT, FCAH: As a retired Naturopath 1992-2021, I saw an average of 150 patients per week and have helped people ranging from rural farmers in Nova Scotia to stressed out CEOs in Toronto to tri-athletes here in Vancouver. My resolve to educate, empower and engage people to take charge of their own health is evident in my best-selling books:  'What Patients Don't Say if Doctors Don't Ask: The Mindful Patient-Doctor Relationship' and 'A Healer in Every Household: Simple Solutions for Stress'. and What if Your Body is Smarter than You Think?  I am the Founder & CEO of The Bowen College Inc. which teaches BowenFirst™ Therapy and holds transformational workshops to achieve these goals. So, when I share with you that LISTENing to Your body is a game changer in the healing process, I am speaking from expertise and direct experience". Mission: A Healer in Every Household! For more great information to go to her weekly blog:  http://bowencollege.com/blog.  For tips on health & healing go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/tips Follow: Manon Bolliger website  | Linktr.ee | Rumble | Gettr  | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn | Follow: Bowen College Inc. | Facebook | Instagram  | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter | Rumble | Locals ABOUT THE HEALERS CAFE: Manon's show is the #1 show for medical practitioners and holistic healers to have heart to heart conversations about their day to day lives. Subscribe and review on your favourite platform: iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Libsyn | iHeartRadio | Gaana | The Healers Cafe | Radio.com | Medioq | Audacy | Follow The Healers Café on FB: https://www.facebook.com/thehealerscafe   Remember to subscribe if you like our videos. Click the bell if you want to be one of the first people notified of a new release.   * De-Registered, revoked & retired naturopathic physician after 30 years of practice in healthcare. Now resourceful & resolved to share with you all the tools to take care of your health & vitality!

Jenny Opalinski has spent more than a decade inside hospitals where people lose the ability to speak, breathe, swallow, and sometimes survive. A medical speech language pathologist by training, she worked in ICU, neuro rehab, and long term acute care settings, including a Level 1 trauma center, where she watched clinicians absorb 10 to 15 traumatic events in a single shift and then get told to move the crash cart faster next time.That lived reality pushed her to co found The Wellness Shift, an advocacy and education platform focused on healthcare worker burnout, suicide, and assault. In this conversation, Opalinski walks through the moment that changed everything for her: standing in a hospital hallway listening to a family wail after a failed code, followed by a debrief that addressed logistics and ignored grief entirely.She also explains how that work led to Humanity Rx, her podcast about the human cost of medicine, and Dragon's Breath: Calming Tricks for Big Feelings, a children's book that translates evidence based breathing and regulation strategies into language kids can actually use. The episode covers moral injury, time scarcity, false wellness, respiratory muscle training, and why empathy keeps getting treated as an optional expense instead of clinical infrastructure.RELATED LINKSJenny Opalinski on LinkedInThe Wellness ShiftHumanity RxDragon's Breath: Calming Tricks for Big FeelingsAspire Respiratory ProductsFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship email podcasts@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send a textIn this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a retrospective cohort study from Pediatrics examining antibiotic duration for uncomplicated Gram-negative bloodstream infections in the NICU. The study, a collaboration between Nationwide Children's Hospital and UT Health San Antonio, compares outcomes between short course (≤8 days) and long course (≥9 days) therapy. The hosts discuss the startling finding that while recurrence rates were similar, the long-duration group had a 14% rate of developing multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections within 90 days, compared to 0% in the short-duration group.----Duration of Antibiotic Therapy for Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Djordjevich CJ, Magers J, Cantey JB, Prusakov P, Sánchez PJ.J Pediatr. 2026 Jan 17:114993. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2026.114993. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41554433 Free article.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

In this episode of Nurse Converse, Jana Price welcomes palliative care nurse practitioner Courtnee Stagner, the viral nurse who makes millions laugh online while doing some of the most sacred work in healthcare. Beneath the humor is a clinician guiding families through life's hardest decisions. Courtnee shares her unexpected path from ICU to hospice, unpacks the truth about morphine at the end of life, and tackles the cultural, spiritual, and ethical tensions nurses face around death. With candor and compassion, she reminds us that palliative care isn't about giving up. It's about living well until the very end and advocating fiercely for what matters most.>>Millions Laugh at Her Videos—But Her Real Work Happens at the BedsideJump Ahead to Listen: [00:01:07] Introducing Courtnee and her story[00:01:32] Courtnee's role as a palliative care NP[00:02:13] From critical care ICU to hospice and palliative[00:04:27] Seeing patients as people, not numbers[00:06:03] Patient story: going home to see his dog[00:08:32] How to become a palliative care nurse/NP[00:10:02] Shortage of palliative specialists and services[00:13:49] Talking about morphine at end of life[00:17:34] Helping families cope with grief and “fighting”[00:20:30] Why advanced directives and early talks matter[00:23:59] Honoring cultural and religious needs after death[00:26:51] Using personal faith in end-of-life care[00:31:19] Advice for burnt-out nurses and setting boundariesConnect with Jana on LinkedIn and social media: Instagram: @gentlyusedrnConnect with Courtnee on social media: Instagram: @CourtneeStagnerTikTok: @CourtneeStagner12For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcastJoin our newsletter at nurse.org/joinInstagram: @nurse_orgTikTok: @nurse.orgFacebook: @nurse.orgYouTube: Nurse.org

Send a textIn this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a thought-provoking study from the Archives of Disease in Childhood titled "Chest Compression in Newborn Infants: What Anatomical Structures Are We Compressing?". The hosts explore the anatomical findings suggesting that current neonatal CPR guidelines—recommending compressions over the lower third of the sternum—may actually be targeting the right ventricle and great veins rather than the left ventricle. They discuss the implications for the "cardiac pump" vs. "thoracic pump" theories and what this means for the future of resuscitation guidelines.----Chest compression in newborn infants: what anatomical structures are we compressing? Chua CT, O'Reilly M, Surak A, Schmölzer GM.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2026 Jan 16:fetalneonatal-2025-329582. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-329582. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41545184Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Cartel Chaos in Mexico, Deep Freeze in NYC & Is Trump Losing His Base? Mexico is erupting after reports that cartel leader “El Mencho” is dead. Cities like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are facing violence, blockades, and fear. Why has the Mexican government struggled for years to defeat the cartels — and what happens now? Meanwhile, the Northeast is locked in a brutal freeze. New York City is sheltering in place as extreme cold grips the East Coast. Is this just winter… or another warning about infrastructure and preparedness? Plus — after traveling, spending time in the ICU with family, and watching the political climate shift, some hard lessons are emerging. Is Donald Trump losing parts of his own base? If so, what does that mean heading into the next election cycle? Cartels. Climate. Power. Loyalty. This episode connects the dots. The Karel Show streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST. Watch and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel Independent commentary from Las Vegas, four days a week. #ElMencho, #CartelViolence, #MexicoNews, #PuertoVallarta, #Guadalajara, #DrugCartels, #BreakingNews, #MexicoCrisis, #NYCWeather, #EastCoastFreeze, #WinterStorm, #ExtremeCold, #NewYorkCity, #WeatherAlert, #USPolitics, #Trump2026, #PoliticalAnalysis, #ElectionNews, #CurrentEvents, #Geopolitics, #BorderIssues, #USMexico, #ClimateDebate, #IndependentMedia, #TheKarelShow, #LasVegasBroadcaster, #NewsCommentary, #DemocracyWatch, #GlobalNews, #ICULessons https://youtube.com/live/bqTO5QxfO64

MOPs & MOEs is powered by TrainHeroic, the best coaching app on the planet. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to get 14 days FREE and a consult with the coaches at TrainHeroic to help you get your coaching business rolling on TrainHeroic. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MOPs & MOEs delivers our training through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TrainHeroic and you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠get your first 7 days of training with us FREE by clicking here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To continue the conversation, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join our Discord!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We have experts standing by to answer your questions.In this episode we're returning to one of the "squishiest" topics in military human performance: how to incorporate spirituality into the rest of the human performance domains. Fittingly, we have the chaplain who teamed up with Alex's team, so this is a continuation of many (off air) conversations over the last few years.Chaplain, Captain Conner J. Simms is an Chaplain assigned to the 412 Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base, CA. He provides spiritual care and ensures the delivery of chaplain support to Airmen, Guardians, and DoD employees across two local area installations. As part of the wing staff at the 412 Test Wing, Chaplain Simms is tasked with advising command regarding the spiritual readiness, morale, ethics, and quality-of-life issues of all Air & Space Forces personnel and authorized DoD personnel.A native of Florida, Chaplain Simms currently resides in Edwards, CA, with his wife and young daughter.  He was commissioned as a Chaplain in April of 2018 and is endorsed by the International Council of Community Churches. Prior to his military service, Chaplain Simms spent over a decade in both local parish ministry and as an ICU/ER chaplain at a level one trauma medical center.He has served as a Traditional Reservist, IMA Reservists, & and now on Active Duty. His time in the ICU at an urban level one trauma hospital as well as two of his deployments (Kuwait – Operation Freedom's Sentinel, JBMDL – Operations Allies Welcome/Refuge) occured during the COVID pandemic. He also served as Lead Chaplain on a joint reserve mission in the Appalachian Mountains providing no-cost healthcare to the community.He is a three time graduate of Joint Special Operations University Chaplaincy programs, and is also a graduate of the Air Force Leader Development Course at Maxwell AFB, a course typically reserved for incoming squadron commanders and senior enlisted leaders. He has provided support to service members across six of the seven geographic combatant commands.One of our primary topics in this episode was the quantification of spirituality through the CHAMP-SOCOM Spiritual Fitness Scale, found here. You can also find a discussion of how to apply it here.

Send a textDr. Sheri Fink, Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent for The New York Times and author of Five Days at Memorial, joins us for a compelling discussion on the ethics of survival. Dr. Fink, an MD-PhD, discusses her recent article "Noah is Still Here," which chronicles one family's journey with Trisomy 18—a condition once universally deemed incompatible with life. She and Eli explore the shifting paradigms of care, the tension between medical prognosis and parental hope, and the "two truths" clinicians must hold when counseling families in the grey zone. A must-listen for anyone navigating complex bioethics in the NICU. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

A mini-review published in Frontiers in Neurology suggests that acupuncture may assist ICU patients in recovering more quickly by relieving pain, lowering sedative use, shortening ventilator dependency, enhancing strength, and increasing days free from delirium Acupuncture may help calm inflammation, boost immunity, and improve blood flow in sepsis patients, offering supportive benefits alongside standard ICU treatment It's not just for managing one symptom: Acupuncture could act as a whole-body support tool in the ICU, easing pain, stress, and sleep issues while reducing drug side effects and helping the body recover Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a needle-free method using fingertip tapping on acupuncture points that offers a gentler alternative for patients wary of traditional acupuncture Other nondrug therapies such as massage, music therapy, and mindfulness contribute to ICU recovery by alleviating anxiety, decreasing pain, and enhancing sleep quality