The Learning Curve

Summary: In this episode of TSN5, Dr. Jenna Watts explains how to recognize spinal epidural abscess before neurological damage occurs. Learn why severe or unusual back pain, infection risk factors, elevated inflammatory markers, and a normal neurologic exam can still warrant urgent MRI—and why clinicians should never wait for paralysis to make the diagnosis.

Summary: Pediatric sepsis just got a major rewrite. In this episode, Dr. Irtaza explains why the old SIRS-based model fell short and breaks down the 2024 Phoenix Sepsis Score. Learn how the new definition focuses on life-threatening organ dysfunction across four systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, coagulation, and neurologic. Key takeaways include a Phoenix score of 2 or more indicates pediatric...

Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Irtaza Asar is joined by Dr. Jesse Pines for a conversation about the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in medical education and how these technologies are beginning to reshape the way clinicians learn, teach, and make decisions. Dr. Pines explores the opportunities AI offers for personalized learning, clinical reasoning, know...

Structural bias can shape patient outcomes through barriers such as delayed interpreter access, limited resources, inconsistent protocols, and unequal access to care. In this episode of TSN 5, Dr. Ryan McLoughlin explains how clinicians can recognize these system-level gaps, respond in real time, and use small, intentional actions to create more equitable care.

In this episode of Teach Me Something New in Under 5 Minutes, Dr. Ryan McLoughlin breaks down cognitive bias in emergency medicine — the thinking traps that can lead even smart, experienced clinicians toward diagnostic error. From anchoring and premature closure to availability bias, this episode highlights how bias shows up during real ED decision-making and offers a simple framework to slow down...

Summary: In this TSN5 episode, Dr. Ryan McLoughlin breaks down a practical, real-time approach to recognizing implicit bias in the ED. He walks through how unconscious assumptions can influence clinical reasoning, pain management, diagnosis, and disposition — especially when we’re busy, stressed, and moving fast. Most importantly, he explains how a simple pause, a second diagnosis, and one key que...

Summary: What do you do when the vent is maxed, the pressors are climbing, and your usual resuscitation playbook is no longer enough? In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar sits down with ECMO expert Dr. Hitesh Gidwani to break down one of critical care’s most powerful rescue tools: ECMO. Together, they unpack when to start thinking about ECMO, how to tell the difference between VV...

Summary: In this TSN5 episode, Dr. Kenny Chang breaks down a practical, high-yield approach to recognizing aortic dissection in the ED. He walks through key bedside clues — sudden severe pain, pulse or perfusion deficits, and neurologic red flags — while emphasizing why this diagnosis can masquerade as ACS. Most importantly, he explains why pausing before anticoagulation or cath lab activation can...

Summary: “Just cellulitis” … until the patient crashes. Necrotizing soft tissue infections are rare, deadly, and EASY to miss early. In this episode of TSN5, we break down the red flags that should make you stop and think: Pain out of proportion Rapid progression Crepitus, bullae, skin changes The “sicker than they look” patient Because in nec fasc… time is tissue.

Summary: In the emergency department, most syncope is benign—but the cases you miss can be life-threatening. In this TSN5 episode, Dr. Emily F. shares a simple framework to rapidly identify high-risk patients, grounded in core essentials like the ECG, glucose, and pregnancy test. Instead of relying on complex scoring systems, this practical approach helps clinicians confirm true syncope, recognize...

When the ED gets chaotic, moving faster isn’t the answer—thinking better is. In this TSN5 episode, Dr. Gavin Rogers shows how structured prioritization, early critical actions, and clear communication can turn chaos into control. High-yield strategies to help you stay sharp, protect your cognitive bandwidth, and perform at your best under pressure.

Summary: In this episode of Teach Me Something New in Under 5 Minutes (TSN5), Dr. Ronith Chakraborty discusses the importance of quickly identifying large vessel occlusions (LVOs) in stroke patients using the VAN score. Unlike the NIH Stroke Scale, which is comprehensive but time-consuming, the VAN score is designed for speed and efficiency. It focuses on identifying weakness and cortical signs su...

Summary: In this episode of TSN5, Dr. Irtaza Asar breaks down one of the highest-stakes skills in emergency medicine: managing the pediatric airway. Kids aren’t just small adults—their airways are smaller, more anterior, and far less forgiving. A little swelling can mean big trouble. In this rapid, high-yield segment, you’ll learn why pediatric airways decompensate so quickly and how to stay ahead...

When pediatric arrests happen, chaos follows. The 1-3-5 rule helps bring structure to the first critical minutes: 1️⃣ Lead. Stabilize. Access. Glucose. 3️⃣ Airway. History. Temp. 5️⃣ Search for reversible causes. A simple framework that can make a huge difference when seconds matter. 👶⚡

Summary: In this short segment, Dr. Irtaza Asar reflects on the first year of The Learning Curve and expresses sincere gratitude to the listeners, guests, and supporters who have helped the podcast grow. What began as an idea to highlight practical teaching strategies and clinical insights has evolved into a community of educators and clinicians sharing lessons that make us better teachers, learne...

Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar is joined by Dr. Rick Bukata for a thoughtful discussion on one of the biggest challenges in emergency medicine: staying current in an era of overwhelming medical literature. Together, they explore how emergency physicians can develop structured, sustainable approaches to lifelong learning without burning out. The conversation goes be...

Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Asar sits down with legendary emergency physician Dr. Michael Weinstock to explore the concept of “bounce backs” in emergency medicine — not as failures, but as powerful sources of feedback and growth. The conversation dives into cognitive biases, the critical role of thorough history-taking, and how clinicians can reframe return visits as opport...

Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Kenny Chang discuss the complexities of residency interviews, particularly in the context of the shift from in-person to virtual formats. They explore the challenges applicants face, including imposter syndrome and the pressure to perform, while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection during interviews. Dr. C...

Summary:   In this episode, Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Nicholas Ghionni discuss the challenges of managing cognitive load in high-stakes medical environments. They explore the importance of situational awareness, decision-making strategies, and the role of educators in teaching these skills. The conversation emphasizes the need for structured approaches, such as mental models and checklists, to help...

Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Gavin Rogers discuss the evolution of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) in the context of modern medical technology. They explore the limitations of traditional ACLS protocols and emphasize the importance of integrating ultrasound and echocardiography into resuscitation practices. The conversation highlights the need for a...

Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar sits down with Dr. Scott Weingart to explore the resuscitationist mindset — the cognitive foundation that underpins effective performance in high-stakes emergencies. Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, they examine how clinicians think under pressure, tracing the origins of this mindset and the delicate balance between de...

Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar is joined by Dr. Emily Hirsh to unpack the often-unrecognized hidden workload in academic emergency medicine — the meetings, teaching, research, and responsibilities that continue long after a clinical shift ends. Together, they examine how this invisible labor impacts physician well-being, recovery, and the long-term sustainability o...

Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Eileen Chu focus on the critical importance of risk management education in medical training, particularly for residents in emergency medicine. Dr. Eileen Chu discusses the fragmented nature of current risk management training and emphasizes the need for a structured, proactive curriculum that empowers learners. Key themes inc...

Summary: In this episode, host Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Brett Forehand explores the challenges and strategies for building a sustainable career in emergency medicine. The discussion covers the importance of finding a niche, the role of mentorship, and the need for self-care to combat burnout. Insights are shared on navigating early career challenges, advice for mid-career physicians, and considerat...

Summary:   In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Nathaniel Ladaga delve into the critical yet often overlooked topic of sleep in the medical profession. They explore the biological importance of sleep, the consequences of sleep deprivation on both clinicians and patient safety, and innovative scheduling solutions to mitigate these issues. The conversation emphasizes the ne...