Date: September 3rd, 2020

It has been a tough year for all of us with the global pandemic of COVID19. I hope everyone is safe and taking care of themselves both physically and mentally. It is more important than ever during these difficult times to stay socially connected to those we love and care about.

You are all leaders in your own way and can set the tone for your community. Lead by example: wash your hands well, practice physical distancing (not social distancing) and be smart about wearing a mask. More than anything else, try to be kinder to each other as we get through this challenging time.

We have just finished Season#8 of the SGEM with an episode on the diagnostic accuracy of clinical findings, lab tests and imaging studies for COVID19 (SGEM#299). This was an SGEM Hot off the Press episode in partnership with Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM). We track these special shows and this one got close 2.6 million twitter impressions in one week. It is also now in the top 50 papers every published by AEM according to Altmetrics. This represents some excellent knowledge translation (KT) by addressing awareness.

The SGEM continues to grow and has approximately 43,000 subscribers. It has been successful because of people like you who listen every week. I would also like to thank the SGEMHOP Team (Drs. Bond, Heitz and Morgenstern), PaperinaPic producer (Dr. Challen), all the guest skeptics and my best friend Chris Carpenter.

The SGEM continues to try and cut KT window down from over ten years to less than one year. It does this by doing a structured critical review of a recent publication and then shares the information using social media. Our ultimate goal is for patients to get the best care based on the best evidence.

As many of you know, 2020 has been additionally difficult for the Milne family with the unexpected death of my little brother Scottie in February. I’m still processing the grief and appreciate all the love and support everyone has provided.

We all deal with death in our own way and on our own time schedule. Part of my grieving process was to plant an oak tree for Scott this spring. I know it will grow as big and strong as he did.

If you have a sibling, friend, or anyone you care deeply about, I would encourage you to reach out to them today. Let them know how much you love them and appreciate them being part of your life. It may be your last opportunity.

It is also ok not to be ok. You do not need to be a super hero. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. I asked for and received help from many of you and it got me through this very painful time. You know who you are and thank you so much.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you SGEMers for everything you do in providing excellent patient care. As a gift, please accept this PDF book of SGEM Season#6. You will find links to all your favourite episodes, PaperinaPic infographics, and Twitter polls.

Don’t Panic! Dr. Chris Carpenter’s chapter on evidence based medicine, Dr. Justin Morgenstern’s (First10EM) simplified guide to approaching the literature and Dr. Anthony Crocco’s SketchyEBM chapter are all still part of the book.

Please feel free to share SGEM Season#6 book via your social media networks (email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc).