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 question can help interrupt bias before it impacts patient care.

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 and VA ECMO, and how to recognize the patient who may benefit before it is too late. Dr. Gidwani shares practical decision-making frameworks, common pitfalls to avoid, and lessons from over a decade of ECMO experience.

From crashing patients to limb ischemia to the big-picture question of whether ECMO is truly the right bridge, this episode makes a complex topic feel practical, approachable, and clinically relevant.

A must-listen for anyone who takes care of sick patients and wants to better understand what happens when conventional resuscitation isn’t enough.

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 be the decision that saves a life.

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

Because in nec fasc… time is tissue.

Summary:

Instead of relying on complex scoring systems, this practical approach helps clinicians confirm true syncope, recognize red flags using the ABCDE LEFT RIGHT rule, and stratify risk based on history and key findings. The result: faster, clearer decision-making—so you can confidently determine who needs further workup and who can be safely discharged.

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 such as vision, aphasia, and neglect. If a patient shows weakness plus any of these signs, it indicates a potential LVO, prompting immediate action towards thrombectomy. The VAN score is quick, taking less than 30 seconds, and has a high sensitivity, making it a practical tool in emergency settings.

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 of it.

We cover the key anatomical differences—like the larger tongue, higher larynx, and narrow subglottic space—and translate them into practical, bedside strategies. From optimizing positioning with a shoulder roll to recognizing early signs of airway compromise, this episode is packed with pearls to help you avoid common pitfalls and intubate with confidence.

Because in pediatrics, seconds matter—and preparation is everything.

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, learners, and physicians. Reaching listeners across dozens of states and countries has been both humbling and inspiring.

Dr. Asar also introduces a new upcoming series called Teach Me Something New in 5 Minutes (TSN5) — a rapid-fire educational segment where educators share high-yield clinical pearls and teaching insights in five minutes or less. The goal is to provide quick, practical learning while giving educators a platform to showcase their teaching style and expertise.