The Learning Curve

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.

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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.

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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. 👶⚡

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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.

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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 beyond individual study habits and dives into system design — examining how staffing models, shift structures, and operational decisions within the emergency department directly influence clinical performance, cognitive load, and physician well-being. Dr. Bukata highlights the critical role of leadership in shaping environments that support education, efficiency, and resilience.

Key takeaways include the importance of continuous, deliberate learning, the need to proactively address burnout, and the power of thoughtful teamwork and operational design in optimizing patient care and clinician longevity.

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You can explore more of Dr. Weinstock’s work on bounce backs — including resources, teaching tools, and the Bouncebacks! series — at embouncebacks.com

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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. Chang shares effective preparation strategies, the significance of mindset, and how programs can improve their interview processes to be more transparent and fair. The conversation culminates in key takeaways that highlight the importance of fit and the human aspect of the interview experience.

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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 dynamic, physiology-based approach to cardiac arrest management, advocating for advanced techniques such as dual sequence defibrillation and extracorporeal CPR (ECPR). The episode concludes with a call for a shift in mindset among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes in cardiac arrest situations.

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