Introduction Test result follow-up can be especially challenging in the Emergency Department (ED) due to its multiplicity of moving parts. ED physicians are under increasing pressure when treating patients due to the challenges of high volumes of patients, pressure for quick discharges in the face of space constraints, and complexities surrounding patient handover. Test result follow-up is a process that is complex and has several steps, each with their own potential for error. …
Is there a role for a single intravenous bolus dose of corticosteroid in reducing pain in Emergency Department patients with radicular back pain?
Clinical vignette A 45-year-old healthy male, presents to the emergency department (ED) with a one-day history of back pain. The pain started while working out at the gym – he lifted a heavy weight above his head and felt a sudden lower back pain (LBP). The patient describes sharp, burning and stabbing pain in the low back that radiates down the posterior and lateral aspect of the left leg to the dorsum of the …
Where is the love? Engaging students in research and critical appraisal
Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of BoringEM research week posts. Dr. Murray is an editor at BoringEM and an expert at teaching medical students about research and the art of critical appraisal. She has been at the helm of designing and implementing a critical appraisal and research curriculum for the undergraduate medical students at Queen’s University. The graduated curriculum spans all four years and sets students up with a strong foundation in both evidence-based medicine …
#TipsforEMexams: Heather Murray’s Exam Tips
Survivor of the 1997 exam (wow… does the exam really go that far back?) There is not much to add to the excellent tips already posted. But here I go with my tips. Incidentally they are the same things that I frequently tell my children! Answer practice questions – over and over again. There is a whole pile of evidence which supports what you already know: highlighting an article or a textbook is …
Counterpoint: Think medical school is for you? Not easy but worth it.
It’s challenging to get into medical school and you are probably working diligently towards your goal.
Good luck – medicine can be an amazing career.