Shows
The Learning CurveEpisode 24 - The Bounceback Effect: What Returns Can Teach Us About Smarter Emergency Care featuring Dr. Michael WeinstockSummary:
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 opportunities to improve clinical reasoning and patient care. Dr. Weinstock also discusses the importance of fostering psychologically safe learning environments and introduces the practical “Three Rs” framework for approaching bounce backs. The episode concludes with actionable insights clinicians can use to...
2026-02-1343 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 23 - Inside the Interview: Navigating Residency Interviews and Overcoming the Hidden Hurdles with Dr. Kenny ChangSummary:
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...
2026-01-3038 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 22 - Cognitive Load in Critical Care: Thinking Clearly When the Room Is Loud featuring Dr. Nicholas GhionniSummary:
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 clinicians navigate chaotic situations effectively. The episode concludes with key takeaways for clinicians to enhance their performance under pressure.
Takeaways:
Cognitive load is often overlooked in medical training.
Creating time and space is essential for effective decision-making.
Structured mental models and checklists can help ma...
2026-01-1645 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 21 - ACLS in the 21st Century: Rethinking Resuscitation in the Age of Ultrasound and eCPR featuring Dr. Gavin RogersSummary:
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...
2026-01-0241 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 20 - Building the Mindset Before the Skillset: Developing the Inner Architecture of a Resuscitationist featuring Dr. Scott WeingartSummary:
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 decisive action and deliberate reflection. The conversation highlights the role of cognitive humility, decision architecture in crisis situations, and the importance of intentional reflection after critical events. Together, they share practical strategies for teaching these principles to residents and developing cl...
2025-12-1240 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 19 - Beyond the Shift: Uncovering the Hidden Workload of Academic Emergency Physicians featuring Dr. Emily HirshSummary:
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 of academic careers. Dr. Hirsh shares findings from her study quantifying extra-clinical duties and highlights the need for institutional acknowledgment, support, and structural reform to protect educators and their longevity in the field.
Takeaways:
Emergency physicians spe...
2025-11-2828 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 18 - Error-Proofing the Next Generation: Risk Management for Residents featuring Dr. Eileen ChuSummary:
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 include normalizing systems thinking, teaching common pitfalls, and tailoring education for different levels of learners. The conversation also highlights implementation strategies for a comprehensive risk management elective, aiming to enhance patient safety and reduce medical errors.
2025-11-1427 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 17 - Longevity in the Trenches: Building a Sustainable EM Career featuring Dr. Brett ForehandSummary:
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 considerations for those nearing retirement. The episode emphasizes the significance of reflection and planning for long-term success in the field.
Takeaways:
Finding your niche is crucial for career satisfaction.
Learning from mentors can h...
2025-10-3136 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 16 - Dead Tired: The Hidden Costs of Sleepless Medicine featuring Dr. Nathaniel LadagaSummary:
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 need for personal accountability in prioritizing sleep and offers practical strategies for improving sleep quality. The episode concludes with key takeaways and resources for further exploration of sleep science.
Takeaways:
Sleep is biologic, governing memory, mood, and metabolism.
Circadian rhythms dictate ou...
2025-10-1735 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 15 - Medicine Behind Bars: Navigating the Challenges of Incarceration Health Care featuring Dr. Jordan VaughnSummary
In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Jordan Vaughn discuss the often-overlooked field of incarceration medicine. They explore the unique challenges faced by incarcerated patients, including barriers to care, communication difficulties, and ethical dilemmas. Dr. Vaughn emphasizes the importance of incorporating incarceration medicine into medical education and training, advocating for systemic changes to improve healthcare access for this vulnerable population. The conversation highlights the need for awareness of biases and the importance of advocacy in providing equitable care.
Takeaways
Incarceration medicine is a critical area of m...
2025-10-0328 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 14 - Rehearsing the Chaos: How Simulation Prepares the Next Generation of Clinicians featuring Dr. Elton BanksSummary:
In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Irtaza Asar and guest Dr. Elton Banks discuss the critical role of simulation in emergency medicine training. They explore how simulation provides a safe environment for learners to practice high-stakes procedures, build confidence, and develop essential skills such as leadership and communication. The conversation delves into strategies for integrating simulation into medical curriculums, creating effective simulation cases, and the importance of debriefing to reinforce learning. Dr. Banks shares insights on tailoring simulation experiences to different learner levels and highlights the value of multidisciplinary teamwork in simulation. The episode...
2025-09-1929 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 13 - The Ultimate Poison Experience: Designing a High-Impact Toxicology Rotation featuring Dr. Andrew KoonsSummary:
In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Irtaza Asar and guest Dr. Andrew Koons discuss the challenges and opportunities in toxicology education. They explore the importance of creating engaging and structured rotations for medical learners, the need for hands-on clinical experiences, and the integration of community engagement and research into toxicology training. Dr. Koons shares insights on designing effective curricula, the role of various specialties in toxicology, and the significance of fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Takeaways:
Toxicology rotations are crucial for modern emergency medicine education.
There is a s...
2025-09-0529 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 12 - New Site, New You: Thriving When You're the New Doc in Town featuring Dr. Adam ChristensenSummary:
In this episode of The Learning Curve with host Dr. Irtaza Asar, Dr. Adam Christensen joins the show and shares his insights on adapting to new clinical environments in emergency medicine. He discusses the importance of mindset, building rapport with staff, and the balance between confidence and humility. Dr. Christensen emphasizes the value of lateral experience and offers practical advice for new residents and moonlighters, highlighting the significance of asking questions and treating everyone with kindness. The conversation concludes with key takeaways for listeners to apply in their own medical careers.
Takeaways:
2025-08-2239 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 11 - Real-Time Growth: Giving Better Feedback on Shift featuring Dr. Brian MerrittSummary:
In this episode, host Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Brian Merritt discuss the critical role of on-shift feedback in medical education, exploring why it often falls short and how to improve its delivery. They delve into the challenges educators face, effective strategies for providing timely and constructive feedback, and the importance of setting specific goals for learners. The conversation also addresses how to support senior residents and struggling learners, and highlights various resources and frameworks that can enhance the feedback process. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need for a culture of growth and open communication in...
2025-08-0830 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 10 - The Missed Diagnosis: Human Trafficking in Medicine featuring Dr. Katherine Schaffer and Dr. Megan PowersSummary:
In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar discusses the critical issue of human trafficking in healthcare with Dr. Katherine Schaffer and Dr. Megan Powers. They explore the definitions and misconceptions surrounding human trafficking, the importance of recognizing red flags in clinical settings, and the do's and don'ts for clinicians when interacting with potential victims. The conversation also addresses the systemic and provider-level barriers that hinder the identification of trafficking cases, as well as the patient-level challenges that survivors face. The episode emphasizes the need for integrating human trafficking awareness into medical education and...
2025-07-2539 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 9 - Spreading the Gospel of Trauma Informed Care featuring Dr. Taylor BrownSummary:
In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Irtaza Asar and expert Dr. Taylor Brown delve into the transformative concept of trauma-informed care in emergency medicine. They discuss the core principles of trauma-informed care, its impact on patient health and behavior, and practical strategies for implementing these principles in clinical practice. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding patients' trauma histories, creating safe environments, and addressing the challenges faced by healthcare providers in applying trauma-informed care. Dr. Brown emphasizes that trauma-informed care is a universal precaution that can benefit all patients, and she shares valuable insights...
2025-07-1133 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 8 - Ruling in the Unknown: Teaching Diagnostic Uncertainty featuring Dr. Craig BrewsterSummary
In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Irtaza Asar and Dr. Craig Brewster discuss the complexities of diagnostic uncertainty in medicine. They explore how clinicians can navigate situations where clear answers are not available, emphasizing the importance of teaching medical students and residents to embrace uncertainty without compromising their confidence or critical thinking skills. The conversation covers the cultural pressures in medical training, strategies for managing uncertainty, and the significance of creating a supportive learning environment for future healthcare providers.
Takeaways
Diagnostic uncertainty is a natural part of patient care.
I...
2025-06-2735 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 7 - Leading the Code: Mastering Resuscitation Leadership featuring Dr. Vicki ZhouSummary
In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Vicki Zhou discuss the critical aspects of resuscitation leadership in emergency medicine. Dr. Zhou emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and structured training in high-stakes situations. The conversation covers core skills necessary for effective leadership, the significance of debriefing after resuscitations, and the value of simulation training. Dr. Zhou shares real-life examples and insights on how to improve resuscitation leadership skills, highlighting the need for formalized training and stress inoculation for medical professionals.
Takeaways
Resuscitation leadership is crucial in high-pressure situations.
Effective communication and teamwork are es...
2025-06-1327 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 6 - Read Between the Lines: The Art of Teaching ECG Interpretation featuring Dr. Justin HacnikSummary
In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Irtaza Asar and Dr. Justin Hacnik discuss innovative approaches to teaching EKG interpretation. They explore the limitations of traditional lecture-based methods and advocate for micro-teaching, spaced repetition, and case-based learning to enhance understanding and retention. The conversation highlights the importance of pattern recognition, gamification, and real-time feedback in medical education, particularly in the context of EKGs. Dr. Hacnik shares insights from his curriculum development efforts, emphasizing the need for engaging, practical learning experiences that prepare residents for real clinical scenarios.
Takeaways
EKG education should focus on practical skills rather than le...
2025-05-3027 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 5 - Money Moves: What Every Resident Should Know Before Graduation featuring Dr. John SanglSummary
In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Irtaza Asar and guest Dr. John Sangl discuss the critical importance of financial literacy for medical residents. They explore the cultural silence surrounding financial education in medicine, the challenges of managing student loans, budgeting strategies for new attendings, and the significance of retirement planning and insurance. Dr. Sangl shares practical advice on how to navigate these financial challenges and emphasizes the need for residents to take control of their financial futures to avoid burnout and achieve long-term success.
Takeaways
Financial literacy is crucial f...
2025-05-1635 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 4 - Evidence-Based Learning Strategies featuring Dr. Nathaniel LadagaSummary
In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Irtaza Asar and guest Dr. Nathaniel Ladaga discuss effective learning strategies in medical education. They explore the four pillars of learning: attention, engagement, feedback, and consolidation, emphasizing the importance of active learning over traditional passive methods. The conversation delves into the science of memory formation, the benefits of spaced repetition, and the significance of interleaving and elaboration in enhancing retention and understanding. Listeners are encouraged to adopt evidence-based strategies to improve their study habits and long-term learning outcomes.
Takeaways
Attention is crucial f...
2025-05-0231 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 3 - Leveling Up Learning: How Gamification is Transforming Medical Education featuring Dr. Christopher YangSummary
This episode explores the transformative impact of gamification on medical education, highlighting how game-based learning can enhance engagement, retention, and active participation among medical students. Christopher Yang, a medical education fellow, discusses key concepts of gamification, its real-world applications, and the challenges faced in implementing these innovative strategies in medical training. The conversation emphasizes the importance of starting small, fostering faculty buy-in, and adapting to the evolving needs of learners in a rapidly changing educational landscape.
Takeaways
Gamification increases engagement with the material and retention of educational content.
The core tenets of...
2025-04-1927 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 2 - The POCUS Playbook: Smart Strategies for Teaching Ultrasound featuring Dr. Gavin RogersIn this episode of The Learning Curve, host Irtaza Asar and expert Dr. Gavin Rogers discuss the critical role of ultrasound in medicine and the importance of incorporating ultrasound education into medical training. They explore effective curriculum development, hands-on training, and overcoming barriers to ultrasound utilization, including legal considerations. The conversation highlights the need for institutional support, the significance of practice in developing ultrasound skills, and valuable resources for educators looking to enhance their ultrasound programs.
Takeaways:
Ultrasound is not just an adjunct; it's essential in medical education.
Effective ultrasound education requires institutional support and champions.
Hands-on practice i...
2025-04-0437 minThe Learning CurveEpisode 1 - Rebooting Journal Club: Less Pain, More Gain featuring Dr. Dhimitri NikollaIn this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Dhimitri Nikolla discusses innovative strategies for enhancing engagement in Journal Club among medical residents. He emphasizes the importance of critical appraisal skills, the challenges of traditional models, and practical methods to foster resident involvement and learning. The conversation highlights the need for structured curricula and specific tasks to improve the educational experience in academic medicine.
Takeaways
Revamping Journal Club can significantly enhance learner engagement.
A structured curriculum on critical appraisal is essential.
Traditional Journal Club models often lack resident preparation.
Focusing on methodology improves understanding and a...
2025-03-1727 min