ACEP Frontline - Emergency Medicine

In this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton is joined by Dr. Igor Middlebrook at Michigan ACEP's Summer Assembly on Mackinac Island to discuss the expanding role of ultrasound-guided regional nerve blocks and multimodal pain management in emergency medicine. He shares practical strategies for implementing a nerve block program, highlights high-yield blocks for community physicians, and explains how these techniques can improve patient outcomes, reduce opioid use, avoid unnecessary admissions, and add value to emergency department care.

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton is joined by Dr. Rob Anderson, clinician co-founder of Marit Health, to discuss the ACEP Emergency Physician Compensation Survey and why salary transparency matters for every stage of an emergency physician’s career. The conversation explores the limitations of broad regional averages and the value of current, local data that reflects compensation models, workload, benefits, employment structure, and other factors that shape the true value of a position. Dr. Anderson explains how participation can help physicians better understand their market, negotiate with confidence, and compare opportunities more effectively, whether they are employed, independent contractors, or working under productivity-based models. The discussion also highlights the importance of this information for residents entering their first contract, since an early compensation decision can influence earnings throughout a career. With emergency medicine already among the most represented specialties in the survey, this episode is a call for physicians to contribute their data, strengthen transparency, and help ensure emergency physicians are paid fairly for their training, expertise, and work.

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton is joined by Dr. Rob Ohle and aortic dissection survivor Brian Brantley for a discussion on one of emergency medicine's most challenging diagnoses. Through Brian's powerful firsthand account of surviving a Type A aortic dissection, the conversation highlights the importance of recognizing that acute aortic syndromes rarely read the textbook. Dr. Ohle shares practical, evidence-based strategies for improving diagnostic accuracy, including the critical role of a thorough history, targeted risk assessment, physical examination, appropriate use of D-dimer, point-of-care ultrasound, and current ACEP clinical guidance. The discussion also reviews initial emergency department management, time-sensitive treatment priorities, and practical bedside pearls that can help physicians recognize this rare but potentially fatal condition before it's too late. Brian also discusses his work with the John Ritter Foundation, emphasizing the importance of public awareness, understanding family history, and supporting survivors and their families. This episode is a reminder that while acute aortic syndromes may be uncommon, maintaining a high index of suspicion and following a systematic approach can make the difference between life and death.

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton chats with ACEP President Dr. Tony Cirillo to discuss a major advocacy victory that reinforces one of the core principles of emergency medicine: physician-led emergency care. The conversation explores the collaborative efforts between ACEP, state chapters, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Surgeons that resulted in updated ACS Committee on Trauma Level IV trauma center standards requiring physician staffing in emergency departments. Dr. Cirillo shares the behind-the-scenes story of how relationship building, strategic advocacy, and persistent engagement helped shape this important outcome, while highlighting the critical role state chapters played in defending physician-led care. The discussion also examines Kentucky's legislative efforts surrounding physician staffing, the importance of maintaining emergency medicine as a physician-led specialty, and why advocacy often succeeds through collaboration rather than confrontation. This episode provides a firsthand look at how ACEP works every day to protect patients, support emergency physicians, and advance the specialty, often through efforts that members may not see but benefit from every day.

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton sits down with Drs. Stephen Anderson and James "Big Jim" Neuenschwander for a powerful conversation on expanding access to recovery resources for patients with opioid use disorder. The discussion highlights the critical role emergency departments play in initiating medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), providing naloxone, and creating meaningful connections to ongoing treatment and recovery services. The guests discuss The Naloxone Project and its efforts to increase access to this lifesaving medication while reducing barriers for patients and communities affected by the opioid epidemic. Dr. Anderson also shares the deeply personal experiences that have fueled his commitment to this work, offering a moving perspective on why compassion, evidence-based care, and reducing stigma are essential to improving outcomes. Together, they explore practical strategies for emergency physicians to move beyond treating overdose alone and become a pivotal bridge to recovery. This episode is an inspiring reminder that every encounter in the emergency department represents an opportunity to save a life, restore hope, and change the trajectory of a patient's future.

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton sits down with Dr. Thom Mayer, emergency physician, leadership expert, and Medical Director of the NFL Players Association, for an inspiring conversation about restoring purpose, culture, and leadership in emergency medicine. Drawing from decades of experience leading teams in healthcare, sports, and crisis environments, Dr. Mayer discusses why culture is not a byproduct of the emergency department, but rather the foundation upon which performance, resilience, and patient care are built. The discussion explores the challenges facing today's emergency departments, including burnout, overcrowding, and workforce pressures, while emphasizing that physician leadership remains one of the most powerful tools for creating positive change. Dr. Mayer shares practical insights on leading through adversity, fostering trust, developing high-performing teams, and reconnecting clinicians with the mission that brought them to emergency medicine. This episode is a powerful reminder that while circumstances may be difficult, strong leadership and intentional culture can transform the emergency department experience for physicians, staff, and patients alike.

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton sits down with political analyst and publisher of Inside Elections, Nathan Gonzales, for a timely discussion on the current political landscape in Washington, DC, and what it means for healthcare and emergency medicine. Recorded during ACEP’s Leadership and Advocacy Conference, the conversation explores the aftermath of recent elections, the shifting balance of power on Capitol Hill, and the key issues driving decision-making in Congress and the administration. Gonzales provides insight into the political environment, the challenges facing lawmakers, and the factors that will shape upcoming election cycles. The discussion also highlights what physicians and healthcare advocates should expect moving forward, offering valuable perspective on how the political climate influences healthcare policy, advocacy efforts, and the future of emergency medicine.

From the halls of Holy Cross College and the Massachusetts ACEP Conference, ACEP Frontline talks with Dr. Lauren Westafer for a high-yield discussion on two of emergency medicine’s most impactful diagnoses: aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism. Dr. Westafer breaks down the evolving evidence behind D-dimer testing, including the 2026 practice-changing data and ACEP clinical policy updates supporting the use of the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score combined with D-dimer to help safely risk stratify select patients with suspected acute aortic syndromes. The conversation explores how this approach may reduce unnecessary advanced imaging while maintaining patient safety, along with practical pearls for identifying the patients who still warrant immediate CTA evaluation. The episode also reviews modern pulmonary embolism diagnosis and management, discussing risk stratification, and disposition decisions. It is a practical, evidence-based conversation focused on improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing over-testing, and delivering high-value emergency care.

Recorded live at the ACEP Leadership and Advocacy Conference, this episode of ACEP Frontline features a timely conversation with Dr. Sean Michael, Regional Chief Medical Officer for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. As emergency departments across the country continue to face unprecedented crowding, prolonged boarding, staffing strain, and access challenges, Dr. Michael joins us to discuss how CMS is viewing the crisis and what potential policy “levers” may help address the growing nationwide problem. From hospital throughput and inpatient capacity to quality measures and accountability, we explore how federal policy could influence meaningful change for patients, physicians, hospitals, and the emergency care system as a whole.

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Ryan Stanton discusses the growing national conversation surrounding the corporate practice of medicine (CPOM) and Oregon’s landmark SB 951 legislation. Using the recent PeaceHealth news in Eugene as a backdrop, Dr. Stanton breaks down what CPOM means, why states are increasingly examining corporate influence in healthcare, and how Oregon lawmakers, led by Ben Bowman, crafted one of the strongest physician autonomy laws in the country. The episode explores the intent behind the legislation, including protecting independent medical judgment, preserving the physician-patient relationship, and limiting non-clinical interference in care decisions. Dr. Stanton also highlights the role of the Oregon Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and emergency physicians in shaping the discussion, while examining the broader implications these legislative efforts may have for emergency medicine, healthcare access, staffing models, and physician-led patient care nationwide.

In this episode of ACEP Frontline, we sit down with Dr. David Carlberg to discuss eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an increasingly recognized inflammatory condition of the esophagus that can present with food impactions, difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, and chronic reflux-like symptoms. Dr. Carlberg breaks down the underlying causes of EoE, including the role of allergic and immune-mediated responses, while highlighting the importance of recognizing the condition in both pediatric and adult patients presenting to the emergency department. The conversation also explores diagnostic considerations and current management strategies ranging from dietary modifications and proton pump inhibitors to topical steroids and endoscopic interventions. The episode wraps with a reminder for emergency physicians to check out the ACEP POC Smart Phrase on EoE for practical bedside guidance and streamlined documentation support.Supported by Sanofi.