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Critical Care Scenarios

by Brandon Oto, PA-C, FCCM and Bryan Boling, DNP, ACNP, FCCM

An educational podcast teaching practical critical care. By Brandon Oto, PA-C and Bryan Boling, ACNP. New episodes biweekly.

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Oct 28, 2026. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. Lightning rounds 74: Inhaled pulmonary vasodilators, with Matt Siuba

    Our favorite guest, Dr. Matt Siuba (Cleveland Clinic intensivist and lover of the right ventricle), shares his thoughts on inhaled pulmonary vasodilators: nitric oxide, epoprostenol, and the occasional use of inhaled milrinone and nitroglycerin. Check out the Intensive Care Academy here!

  2. Lightning rounds 73: How to use AI in medicine, with Harvey Castro

    Harvey Castro, MD, emergency physician and AI enthusiast, shares his thoughts on how we can be using AI tools to support medical care today. Check out the Intensive Care Academy here!

  3. Lightning rounds 72: How to teach POCUS

    How to like to teach (and learn) POCUS in the ICU. Check out the Intensive Care Academy here! References Oto B, Baeten R, Chen L, Dalal P, Dancel R, Fox S, Lange Iv CW, Baston C, Bornemann P, Dugar S, Goldsmith A, Herbst MK, Kirkpatrick JN, Koratala A, Lanspa MJ, Lobo V, Nomura JT, Pustavoitau …...

  4. Academy bites: Is lung POCUS dumb?

    Find your Congressional representatives Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  5. Lightning rounds 71: The story of HFOV, with Brian Cuthbertson

    Dr. Brian Cuthbertson, anesthesiologist and intensivist and lead author of the OSCAR trial, shares with us the fascinating history of high frequency oscillatory ventilation. Check out the Intensive Care Academy here! References

  6. Lightning rounds 70: Jumping ship for private industry, with Theresa Human

    Theresa Human, former academic clinical pharmacist in neurocritical care and now medical liaison for a large pharmaceutical company, chats about late-career transitions and working for private industry. Check out the Intensive Care Academy here!

  7. Lightning rounds 69: Does PRVC suck? with Nick Ghionni

    We step into the ring with Nick Ghionni, pulm/crit attending at MedStar Baltimore Hospital, who tries to convince us that the pressure-targeted, volume-titrated vent mode known as “PRVC” actually sucks. Check out the Intensive Care Academy here!

  8. Lightning rounds 68: Setting PEEP in the obese with Olivia Serigano

    EM intensivist Olivia Serigano tells us about their recent publication in Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Medicine evaluating the use of two rules (BMI/3 or PEEP 10 in everyone) for setting PEEP in obese patients on the ventilator. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Takeaway pearls

  9. Episode 103: Basic intracranial hemorrhage

    We review the basic care and workflow of caring for bread-and-butter intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Takeaway pearls

  10. Episode 102: Tox files #1 with Andrew Sheen and Jerry Snow

    We hear a mystery tox case from Jerry Snow, director of the toxicology fellowship at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, and one of his med tox fellows Andrew Sheen. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Takeaway pearls References PATHOPHYSIOLOGY & CLASSIFICATION 1. Lalau JD, Kajbaf…

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  11. Lightning rounds 67: IV fluids

    We give our general take on IV fluids: when to use them, what to use, when to stop, how to bolus and when to use maintenance fluids, and more. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  12. Lightning rounds 66: ED vs ICU with Namita Jayaprakash

    We discuss the interface between ED and ICU and why we have trouble understanding each other, with Dr. Namita Jayaprakash, dual-trained EM and critical care physician, and medical director of her ED. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! References

  13. Lightning rounds 65: Global health with Kwame Boateng

    We learn about how to contribute to underserved communities abroad, with Kwame Akuamoh-Boateng, DNP, ACNP-BC, FCCM. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! References

  14. Episode 101: Acalculous cholecystitis with Dennis Kim

    Dennis Kim, trauma surgeon and surgical intensivist of the Trauma ICU Rounds podcast, weighs in on the diagnosis and management of acalculous cholecystitis. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Takeaway pearls

  15. Episode 100: Autoimmune encephalitis testing with Tammy Smith

    Tammy Smith, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Utah within the division of Neuroimmunology and Autoimmune Neurology, and a clinical consultant at ARUP Laboratories, gives us the inside scoop on testing for autoimmune encephalitis syndromes. Learn more at the Intensive Care...

  16. Lightning rounds 64: The new Surviving Sepsis guidelines with Hallie Prescott

    Hallie Prescott, pulm/crit physician and co-chair of the recent Surviving Sepsis guideline writing committee, gives some insight into the new document, including a few interesting additions and some points of controversy. For more thoughts, especially from an EM perspective, Scott Weingart also...

  17. Lightning rounds 63: How to be right, with Scott Weingart

    Scott Weingart, ED intensivist and seminal educator from the EMCrit podcast, shares his thoughts on how we should be finding truth nowadays: how to read journals, choose experts, use AI, and resolve disagreement. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Takeaway pearls

  18. Episode 99: RV failure in the MICU

    We chat about managing a complex MICU patient with RV failure in the setting of renal failure and sepsis, with Amos Dodi, nocturnal intensivist at Einstein/Montefiore and author of a recent narrative review on the RV. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! CHEST’s Procedural Skills for the...

  19. Lightning rounds 61: Credentialing and privileging, with Christopher Newman

    We dive into the confusing rabbit hole of medical staffing, credentialing, and privileging, particularly for the critical care APP, with Chris Newman, pediatric critical care PA and Vice Chair for Clinical Performance at the University of Colorado. Check out the REVIVE conference here! Check out...

  20. Lightning rounds 60: The nuances of insulin, with Melissa Nestor

    We chat with Melissa Nestor, clinical pharmacist in neurocritical care, about tho subtleties of glucose and insulin management in the ICU. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  21. Episode 98: Running rapid responses

    We discuss the practicalities of running a rapid response, including crowd management, coordinating with primary services, working outside the ICU, and rapidly obtaining and synthesizing diagnostic data. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  22. Lightning rounds 59: The nuances of nebulizers, with Keith Lamb

    We explore the practical intricacies of nebulized medications, including timing, dosing, types of devices, and more, with Keith Lamb (@kdlamb1), RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, FCCM. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  23. Episode 97: Managing ICP crisis

    We explore the practical basics of managing an elevated ICP with impending herniation, including EVD troubleshooting, hyperosmolar therapies, and the role of craniectomy. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! References

  24. Episode 96: Understanding ammonia, with Prem Kandiah

    With Dr. Prem Kandiah, neurointensivist, transplant intensivist, and ammonia enthusiast, we explore the physiology of hyperammonemia, the nuances of its measurement and interpretation, and unpack some less-recognized causes, including infection by urease-producing organisms and…

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  25. Academy bites: Do you want to feel special?

    Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  26. Lightning rounds 58: Steroids for septic shock with David Janz

    We dive into the common dilemma of when to give stress-dose corticosteroids in septic shock, with Dr. David Janz, pulm/crit intensivist with a Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation, former director of the Clinical Research Unit for the critical care section at LSU, founding member of the...

  27. Lightning rounds 57: Burn critical care with Clint Leonard

    We explore the fascinating intricacies and unique features of the burned critically ill patient, with Clint Leonard, NP in the burn ICU at Vanderbilt and ABLS instructor. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Want to work at the University of Kentucky? UK’s Anesthesia Critical Care department...

  28. Episode 95: Spontaneous breathing trials with Martin Tobin

    We discuss the evidence and practicalities of spontaneous breathing trials and ventilator weaning with Martin Tobin, pulmonologist and intensivist, author of seven textbooks including “Principles and Practice of Mechanical Ventilation,” researcher, and pioneer of the entire concept of SBT as well...

  29. Episode 94: Mastering seizure pharmacology with Tom Bleck

    We explore the vagaries and nitty-gritty of drugs for seizure termination, including benzos and ASMs, with the great Tom Bleck, MD MCCM FNCS, neurointensivist, professor, and founding member of the Neurocritical Care Society. Check out the REVIVE conference here! Learn more at the Intensive Care...

  30. Episode 93: Fluid in sepsis and the FloPatch, with Jon-Emile Kenny

    We dive into fluid resuscitation in sepsis, with Dr. Jon-Emile Kenny, pulmonary and critical care physician, author of the physiology textbook Heart-lung.org, and inventor of the FloPatch device. Disclosures: Dr. Kenny appears here as both a clinician as well as a representative of his company…

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  31. Episode 92: PRIS and propylene glycol toxicity, with Jerry Snow

    We discuss propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) and propylene glycol toxicity from lorazepam infusions, with medical toxicologist Dr. Jerry Snow, director of the toxicology fellowship at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Takeaway lessons

  32. Episode 91: A simulated goals of care conversation

    Brandon and Bryan mock up a goals of care discussion for a critically ill patient, and reflect on the right and wrong ways to execute this complex procedure. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Resources Center to Advance Palliative Care The Conversation Project

  33. Episode 90: Sugammadex in the ICU, with Sara J Hyland

    We chat about neuromuscular blockade, monitoring, and reversal in the ICU, including why sugammadex isn’t more widely used, with Sara J Hyland, PharmD, BCCCP, FCCP, researcher and clinical pharmacist in perioperative and emergency medicine. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Takeaway…

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  34. Lightning rounds 56: The CHEST Critical Care APP cert, with Leeah Sloan

    We chat with Leeah Sloan, PA-C, co-chair of the Critical Care APP Steering Committee for the American College of CHEST Physicians (CHEST), about the newly available CHEST critical care certification for APPs. The Vandalia CAMC Charleston APP critical care fellowship Learn more at the Intensive…

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  35. Special announcement: ICA 1-year anniversary

    Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  36. Academy bites: Specialization is breadth, not depth

    Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  37. Lightning rounds 55: APP fellowships with Melissa Bridges

    Melissa Bridges, director of PA fellowships at Atrium Health and president of the Association of Post-graduate PA Programs (APPAP), chats with us (Bryan is president of APGAP, the Association of Post Graduate APRN programs) about PA/NP residencies/fellowships in critical care. Learn more at the...

  38. Lightning rounds 54: Medical musicians with Andrew Schulman

    Andrew Schulman, medical musician, former ICU patient, and president of the Medical Musician Initiative, tells us how music can help the critically ill. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!

  39. Lightning rounds 53: GI Q&A with Elliot Tapper

    From constipation to hepatorenal syndrome. Fan favorite Elliot Tapper (@ebtapper, @ebtapper), gastroenterologist, transplant hepatologist, academic chief of hepatology, and director of the cirrhosis program at the University of Michigan, returns to answer a grab-bag of GI questions. Learn more at...

  40. Special announcement: Academy CME accreditation

    Visit the Intensive Care Academy

  41. Lightning rounds 52: Echo tips with Michael Lanspa

    We chat with Dr. Michael Lanspa, intensivist and director of the Intermountain Critical Care Echocardiography Core Lab, about common pitfalls among bedside POCUS users and tricks for doing it better. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Find us on Patreon here! Takeaway lessons

  42. Episode 89: Thrombectomy for stroke, with Justin Fraser

    We explore the world of thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with Justin F. Fraser (@doctorjfred), MD, FAANS, FAHA, Professor and Vice-Chair of Neurological Surgery and Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery and Neuro-interventional Radiology at University of Kentucky, where he specializes in...

  43. Episode 87: Maternal-fetal monitoring with Stephanie Martin

    We learn about the basics of fetal monitoring in the critically ill pregnant woman and how to integrate them into our ICU workflows, with Stephanie Martin, MFM obstetrician and host of the Critical Care Obstetrics podcast and teacher at the Critical Care Obstretrics Academy. Learn more at the...

  44. Academy bites: The power of disagreeing

    Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Find us on Patreon here! Buy your merch here!

  45. Episode 86: EEGs in the ICU with Carolina Maciel

    We discuss the basics of EEG in the ICU, including when to do it, selecting the appropriate study, and the basics of bedside interpretation, with Carolina B Maciel, MD, MSCR, FAAN, triple boarded in neurology, neurocritical care, and critical care EEG. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy!…

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  46. Lightning rounds 51: Hemodynamic interfaces with Philippe Rola

    Philippe Rola, intensivist, master of the VEXUS scan, and founder of the Hospitalist and Resuscitationist conference, shares his recent model of four hemodynamic interfaces to describe the entire circulatory system. (No, we’re not sponsored, just a cool event.) … Continue reading "Lightning…

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  47. Episode 88: ICU Liberation SCCM Congress 2025

    A roundup from members of the SCCM’s ICU Liberation committee, recorded at SCCM Congress 2025. Included:

  48. Lightning rounds 50: Mastering PA catheter placement with Matt Siuba

    We learn the vanishing art of placing the PA (Swan-Ganz) catheter, with intensivist and friend of the podcast Matt Siuba (@msiuba). Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Find us on Patreon here! Buy your merch here! Takeaway points References Insertion video Wedge distance How measurement...

  49. Lightning rounds 49: The Vortex approach with Nicholas Chrimes

    We learn about the Vortex approach to airway management, as well as airway algorithms and mental models in general, with Vortex creator and anesthesiologist Dr. Nicholas Chrimes, anaesthetist and cofounder of the Safe Airway Society. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Find us on Patreon...

  50. Episode 85: Tracheostomy basics with Vinciya Pandian

    We discuss the basics of evaluation for tracheostomy placement, periprocedural care, and post-procedure complications with Vinciya Pandian, PhD, ACNP, FCCM, tracheostomy nurse practitioner and researcher. Learn more at the Intensive Care Academy! Find us on Patreon here! Buy your merch here!

About this show

An educational podcast teaching practical critical care. By Brandon Oto, PA-C and Bryan Boling, ACNP. New episodes biweekly.

Hosted by

Brandon Oto, PA-C, FCCM and Bryan Boling, DNP, ACNP, FCCM

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Critical Care Scenarios have?

Critical Care Scenarios has 246 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on October 28, 2026.

What is Critical Care Scenarios about?

An educational podcast teaching practical critical care. By Brandon Oto, PA-C and Bryan Boling, ACNP. New episodes biweekly.

How often does Critical Care Scenarios release new episodes?

Critical Care Scenarios publishes every two weeks, based on its 246 episodes since December 2019.

Who hosts Critical Care Scenarios?

Critical Care Scenarios is created and hosted by Brandon Oto, PA-C, FCCM and Bryan Boling, DNP, ACNP, FCCM.
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