Invictus Reviews

Coming Soon: Invictus.ReviewsYouTube VersionWe reframe “drowning” as submersion incidents and lay out a simple path from shore to safe disposition. Hypoxia drives arrest, observation prevents misses, and ECMO has a clear role when ventilation fails or hypothermia persists.• replacing drowning with submersion incidents• hypoxia as the primary cause of arrest• selective C‑spine precautions based on mechanism• ECMO for refractory hypoxemia or hypothermia• normal chest X‑ray can mislead after aspiration• strict four to six hour observation window• discharge only if fully asymptomatic with normal vitals and exam• admit for any symptoms, abnormal gases, dysrhythmia, or abnormal imaging• use NIV for symptomatic, alert patients; intubate if needed• avoid steroids and routine antibiotics; exception for sewage exposure• active rewarming as a core treatment step• board strategy: read stems literally and match management to symptomsOur oral board review course is going to be out soon, like really soon. The written board review will be delayed until early next year; we’ll restart a new and better podcast with more people in the Invictus part of things—stay tuned.

YouTube LinkDr. Sean Nordt delivers a comprehensive pharmacology lecture on antidepressants, their mechanisms, and the management of toxicity cases in emergency settings. The board-certified emergency physician, pharmacologist, and toxicologist walks through the complex pharmacology of psychiatric medications, focusing on their potentially deadly complications and how to recognize and treat them.• Cyclic antidepressants cause toxicity through fast sodium channel blockade, leading to QRS widening and ventricular dysrhythmias• Sodium bicarbonate is the cornerstone treatment for cyclic antidepressant toxicity, working by increasing pH and altering cardiac binding• SSRIs and SNRIs have distinct adverse effect profiles, with SNRIs posing greater risk in overdose scenarios• Bupropion overdose commonly causes seizures and QRS widening through cardiac gap junction blockade• MAOIs can cause hypertensive crisis and severe serotonin syndrome, especially with tyramine-rich foods or drug interactions• Serotonin syndrome is characterized by hyperreflexia and clonus, distinguishing it from neuroleptic malignant syndrome• Treatment approaches differ for serotonin toxicity (benzodiazepines, cooling), NMS (supportive care), and malignant hyperthermia (dantrolene)• Antiemetics like metoclopramide and promethazine can cause extrapyramidal effects treatable with anticholinergics

YouTube LinkUpdates on the Invictus medical review courses with "baby Invictus" for oral exams coming soon and a comprehensive border review course in development. Dr. Sean Nort shares vital insights on common household ingestions, challenging assumptions about what substances actually pose dangers to children.• Household bleach (3% sodium hypochlorite) ingestion typically requires only reassurance and discharge home• Industrial bleach is more concerning due to higher concentration• Most cosmetics, window cleaners, soaps and detergents have minimal toxicity• Laundry pods can cause more significant caustic burns and sometimes reduced consciousness• Silica gel packets are extremely safe despite "do not eat" warnings• Poison control centers are the best resource for managing potential ingestionsVisit invictusreviews.com to learn about our expanding medical education resources and upcoming course offerings.

YouTube LinkDr. Mel Herbert provides a crucial update on the Invictus Board Review program alongside critical pearls for identifying and managing deadly necrotizing infections. These rapidly progressing infections require immediate recognition, prompt treatment, and surgical intervention to prevent death from these tissue-destroying processes.• Necrotizing infections include necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier's gangrene, Ludwig's angina, and malignant otitis externa• Key warning signs include pain out of proportion to physical findings, rapidly progressive spread, dishwater discharge, and woody edema• "La belle indifference" describes patients who appear strangely calm despite severe infection• Polymicrobial infections often start as normal infections before turning necrotizing days later• Monomicrobial forms (often Strep A) progress extremely rapidly in otherwise healthy individuals• Seawater exposures can introduce deadly Clostridium or Vibrio species through minor skin breaks• Treatment priorities: rapid diagnosis, fluid resuscitation, antimicrobials, and immediate surgical debridementThe full Invictus Board Review program and OSCE preparation materials will be available soon to address declining emergency medicine board exam pass rates and provide continuous education for practicing clinicians.

YouTube LinkTracheostomy and laryngectomy emergencies demand specific knowledge and immediate action to prevent devastating complications. Jess Mason delivers critical pearls on managing occluded, dislodged, and bleeding tracheostomies that are essential for both board exams and clinical practice.• Cuffed tracheostomies have a pilot balloon and are required for positive pressure ventilation• Uncuffed tracheostomies are more common in established patients but cannot be used with ventilators• Occluded tracheostomies should be managed with oxygen first, followed by suctioning and inner cannula cleaning• Dislodged tracheostomies require immediate replacement to prevent stomal narrowing• Bleeding tracheostomies may signal a tracheo-innominate artery fistula, especially with "sentinel bleeds"• Laryngectomies fundamentally differ from tracheostomies in that they have no communication between mouth/nose and lungs• You can ONLY manage a laryngectomy patient's airway through their stomaVisit us at Invictus for comprehensive board review resources that deliver continuous education through videos, audio, written summaries, question banks, and live events designed to help you maintain mastery of emergency medicine throughout your career.

YouTube LinkStatus epilepticus has been redefined from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes of continuous seizure activity, aligning better with current treatment approaches that emphasize early intervention. This includes recognizing non-convulsive status, which often presents as a prolonged postictal state with subtle eye movements or gaze deviation.• Systematic assessment includes history of seizures, medications, shunts, trauma, potential ingestions• Lab evaluation should include glucose, electrolytes, calcium, pregnancy testing when applicable• Initial treatment involves two doses of benzodiazepines via IV, rectal, buccal, or intranasal routes• Simplified dosing: midazolam/diazepam 0.2 mg/kg (max 10mg); lorazepam 0.1 mg/kg (max 4-5mg)• Second-line agents include levetiracetam (60 mg/kg), fosphenytoin (20 PE/kg), or valproate• For refractory status, consider ketamine, phenobarbital, or continuous infusions after intubation• Propofol is generally avoided in children under age 3 and carries risk of propofol infusion syndromeSeason two of "The Pit" is in production with writers writing, actors acting, and producers producing. It's scheduled for release in January of next year.

YouTube LinkStaph Scalded Skin Syndrome presents with terrifying skin desquamation but typically heals without scarring within two weeks. This case demonstrates the classic presentation in a three-year-old child with recent URI, highlighting the typical appearance, clinical course, and management principles.• Staph Scalded Skin Syndrome results from staphylococcal toxins that cleave the epidermis• Most common in young children, often following upper respiratory infections• No mucosal involvement - key differentiating factor from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome• Treatment includes anti-staphylococcal antibiotics and supportive care• Colonization site may be difficult to identify, often in nares or umbilical region• Adults with renal disease are at higher risk due to impaired toxin clearance• Requires burn-like supportive care for temperature regulation and prevention of secondary infections• Historically had 5% mortality, likely lower with modern intensive careStay tuned for our upcoming comprehensive Immunism Medicine Boards preparation resources, featuring videos, questions, summaries, and study guides designed to help you excel on your exam.

YouTube LinkTry and guess before reading the summary.Stevens-Johnson Syndrome presents a critical dermatological emergency characterized by mucosal lesions and diffuse rash with high mortality if untreated. Recognizing this condition requires understanding its presentation, pathophysiology, and immediate management strategies to improve patient outcomes.• Case presentation of 20-year-old female with fever, mucosal lesions, and diffuse rash• Mucosal involvement is the key diagnostic feature of Stevens-Johnson syndrome• Common triggers include sulfa drugs, anti-epileptics, NSAIDs, and infections like mycoplasma• Positive Nikolsky sign where skin cleaves and sloughs off when pressed• SJS affects less than 10% of body surface area while TEN involves more than 30%• Treatment includes supportive care, fluids, nutrition, and controversial steroids• IVIG, plasmapheresis, and TNF blockers may be beneficial treatment options• Approach treatment similar to severe burns with non-adherent dressings• Secondary infections may require antimicrobials, but not as initial treatment• Eye involvement requires artificial tears and careful monitoringJoin us for our upcoming Encore program focused on preparation for the new oral exam, followed by our comprehensive Invictus board review course.

YouTube LinkBritt Guest's lecture on pregnancy complications with expert emphasis from Matt Delaney. This preview focuses on differentiating normal pregnancy nausea from hyperemesis gravidarum while demonstrating effective board exam question strategies.• Normal pregnancy nausea can be managed with pyridoxine (B6), doxalamine, ondansetron, ginger, and eating smaller frequent meals• Hyperemesis gravidarum causes severe dehydration, weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and potential complications including Wernicke's encephalopathy• Severe vomiting can lead to mechanical complications like Mallory-Weiss tears, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax• Treatment escalation includes IV/IM medications and possibly steroids (with caution in first trimester)• Board-style questions demonstrate proper management of a dehydrated pregnant patient and recognition of molar pregnancy signs• Matt Delaney demonstrates how to work through unfamiliar terms on exams using clinical reasoningCheck out the full video version with visuals on YouTube - link in the show notes.

Link to CXR Fundamentals Series on EM:RAPWe explore Rubella (German measles or three-day measles), a disease that remains clinically relevant despite being considered nearly eradicated in the US due to vaccination.• Congenital rubella syndrome can cause severe complications including cataracts, cardiac abnormalities, growth restriction, and hearing loss• Rubella typically presents with cephalocaudal rash, low-grade fever, and arthralgia • The disease is less severe than measles but still concerning for pregnant women• Written documentation of at least one MMR dose is sufficient evidence of immunity• PCR testing provides the most accurate diagnosis during acute infection• Isolation period is seven days after rash onset to prevent transmission• Rubella has a long 17-day incubation period with contagiousness spanning 7 days before and after rash• Droplet precautions are appropriate for hospitalized patients• Management of exposed pregnant women involves isolation and post-delivery vaccination• Global vaccination coverage varies significantly, with lower rates in low-income regionsThe full Invictus program is coming soon with continuous updates, comprehensive videos, MCQs, and resources to support physicians throughout their careers.

YouTube LinkThe Invictus curriculum continues to expand with new lectures, emphasized content, transcripts, and multiple-choice questions, with Matt Delaney now helping with development. We explore pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium through a simple balloon analogy: two lungs squishing around the heart where air can leak into potential spaces, sometimes tracking into the neck or even dissecting into the pericardium.• Invictus curriculum growing with new features and comprehensive content for residents• Continuous board review is valuable throughout a medical career• Pneumomediastinum occurs when air leaks into the mediastinum from lungs, esophagus, or trachea• Air can track into subcutaneous tissues or dissect into the pericardium• Most pneumomediastinum cases need no treatment and resolve spontaneously• Tension pneumomediastinum or pneumopericardium may require intervention• Pneumopericardium can cause tamponade requiring drainage• Chris Riley demonstrates varying examples of pneumomediastinum on chest x-raysCheck out the full radiology x-ray fundamentals series on EM:RAP for more examples.

Link to YouTube VideoWe explore the essential techniques for accurately interpreting elbow X-rays, focusing on key lines, fat pad signs, and common fracture patterns that help reveal hidden injuries.• Standard elbow series includes AP, lateral, and oblique views, with the lateral being the most critical "money shot"• Two essential lines to draw: anterior humeral line (should pass through middle third of capitellum) and radiocapitellar line (should bisect the capitellum)• Fat pad signs are crucial indicators – posterior fat pads are NEVER normal and always indicate pathology• Pediatric injuries typically involve supracondylar fractures (60% of all pediatric elbow fractures)• Adult injuries commonly involve radial head fractures, with 20-40% showing only fat pad signs initially• Always check and document neurovascular status before and after any intervention• Displaced or comminuted fractures require urgent orthopedic consultation• Simple non-displaced fractures can be splinted with outpatient orthopedic follow-upCheck out the complete lecture and more educational content coming soon to the Invictus Board Review site.

Link to Scott Course: https://guidewirecoaching.com/unburnable/Scott Weingart discusses his journey into physician executive coaching, focusing on helping emergency medicine physicians overcome burnout through mindset shifts and practical skills development. • Burnout often stems from inner voice negativity that physicians mistake as their core identity• Cognitive distancing teaches docs to separate unhelpful thoughts from themselves• Stoic philosophy helps physicians accept unchangeable situations while finding meaningful challenges• Communication techniques like nonviolent communication transform difficult consultant interactions• "Fundies" (fundamentals) include maintaining basic physical needs during shifts• Optimal pace is sustainable rather than superhuman, like a marathoner not a sprinter• Sleep optimization requires avoiding alcohol after 5 pm and limiting caffeine• Lifelong mastery and continued learning provide meaning and purpose• Group coaching costs around $3000 for 12 sessions over 24 weeks• Meditation practice is "the game changer" for emergency medicine physiciansThe work matters and we need to help people stay in the game. If we can't fix the system yet, we need to focus on how to maintain ourselves within it.

YouTube LinkWe explore the clinical management of foodborne and waterborne illnesses, focusing on key differences between viral and bacterial causes that determine treatment approaches. Understanding when to use supportive care versus antimicrobial therapy helps clinicians provide appropriate management for this common presentation.• The vast majority of diarrheal illnesses are viral, self-limited, and need no testing or treatment beyond oral rehydration• Oral rehydration solutions are preferred over sports drinks, which can worsen diarrhea unless diluted• Homemade solution can be made with half teaspoon salt, six teaspoons sugar, and one liter of water• Anti-motility agents like loperamide should be avoided in children under two and patients with bloody diarrhea• Bloody diarrhea with fever (dysentery syndrome) typically indicates bacterial causes like Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli O157:H7, or Campylobacter• Azithromycin is now preferred over fluoroquinolones for treating bacterial diarrhea due to less resistance• Antimicrobials should be avoided in children with suspected E. coli O157:H7 due to risk of hemolytic uremic syndromeWatch for more detailed content on managing diarrheal illnesses in high-risk groups coming soon to the pit.

Links:YouTube VersionDirty White CoatThe PittNecrotizing soft tissue infections demand immediate recognition and aggressive treatment to prevent devastating outcomes and death. Dr. Mellick reviews critical diagnostic features, treatment protocols, and exam-relevant information about these life-threatening conditions through a series of board-style questions.• Necrotizing infections in IV drug users present with severe pain, woody edema, and require immediate surgical exploration• Hemorrhagic bullae and crepitus are "hard findings" strongly suggesting necrotizing fasciitis• Clindamycin plus broad spectrum antibiotics are essential to reduce toxin production and address polymicrobial nature• CT scan offers the best combination of sensitivity and availability for diagnosing necrotizing infections• Specific pathogens like Vibrio vulnificus should be considered in patients with exposure to coastal waters• Risk factors include immunocompromise, diabetes, cirrhosis, and injection drug use• Early surgical consultation and intervention are more important than waiting for imaging resultsIf you're triggered or experiencing PTSD from medical content, please seek help - modern therapies including ketamine can be effective treatment options.

YouTube LinkWe share exciting updates from our clinical experiences in Kenya and celebrate the authentic portrayal of emergency medicine in the television show "The Pit," which features emergency physician Joe Sachs as a key writer and producer.• Emergency medicine residency match rates have recovered to 97.9%, approaching the traditional 98-99% fill rate after dropping to 80% during COVID• A case study from Kenya featuring a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome following measles demonstrates the challenges of global medicine• IVIG therapy indications include Guillain-Barré syndrome, ITP, Kawasaki disease, optic neuritis, and some cases of necrotizing fasciitis• Cost barriers in resource-limited settings often necessitate alternative treatment approaches - the IVIG for this one patient would have cost the equivalent of 1,000 inpatient days• Upcoming Invictus study resources include comprehensive text materials, AI-powered search capability, and thousands of QBank questions• New preparation tools for the revised oral board examination format are being developed to address candidate anxietyEmail us with topics you'd like us to cover in upcoming episodes as we move beyond recent discussions of rashes, chickenpox, and measles.

YouTube linkMeasles and chickenpox are often confused despite having significant differences in symptoms, severity, and treatment options. We break down the key distinctions between these two infectious diseases, highlighting why measles is significantly more dangerous and why vaccination remains critical for public health.• Measles starts on head and neck, spreads downward through the body• Measles is highly contagious with an R0 of 18, spreading through respiratory droplets• Patients are infectious for four days before and after rash appears• Serious complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and potentially fatal SSPE years later• No specific treatment exists for measles beyond supportive care• Chickenpox presents as vesicular lesions, commonly on face, chest and back• Chickenpox is less severe with lower mortality rates than measles• Antiviral treatments like acyclovir are effective for high-risk chickenpox patients• Herpesvirus nature of chickenpox means it can reactivate later as shingles (zoster)• Vaccination has reduced global measles deaths from millions to about 100,000 annually• Current Texas outbreak has already caused two deaths among unvaccinated individualsVaccination saves lives. The diseases we prevent are far worse than unfounded concerns about vaccine safety.

Quick note on a travel pause then we will be back at it!

YouTube LinkPediatric emergency medicine is highlighted through a detailed discussion on torus fractures, their management, and the implications for treatment approaches. Ilene Claudius provides valuable insights into pediatric care, emphasizing the importance of community feedback and ongoing education for healthcare professionals.• Ilene Claudius is our expert • Overview of torus fractures and typical causes related to childhood injuries • New evidence on treating torus fractures with minimal intervention • The role of removable splints in pediatric fracture management • Feedback from listeners shapes future podcast content • Discussion of a potential subscription-based educational model • Exciting future projects and upcoming announcements in pediatric care

Mel presents a case of weakness. Don't read on or you will get the spoiler.YouTube LinkEaton-Lambert syndrome presents a unique clinical challenge, especially when linked to underlying malignancies. In this episode, we delve into the connections between muscle weakness, potential cancer diagnoses, and the importance of early recognition in enhancing patient care. • Case study of a 60-year-old man with muscle weakness highlights critical symptoms • Discussion of differential diagnosis for bulbar muscle weakness • Detailed explanation of Eaton-Lambert syndrome and its association with small cell carcinoma • Examination of pathophysiology involving autoimmune responses • Overview of treatment options focused on addressing underlying conditions • Historical context provided about the original researchers, Eaton and Lambert • Promotion of "The Pit" show highlighting authentic emergency medicine scenarios

Ok - this is a simple one - a great talk with a link to YouTube - we need your feedback.  Go watch the lecture and give you you feedback here on on the YouTube channel please :). Feedback can also go to: [email protected] YouTube Link here

Mel does some MCQs to highlight the diseases affecting bulbar muscles we have been covering the last few weeks.YouTube Link

This episode explores the intersections of emergency medicine and media representation, highlighting the successes of 'The Pit' and the new Invictus board review initiative. We discuss the importance of medical accuracy in shows, the decline in board exam scores, and the vital role of ongoing education. • Effect of 'The Pitt' on public perception of emergency medicine• Collaboration between medical experts and writers for accuracy• Discussion on the real stories behind emergency care• Introduction to the Invictus initiative for board exam prep• Focus on continuous feedback and adaptation in education• Strategies for addressing declining board exam scoresYoutube Link to this episode: https://youtu.be/jbYiajzT8XE

Discover the secrets behind mastering medical board exams with Mac Brown, a core faculty member at John Peter Smith Emergency Department. We promise you'll come away with innovative strategies that maximize your limited study time without sacrificing your well-being. Mac introduces his unique "candle making method," a study technique that focuses on building a solid foundation through consistent, small study sessions tailored to your individual learning style. Whether you're a fan of podcasts or prefer question banks, Mac's insights will help you integrate these tools into your routine, making exam preparation a seamless part of your daily life.In an era where medical exams are shifting toward simulation-based assessments, Mac guides you through advanced techniques to tackle these stress-inducing formats. Learn how to identify and fill knowledge gaps, enhance memorization of critical medical topics, and maintain a balance between study and self-care. As your career hinges on high exam scores, especially in high-pressure roles like those in emergency departments, these strategies become crucial. Join us to glean practical advice and innovative tools that ensure not just passing, but excelling in your medical board exams.Link to the CorePendium Study Guides

Mel reviews some of the key aspects of botulism.Link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ah9ajqNejX0

Mel covers more pearls about Guillain-Barre syndrome. Treatment, 20 second count test, LP findings, differential and more. YouTube link:https://youtu.be/VLOEchmw4dY

This will be a short series - you need to know the "foils" go back and listen to the Billy Mallon lecture on how to take the test. We are going to cover the foils so you can CRUSH the exam.Invictus Review  is coming in the new year and is based on CorePendium from the people at EM:RAP!

This is a classic lecture by Billy Mallon. How to prepare for exams but MORE importantly how to understand multiple choice questions and the all important foils. This is NOT to be missed content from the master of the game himself.

Mel goes over the classic ECG ST changes of pericarditis and where they DON'T occur. Also a little talk on morphology, watch the youtube video here. 

In this episode Mel reviews the positional pain of pericarditis, the leads you DON'T get ST segment elevation and a few more pearls. Invictus Reviews coming soon, next year :) YouTube video: https://youtube.com/shorts/F8UxCCvo4GoIn the meantime check our our EM and UC education at EMRAP.org

Mel Herbert introduces the new coming soon Invictus Reviews board review platform. More than just another board review course this is a living breathing ongoing project that you will all want to be part of. From the people that brought you EM:RAP, CorePendium, UCMax and some of the most transformative programs in all of medicine.