ACEP Frontline

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. Erik Blutinger during the ACEP Partner Collaborative to discuss how emergency medicine is expanding beyond the traditional walls of the emergency department. As healthcare continues to evolve, emergency physicians are uniquely positioned to meet patients where they are, whether through community-based care, mobile health initiatives, telemedicine, observation services, or innovative care delivery models. Dr. Blutinger explores the growing opportunities for emergency physicians to extend their expertise beyond the ED while maintaining the specialty's core mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered acute care. The conversation also examines how these new models can improve access, reduce disparities, strengthen healthcare systems, and create exciting career pathways for emergency physicians. This episode challenges listeners to rethink the boundaries of emergency medicine and consider how the specialty can continue to innovate, lead, and serve patients wherever they need us most.

Recorded at the 4th Annual Colorado ACEP Leadership Symposium and EM: High Risk – Can't Miss Conference in Beaver Creek, this episode of ACEP Frontline features a presentation by Dr. Anna Engeln on the recognition and management of peripartum emergencies, with a special focus on peripartum cardiomyopathy. While postpartum patients are encountered less frequently in many emergency departments, they can present with rapidly evolving, life-threatening conditions that require a high index of suspicion. Dr. Engeln reviews the physiologic changes of the postpartum period, highlights red flags that distinguish normal recovery from serious pathology, and discusses the evaluation and management of low frequency but high risk peripartum emergencies. The session places particular emphasis on recognizing peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially devastating diagnosis that can masquerade as common postpartum complaints. Through practical clinical pearls and evidence-based recommendations, this presentation equips emergency physicians with the tools to identify these high-risk conditions early and provide timely, lifesaving care for postpartum patients.