Stanford Emergency Medicine Podcast

The Curious EM Physician

Most conversations about AI ask what the technology can do. Dr. Matthew Strehlow and Dr. Rana Kabeer ask a different question: how should physicians think? From shadowing computer scientists to looking beyond diagnostics, they explore why curiosity, not technical expertise, may become medicine's most valuable clinical skill.  And they discuss practical ways clinicians can begin using AI today, why the greatest opportunities may lie in improving everyday workflows rather than replacing clinical judgment, and how medical education must evolve to prepare physicians for a future where AI is always available.  At the heart of the conversation is a reminder that while technology will continue to transform medicine, the qualities that define exceptional physicians, namely curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful human connection, remain irreplaceable. Learn more about our guest Dr. Rana Kabeer [https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/rana-kabeer] Learn more about our host Dr. Matthew Strehlow [https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/matthew-strehlow] Learn more about the Stanford Department of Emergency Medicine [https://emed.stanford.edu/] Learn more about our programs → emed.stanford.edu [https://emed.stanford.edu] Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook: @StanfordEMED

AI in the Human Loop - Rethinking Measurement in EM

After a patient with a life-threatening heart attack waited hours in an emergency department before anyone recognized the crisis, Dr. Maya Yiadom [https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/maame-yaa-yiadom] began asking a different question: Are we measuring what matters most? In this conversation with Dr. Matthew Strehlow [https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/matthew-strehlow], she explores the gap between healthcare metrics and patient outcomes, and how data, analytics, and AI can help identify missed opportunities, improve clinical decision-making, and build a safer, more responsive healthcare system. Learn more about our programs → emed.stanford.edu [https://emed.stanford.edu] Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook: @StanfordEMED

Why EM Physicians Make Great Innovators

Dr. Andra Blomkalns, Chair of Stanford Department of Emergency Medicine, discusses how emergency physicians can turn everyday clinical frustrations into meaningful healthcare innovation through the biodesign process. Drawing on stories from the emergency department, she explores how needs-finding, iterative problem-solving, and multidisciplinary collaboration can transform bedside insights into real-world impact. The conversation also examines why emergency medicine—with its fast-paced, unscripted environment and constant exposure to system gaps—is uniquely positioned to drive the future of patient-centered care. In this episode: * How to identify unmet clinical needs during everyday clinical practice * Why failure is a necessary part of innovation and design * How the biodesign process helps translate ideas into practical healthcare solutions * Why emergency physicians are uniquely equipped to lead innovation in healthcare Learn more about our programs → emed.stanford.edu [https://emed.stanford.edu] Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook: @StanfordEMED

Rethinking Addiction Care in Emergency Medicine

Emergency departments are becoming a frontline for addiction treatment. In this episode of the Stanford Emergency Medicine podcast, treatment pioneer Dr. Gail D’Onofrio of Yale University talks with guest host Dr. Manish Shah about how ED-initiated buprenorphine is transforming care, challenging stigma, and redefining the role of emergency medicine in addressing substance use disorders. Learn more about our programs → emed.stanford.edu [https://emed.stanford.edu] Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook: @StanfordEMED

Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Trends, Challenges, and Innovation

In this episode, we examine emerging trends in pediatric emergency medicine, including improving pediatric readiness and integrating care across systems. Drs. Deborah Hsu and Manish Shah highlight how innovation, data, and clinical mindsets are shaping practice while addressing ongoing challenges in caring for children. Topics include: * Where most children actually receive emergency care—and why that matters * The realities of practicing pediatric EM outside ideal resource settings * Where tools like AI and telemedicine are starting to change pediatric care * Balancing efficiency, testing, and clinical judgment on shift Guests: Dr. Deborah Hsu [https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/deborah-hsu] is Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at Stanford and Division Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric emergency care, medical education, and fellowship training, with prior leadership roles at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Manish Shah [https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/manish-shah] is a professor of pediatric emergency medicine at Stanford whose work focuses on integrating pediatric evidence into EMS systems through research, education, and advocacy. He is a leader in pediatric prehospital care, serving in national research networks and leading major clinical trials and initiatives to improve pediatric readiness in EMS systems. Host: Dr. Matthew Strehlow [https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/matthew-strehlow] is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at Stanford and serves as Vice Chair for Innovation and Clinical Improvement. His work focuses on improving patient care through system redesign, global health initiatives, and advancing emergency medicine education. Learn more about our programs → emed.stanford.edu [https://emed.stanford.edu] Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook: @StanfordEMED