The Learning Curve

TSN 5 - Nec Fasc: Time Is Tissue with Dr. Irtaza Asar

Summary: “Just cellulitis” … until the patient crashes. Necrotizing soft tissue infections are rare, deadly, and EASY to miss early. In this episode of TSN5, we break down the red flags that should make you stop and think: Pain out of proportion Rapid progression Crepitus, bullae, skin changes The “sicker than they look” patient Because in nec fasc… time is tissue.

TSN 5 – Syncope Approach in the ED with Dr. Emily F.

Summary: In the emergency department, most syncope is benign—but the cases you miss can be life-threatening. In this TSN5 episode, Dr. Emily F. shares a simple framework to rapidly identify high-risk patients, grounded in core essentials like the ECG, glucose, and pregnancy test. Instead of relying on complex scoring systems, this practical approach helps clinicians confirm true syncope, recognize red flags using the ABCDE LEFT RIGHT rule, and stratify risk based on history and key findings. The result: faster, clearer decision-making—so you can confidently determine who needs further workup and who can be safely discharged.

TSN 5 - Move Fast, Think Smart: ED Efficiency with Dr. Gavin Rogers

When the ED gets chaotic, moving faster isn’t the answer—thinking better is. In this TSN5 episode, Dr. Gavin Rogers shows how structured prioritization, early critical actions, and clear communication can turn chaos into control. High-yield strategies to help you stay sharp, protect your cognitive bandwidth, and perform at your best under pressure.

TSN 5 - Time is Brain: Use VAN with Dr. Ronith Chakraborty

Summary: In this episode of Teach Me Something New in Under 5 Minutes (TSN5), Dr. Ronith Chakraborty discusses the importance of quickly identifying large vessel occlusions (LVOs) in stroke patients using the VAN score. Unlike the NIH Stroke Scale, which is comprehensive but time-consuming, the VAN score is designed for speed and efficiency. It focuses on identifying weakness and cortical signs such as vision, aphasia, and neglect. If a patient shows weakness plus any of these signs, it indicates a potential LVO, prompting immediate action towards thrombectomy. The VAN score is quick, taking less than 30 seconds, and has a high sensitivity, making it a practical tool in emergency settings.

TSN 5 - The Pediatric Airway Trap with Dr. Irtaza Asar

Summary: In this episode of TSN5, Dr. Irtaza Asar breaks down one of the highest-stakes skills in emergency medicine: managing the pediatric airway. Kids aren’t just small adults—their airways are smaller, more anterior, and far less forgiving. A little swelling can mean big trouble. In this rapid, high-yield segment, you’ll learn why pediatric airways decompensate so quickly and how to stay ahead of it. We cover the key anatomical differences—like the larger tongue, higher larynx, and narrow subglottic space—and translate them into practical, bedside strategies. From optimizing positioning with a shoulder roll to recognizing early signs of airway compromise, this episode is packed with pearls to help you avoid common pitfalls and intubate with confidence. Because in pediatrics, seconds matter—and preparation is everything.