J Emerg Med
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Increasing numbers of emergency medicine (EM) residents and fellows are completing additional training with the intention of pursuing careers in global emergency medicine (GEM). At the same time, many academic emergency departments (EDs) are investing in the development of GEM divisions and global/international EM fellowship programs. However, the path for a successful career in this subspecialty has still not been defined. ⋯ Our survey provides an understanding of the amount of time that emergency physicians in GEM spend abroad and the types of activities in which they are currently engaged, as well as the barriers that need to be overcome in order to achieve fulfilling careers in this field.
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Night shift work is an integral component of the practice of emergency medicine (EM). Previous studies have demonstrated the challenges of night shift work to health and well being among health care providers. ⋯ Emergency physicians report negative impacts of night shift work, including fatigue, poor quality of sleep, mood decrement, irritability, and health challenges. Night shifts have a negative influence on job satisfaction and can be a factor in the decision to retire.
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Pesticides are highly toxic to human beings, and pesticide poisoning is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The identification of powerful prognostic markers is important for the management of patients with pesticide poisoning in emergency settings. ⋯ Leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios measured within the first 24 h after admission to the ED are useful and easy-to-use parameters for estimating prognosis in the follow-up of patients with pesticide poisoning.
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Difficult airway predictors (DAPs) are associated with failed endotracheal intubation (ETI) in the emergency department (ED). However, little is known about the relationship between DAPs and failed prehospital ETI. ⋯ DAPs are common in cases of FP-ETI. Some of these factors may be associated with FP-ETI. Additional study is needed to determine if DAPs can be used to identify patients that are difficult to intubate in the field.
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Case Reports
Optic Neuritis Diagnosed by Bedside Emergency Physician-Performed Ultrasound: A Case Report.
Optic neuritis is an inflammatory demyelinating condition of the optic nerve that causes subacute visual loss. It is often the result of an underlying systemic condition, such as multiple sclerosis. Due to the possible long-term morbidity associated with this condition, it is essential that the emergency physician recognizes the diagnosis and expedites treatment. ⋯ This article presents the case, describes diagnostic modalities, especially the use of ultrasound in its diagnosis, and the course of treatment for this particular condition.