ACEP Frontline

Latest Episodes:

So What: Snakebites with Spencer Greene Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

What do you do when a patient arrives with a venomous snakebite? Which bites are truly dangerous, when should antivenom be used, and what are the biggest myths that continue to circulate about snakebite management? On this episode of So What?, host Dr. Howie Mell sits down with one of the nation's leading experts on snake envenomation, Dr. Spencer Greene, for a practical, evidence-based discussion on the diagnosis and management of snakebites. From identifying clinically significant envenomations to avoiding outdated treatments that can do more harm than good, they break down what emergency clinicians need to know when every minute counts. The conversation explores initial assessment, laboratory evaluation, indications for antivenom, management of pit viper bites, patient disposition, and common misconceptions surrounding tourniquets, incision and suction, and other persistent folklore. Dr. Greene also shares clinical pearls from years of treating snakebite victims and discusses how emergency physicians can approach these uncommon but high-stakes cases with confidence. Whether you practice in an area where venomous snakes are common or simply want to be prepared for the unexpected, this episode delivers practical takeaways that can immediately impact patient care.

In this episode:

Initial evaluation of suspected snake envenomation
Pit viper versus nonvenomous bites
When antivenom is indicated—and when it isn't
Laboratory testing and ongoing monitoring
Common myths and management pitfalls
Disposition, observation, and follow-up recommendations
Practical pearls for emergency clinicians

Communicating Advocacy with Brad Fitch Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Recorded at ACEP's Leadership and Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC, this episode of ACEP Frontline features a conversation between Dr. Ryan Stanton and communications strategist Brad Fitch on the art and science of effective advocacy. As emergency medicine faces increasing challenges at the local, state, and federal levels, the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively has never been more important. Fitch shares practical strategies for engaging policymakers, the media, hospital leaders, and the public, emphasizing the importance of message discipline, storytelling, and relationship building. The discussion explores how emergency physicians can better articulate the value of the emergency department as the nation's healthcare safety net, translate complex healthcare issues into meaningful messages, and advocate effectively for patients and the specialty. Whether speaking with legislators on Capitol Hill or stakeholders in your own community, this episode offers valuable insights into how thoughtful communication can strengthen emergency medicine's voice and advance meaningful policy change.

Rallying the ED Culture with Dr. Thom Mayer Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton sits down with Dr. Thom Mayer, emergency physician, leadership expert, and Medical Director of the NFL Players Association, for an inspiring conversation about restoring purpose, culture, and leadership in emergency medicine. Drawing from decades of experience leading teams in healthcare, sports, and crisis environments, Dr. Mayer discusses why culture is not a byproduct of the emergency department, but rather the foundation upon which performance, resilience, and patient care are built. The discussion explores the challenges facing today's emergency departments, including burnout, overcrowding, and workforce pressures, while emphasizing that physician leadership remains one of the most powerful tools for creating positive change. Dr. Mayer shares practical insights on leading through adversity, fostering trust, developing high-performing teams, and reconnecting clinicians with the mission that brought them to emergency medicine. This episode is a powerful reminder that while circumstances may be difficult, strong leadership and intentional culture can transform the emergency department experience for physicians, staff, and patients alike.

Inside Politics with Nathan Gonzales Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Dr. Ryan Stanton sits down with political analyst and publisher of Inside Elections, Nathan Gonzales, for a timely discussion on the current political landscape in Washington, DC, and what it means for healthcare and emergency medicine. Recorded during ACEP’s Leadership and Advocacy Conference, the conversation explores the aftermath of recent elections, the shifting balance of power on Capitol Hill, and the key issues driving decision-making in Congress and the administration. Gonzales provides insight into the political environment, the challenges facing lawmakers, and the factors that will shape upcoming election cycles. The discussion also highlights what physicians and healthcare advocates should expect moving forward, offering valuable perspective on how the political climate influences healthcare policy, advocacy efforts, and the future of emergency medicine.

D-Dimer for Dissection and Evidence Update with Dr. Lauren Westafer Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

From the halls of Holy Cross College and the Massachusetts ACEP Conference, ACEP Frontline talks with Dr. Lauren Westafer for a high-yield discussion on two of emergency medicine’s most impactful diagnoses: aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism. Dr. Westafer breaks down the evolving evidence behind D-dimer testing, including the 2026 practice-changing data and ACEP clinical policy updates supporting the use of the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score combined with D-dimer to help safely risk stratify select patients with suspected acute aortic syndromes. The conversation explores how this approach may reduce unnecessary advanced imaging while maintaining patient safety, along with practical pearls for identifying the patients who still warrant immediate CTA evaluation. The episode also reviews modern pulmonary embolism diagnosis and management, discussing risk stratification, and disposition decisions. It is a practical, evidence-based conversation focused on improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing over-testing, and delivering high-value emergency care.

CMS on Boarding with Dr. Sean Michael May 25, 2026

Show notes

Recorded live at the ACEP Leadership and Advocacy Conference, this episode of ACEP Frontline features a timely conversation with Dr. Sean Michael, Regional Chief Medical Officer for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. As emergency departments across the country continue to face unprecedented crowding, prolonged boarding, staffing strain, and access challenges, Dr. Michael joins us to discuss how CMS is viewing the crisis and what potential policy “levers” may help address the growing nationwide problem. From hospital throughput and inpatient capacity to quality measures and accountability, we explore how federal policy could influence meaningful change for patients, physicians, hospitals, and the emergency care system as a whole.

Oregon CPOM Discussion with Rep. Ben Bowman May 19, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of ACEP Frontline, Ryan Stanton discusses the growing national conversation surrounding the corporate practice of medicine (CPOM) and Oregon’s landmark SB 951 legislation. Using the recent PeaceHealth news in Eugene as a backdrop, Dr. Stanton breaks down what CPOM means, why states are increasingly examining corporate influence in healthcare, and how Oregon lawmakers, led by Ben Bowman, crafted one of the strongest physician autonomy laws in the country. The episode explores the intent behind the legislation, including protecting independent medical judgment, preserving the physician-patient relationship, and limiting non-clinical interference in care decisions. Dr. Stanton also highlights the role of the Oregon Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and emergency physicians in shaping the discussion, while examining the broader implications these legislative efforts may have for emergency medicine, healthcare access, staffing models, and physician-led patient care nationwide.

EoE in EM with Dr. David Carlberg May 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of ACEP Frontline, we sit down with Dr. David Carlberg to discuss eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an increasingly recognized inflammatory condition of the esophagus that can present with food impactions, difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, and chronic reflux-like symptoms. Dr. Carlberg breaks down the underlying causes of EoE, including the role of allergic and immune-mediated responses, while highlighting the importance of recognizing the condition in both pediatric and adult patients presenting to the emergency department. The conversation also explores diagnostic considerations and current management strategies ranging from dietary modifications and proton pump inhibitors to topical steroids and endoscopic interventions. The episode wraps with a reminder for emergency physicians to check out the ACEP POC Smart Phrase on EoE for practical bedside guidance and streamlined documentation support.

Supported by Sanofi.

Rural Access and Advocacy with Dr. Aaron Kuzel - ACEP LAC May 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of ACEP Frontline, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Kuzel from the University of Louisville to discuss one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today, protecting and expanding access to emergency care in rural America. From hospital closures and workforce shortages to increasing healthcare deserts across the country, rural communities continue to face growing barriers to timely emergency treatment. Dr. Kuzel shares his perspective on the critical role emergency physicians play in ensuring high-quality, lifesaving care regardless of a patient’s ZIP code. The conversation explores why physician-led emergency care matters, the unique challenges facing smaller and rural emergency departments, and how advocacy at the state and national level is essential to preserving access for vulnerable populations. We also dive into the role of organized emergency medicine through American College of Emergency Physicians and how advocacy efforts are shaping policies focused on patient safety, workforce development, reimbursement, and sustainable rural healthcare systems. Whether discussing boarding, transfer delays, or maintaining specialty access in underserved regions, this episode highlights why emergency medicine remains the healthcare safety net for communities large and small. It’s a timely and important conversation about the future of emergency care, and the ongoing fight to ensure every patient has access to physician-led emergency medicine when they need it most.

ER to the House with Dr. Venkat and Dr. Reeder - ACEP LAC Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

At the 2026 ACEP Leadership and Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., The Frontline sits down with emergency physicians turned state legislators Arvind Venkat and Tim Reeder for a candid conversation about bringing frontline experience into the halls of government. From balancing overnight shifts with legislative sessions to navigating the realities of healthcare policy, both physicians share how emergency medicine uniquely prepares doctors to advocate for patients beyond the bedside. The discussion explores the challenges of policy making, the importance of physician voices in government, and how emergency physicians can influence meaningful change at the local, state, and national levels.

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