Advertise on podcast: The Critical Care Commute Podcast

This engaging conversation explores career development, mentorship, and maintaining value throughout a medical career, with insights from experts in pediatric critical care, Drs Denise Goodman and Raj Basu. Key Topics: Career planning and transition strategiesMentorship's role in professional growthMaintaining motivation and feeling valuableThe importance of self-awareness and reflectionBalancing work, family, and personal fulfillment

In this "fireside" chat, recorded in front of a live audience at the Canadian Resuscitative Ultrasound Course West 2026 (CRUS WEST), Peter Brindley explores the role of point-of-care ultrasound in clinical practice, as we kick of Season 6. Join us as Drs Brian Buchanan and Leon Byker, course directors for this year's CRUS WEST 2026, along with Dr Leo Smyth, Internist and Point of Care Ultrasound specialist, share insights on how to integrate ultrasound effectively while avoiding common pitfalls, examining its benefits, limitations, and the evidence surrounding its impact on patient outcomes. Key Topics Discussed: Ultrasound as a diagnostic and monitoring toolThe role of physical exam versus ultrasoundEvidence, (or lack thereof) on ultrasound reducing mortalityRisks of over-reliance on ultrasoundTraining and competency in ultrasound useLegal and medicolegal considerationsUltrasound in procedural guidanceImpact of ultrasound on clinical workflowKey Words: ultrasound, point-of-care, clinical practice, diagnosis, procedure, evidence, medical education, patient safety

In this episode, Prof. Lynora Saxinger and hosts Peter Brindley and Leon Byker explore the history, impact, and public perception of vaccines. They discuss how vaccines have saved millions of lives, the challenges of vaccine hesitancy, and strategies for effective science communication. Key topics The impact of vaccines on global health and mortalityThe role of vaccines as heroes in medicineChallenges of vaccine hesitancy and misinformationThe importance of trust and communication in vaccinationStrategies for effective vaccine advocacy and education This episode was made possible by: Pfizer - Unrestricted Educational Grant - https://www.pfizer.com/

This episode features Professor Bram Rochwerg discussing the latest guidelines on surviving sepsis, covering evidence-based practices, fluid management, vasopressor use, and emerging therapies. Gain insights into how expert panels synthesize evidence to guide critical care in sepsis management. Key Topics Covered: Sepsis guideline updates 2026Evidence synthesis and recommendation strengthFluid resuscitation strategies and targetsVasopressor use and peripheral administrationEmerging therapies: Methylene blue, steroids, bicarbonateBiomarkers and diagnostics in sepsis Links: Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026 | SCCM Executive Summary: Surviving Sepsis Campaign:... : Critical Care Medicine

In this episode, we're joined by Sonja, RN, Nurse Educator, and host of the Sedation Vacation Radio podcast. (Full disclosure: we're big fans, so we might be just a little biased!) Sonja shares practical, real-world advice on infection prevention and control, from getting PPE right to safely managing patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers. Along the way, we explore what it takes to prepare healthcare teams and systems for these high-consequence situations, with plenty of practical tips and lessons you can apply in your own workplace. Key topics Infection control procedures for viral hemorrhagic fever PPE donning and doffing protocols with step-by-step guidance System-level response and isolation procedures for high-risk infectious cases Role of medical officers and rapid response teams in outbreak management Waste disposal and sample handling for contagious diseases Aerosol-generating medical procedures and precautions Takeaways: Proper PPE donning and doffing is critical to prevent self-contamination. Clear protocols and checklists improve safety during high-risk procedures. System-level planning includes designated isolation units and inter-agency communication. Understanding the difference between contact, droplet, and airborne precautions is essential. Links of Interest: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ebola/border-measures.htmlPractical PPE: Coverall PPE (this is the PPE that anyone going into the room and doing patient care or assessments will be wearing) https://youtu.be/ADosrKxfsNIBuddy PPE (this is the PPE that is worn by those who assist with Coverall doffing and other tasks) https://youtu.be/RaNwdvSyrb4Coverall and Buddy Doffing https://youtu.be/EjVoXmRNzWcSedation Vacation Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/15P4tJ7uW17u41bm3V7CEf?si=1ua7uXu-Sa6nQGrkur0Gow

Join us on this episode as we discuss Ebola Disease with Dr Rob Fowler, critical Care Physician, Researcher and Scientist. As a physician who experienced working with patients with Ebola Disease, there is no better person to discuss this hot topic. Key Topics Ebola virus strains and outbreaksDiagnostic testing and laboratory protocolsTherapeutic developments and clinical trialsSupportive care principles in Ebola treatmentInfection prevention and PPE in outbreak settingsCase fatality rates and clinical outcomesVirus immune evasion mechanismsPublic health response and outbreak management. Further reading and important links: WHO Supportive Care Guidelines (2026 – coming soon) https://www.magicevidence.org/WHO Specific Therapeutic Guidelines (not Bundibugyo species specific) (2022) http://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240055742WHO Ebola and Marburg virus IPC Guidelines (2026) https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240111332

This episode features Professor Wendy Sligl discussing hantaviruses, their transmission, clinical presentation, public health response, and prevention strategies. Aimed at healthcare professionals and public health officials, it provides critical insights into managing outbreaks and understanding zoonotic diseases. Key Topics: Hantavirus family and strains Transmission routes and human-to-human spread Clinical presentation and severity spectrum Public health response and quarantine protocols Prevention and protective measures

From Intubation Dilemmas to Data-Driven Decisions: Cutting-Edge Research in Pre-Hospital Trauma Care. In this episode, we explore a study that leverages machine learning and causal modeling to improve pre-hospital trauma interventions, specifically endotracheal intubation. Experts Amy Nelson and Julian Thompson discuss how innovative data analysis can inform real-time decision-making, enhance patient outcomes, and optimize resource allocation in emergency settings. Main Topics: The long-standing debate over early pre-hospital intubation and its survival benefitsMethodological advances using machine learning and causal inference in emergency researchHow predictive models can support clinicians at the roadside and future directions for trauma careThe significance of integrating AI tools into clinical judgment without replacing human expertiseCost-effectiveness and system-wide implications of adopting data-driven protocols in trauma systems

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Craig Spencer discusses the anti-vaccine movement, its community dynamics, historical context, and how healthcare professionals can engage effectively. The conversation explores the psychology behind vaccine hesitancy, community engagement strategies, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. Further Reading: https://www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/childrens-health-defense-conference-pro-vaccine-doctor/ Craig Spencer, MD, MPH | Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies | Brown University

In this episode, made possible through an educational grant from Sandoz Canada, Dr. George Zhanel discusses the latest developments in antimicrobial stewardship, focusing on IV Amox Clav, its clinical applications, safety profile, and the Canadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Real-Life Usage Registry (CLEAR). Gain insights into optimizing antibiotic use and future prospects in antimicrobial development. Key Topics: IV Amox Clav clinical applicationsCanadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Usage Registry (CLEAR)Antibiotic stewardship strategiesFuture developments in antimicrobial agents Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 01:47 Introduction of Dr. George Zhanel and his background 02:41 The journey into IV Amox Clav and its significance 03:21 Overview of the CLEAR registry and its purpose 06:18 Findings from the CLEAR study on IV Amox Clav usage 07:57 Clinical indications and safety profile of IV Amox Clav 10:58 De-escalation and appropriate use of IV Amox Clav 12:34 Use in bacteremia and various infections 13:35 Side effects and safety data of IV Amox Clav 15:02 Dosing strategies and renal adjustments 17:29 Beta-lactamase inhibitors and future antimicrobial development 20:16 Future prospects for new antibiotics in Canada 23:13 Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA) and involvement 25:53 Case examples and clinical decision-making in pneumonia and skin infections 31:09 Closing remarks and appreciation for the audience Resources: Canadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Real-Life Usage Registry (CLEAR) - https://www.clearregistry.ca Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA) - https://www.cara.ca Meropenem Vaborbactam - https://www.meropenem.com Ceftazidime-Avibactam - https://www.ceftazidime-avibactam.com Guest Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-zhanel Twitter - https://twitter.com/GeorgeZhanel

Young lives have sadly been lost in the 2026 Kent meningitis outbreak. An “unprecedented” cluster centred on the University of Kent, linked to a Canterbury nightclub, and rapidly spreading through student halls and social mixing. In this timely and hard-hitting podcast episode, Jonny is joined by Intensivists Martin Beed, Peter Brindley (authors of the new primer on infectious meningitis and encephalitis in the Journal of the Intensive Care Society), and Andrew Conway-Morris. They explore the UK government’s targeted MenB vaccination program for university students and affected schools, the critical importance of early clinical suspicion and prompt antibiotic administration, transmission risks in nightclubs and social settings (including behaviors like vaping), and lessons from past UK and global outbreaks. The discussion also covers practical public education, healthcare worker resources including useful infographics. The discussion stresses the need for high vigilance, rapid treatment, vaccination where appropriate, and support for public and family mental health during outbreaks. Packed with actionable clinical guidance and real-world takeaways, this episode is essential listening for healthcare professionals, students, parents, and anyone wanting to understand how to spot, treat, and prevent this devastating disease.

This episode features Sheldon Cheskes discussing advanced defibrillation techniques, including double sequential defibrillation, vector change, and the importance of early intervention in refractory VF. Gain insights into recent trials, practical protocols, and the impact on neurological outcomes. Key topics Double sequential defibrillation (DSD)Vector change and pad positioning in defibrillationTiming and dosing of medications in VFImpact of early intervention on neurological outcomesRecent clinical trials: Dose VF and EpiDose Further Reading: Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation

In this conversation, Peter Brindley and Timothy Caulfield discuss the critical importance of science communication in the face of misinformation and the challenges posed by predatory journals. They explore the societal impact of vaccines, the misuse of scientific terms for marketing purposes (scienceploitation), and the illusions surrounding science, goodness, and opinion. The discussion emphasizes the need for humility in science, the pressures researchers face, and the responsibility of all individuals to advocate for accurate scientific information. Lessons: We all have to speak up for science. Science is a process, not a list of facts. There is pressure to publish, leading to predatory journals. Vaccines are one of the most successful biomedical interventions. Science is often misused as clickbait. Terms like 'natural' have become meaningless in marketing. You can't really boost your immune system; it's about maintaining health. The wellness industry has significant conflicts of interest. The opinion illusion shows how we are manipulated by online reviews. Trillions of dollars depend on the credibility of online reviews.

In this conversation, Peter Brindley and Leon Byker sit down with Peter Kruger, President of the College of Intensive Care Medicine, to unpack one of the defining issues facing healthcare today: workforce reform. Against the backdrop of national workforce reviews across Australia and New Zealand, the discussion explores the tension between aspiration and reality. Governments want equitable access, rural coverage, sustainable systems, and improved wellbeing for clinicians. Colleges want standards, safety, and meaningful careers. Trainees want jobs. Communities want hospitals. Politicians want solutions. So how do we reconcile all of it? Dr. Kruger reflects on the growing engagement between specialist colleges and government, particularly around workforce maldistribution, rural and regional care, sub-specialization versus generalism, and the moral complexity of relying on internationally trained doctors. The conversation highlights a key truth: intensive care is a hospital-based, system-dependent specialty. You cannot simply “place a doctor” in a community without the supporting infrastructure. The episode also tackles uncomfortable but necessary questions: Can there be a universal standard for ICU access across vastly different hospital settings? Should governments mandate rural placements—or can communities be strengthened from within? What role should nurse practitioners and multidisciplinary teams play? Are we protecting turf, or protecting patients? And how do we better support doctors across the entire career pipeline—from medical student to senior intensivist winding down night shifts? Throughout, the tone is candid but diplomatic. There’s recognition that workforce reform is complex, long-standing, and resistant to simple solutions. Yet there is also optimism: trust, transparency, and genuine partnership between colleges and government may offer a way forward. At its core, this episode is about purpose. The shared mission between clinicians, colleges, and governments is delivering safe, effective care to the community. The challenge lies in doing so while balancing standards, sustainability, and humanity.

In this discussion at the College of Intensive Care meeting in Tasmania 2025, Peter Brindley and Leon Byker engage with Prof. John Myburgh, who talks about his long-standing involvement in critical care research and the annual college meeting. John discusses the significance of the grad ceremony and highlights the impact of his research group at the George Institute. He reflects on the contributions of late colleague Ronaldo and praises current leading figures. The conversation delves deep into the ongoing research on steroids in critical care, focusing on genetic endotypes and precision medicine. Other topics covered include interleukin treatments, the evolution of fluid management in treating conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, and the adaptive platform trials in sepsis. The discussion concludes with reflections on the Queensland Covid-19 vaccine and the broad implications of science, social forces, and politics in critical care advancements.00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:32 John's Involvement with the College01:47 Research and Collaborations03:29 Steroids in Critical Care04:49 Genomic Studies and Future Trials07:18 Challenges in Measuring Outcomes13:27 Interleukins and Sepsis14:18 Fluid Management in Critical Care19:31 COVID-19 and the Queensland Vaccine23:49 Closing Remarks