WEEK IN REVIEW:
Wow, we are already starting Block 5!  Hope everyone’s transition is going smoothly.

Last week, we concluded Block 4 with a completely redonkulous lineup of awesomeness.  No, redonkulous is not a word, but the definition can be found at urbandictionary.com.  Educational events kicked off last Wednesday night with journal club, where we discussed tends in medical error disclosure, the ACEP clinical policies for management of the complications of early pregnancy and, my personal favorite, a great review article highlighting the paucity of literature, i.e. randomized control trials, for the utility of the parachute in cases of gravitational challenge.  The last article, eloquently presented by the evening’s lead discussant Jim Adams, called to our attention that complete adherence to evidence-based practice is not always practical and/or logical.  Thanks again to EMC for sponsoring the event at Pappadeaux.  The Mahi Mahi was divine.  Also, thanks to Marcus and Christo for excellent presentations.

Thursday conference was legendary… or at least really, really good!  We started with Reading Program where Richisa peppered us with questions on emergencies in 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancy.  Next, Dr. Diggs from the OBGYN department offered a lecture on the sexual assault exam.  This was followed by a great lecture on vaginal bleeding by Dr. Moschos.  Immediately prior to Grand Rounds, we had a surprise guest lecturer, Dr. Butler, who discussed health and emergency care in New Zealand.  He is our prime contact and site coordinator for the New Zealand rotation.  Finally, we ended the last conference of the block in the usual fashion with Grand Rounds.  Dr. Jim Adams, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Northwestern, discussed ethical issues and professionalism in the ED.  The talk was exceptional!

A FEW ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES:

• Please note that we will hold Chief’s Conference from 12:00-12:30 on October 22.  Chief’s conference is always held immediately after the first conference of each block.  This is a valuable time for residents to meet and discuss concerns without the presence of faculty.
• For the next two weeks, we will be trialing a “fast track” float shift on most weekday afternoons.  This resident will attempt to rapidly dispo low acuity patients.  Feel free to contact the fast track team if you feel you have an appropriate patient.

THIS WEEK:

• Oct 21st @ 4pm: Board Review session for OBGYN
• Oct 22nd @ 8am: Conference includes Case Conference, Residency Update and Oral Board Review.

NOTABLE FUTURE EVENTS:

• Oct 28th @ 4pm: Intern Conference
• Nov 5th @ 8am: Ultrasound Lab