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Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine
You're a doctor 11 hours into your shift, and you've just walked into a waiting area packed with patients. There's an elderly man complaining of chest pain, a teenage girl whose arms are swollen with bee stings, and an ambulance bringing in two unresponsive kids from a car crash. What do you do next?
In Dr. Benaroch's 24 lectures, experience for yourself the high-stakes drama and medical insights of life in an everyday emergency department: the most intense department in any hospital and home to the kind of split-second decision making, troubleshooting, and detective work that can make the difference between a patient's life and death.
Every lecture brings you up close and personal with the common and uncommon medical crises that emergency doctors encounter throughout their careers. As you shadow Dr. Benaroch on his shifts and sometimes even venture off-site, you'll encounter patients coming in with a variety of symptoms and complaints - some of which are easily diagnosed and treated and some of which are more life-threatening than they first appear. At the heart of each case are powerful examples of:
How emergency doctors think on their feet
How emergency doctors determine what's really wrong with a patient
How emergency doctors rule in - or out - certain diagnoses
How emergency doctors counsel patients and families on improving health
This is your opportunity to explore the adventure, mystery, and fascination of emergency medicine - and to discover why it's one of the most exciting and rewarding branches of medicine to work in.
In Dr. Benaroch's 24 lectures, experience for yourself the high-stakes drama and medical insights of life in an everyday emergency department: the most intense department in any hospital and home to the kind of split-second decision making, troubleshooting, and detective work that can make the difference between a patient's life and death.
Every lecture brings you up close and personal with the common and uncommon medical crises that emergency doctors encounter throughout their careers. As you shadow Dr. Benaroch on his shifts and sometimes even venture off-site, you'll encounter patients coming in with a variety of symptoms and complaints - some of which are easily diagnosed and treated and some of which are more life-threatening than they first appear. At the heart of each case are powerful examples of:
How emergency doctors think on their feet
How emergency doctors determine what's really wrong with a patient
How emergency doctors rule in - or out - certain diagnoses
How emergency doctors counsel patients and families on improving health
This is your opportunity to explore the adventure, mystery, and fascination of emergency medicine - and to discover why it's one of the most exciting and rewarding branches of medicine to work in.
12 pages, Audible Audio
Published October 23, 2015
10 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 7, 2021
This is one of the Great Courses series, in which an emergency room physician walks you through an ER doc's day, giving case after case ranging from the mundane (mom brings her kid in, worried about a persistent cough) to the traumatic (teenage girl strokes out, guy comes in with multiple gunshot wounds).
This isn't attempting to be "medical school," of course, nor is it a first aid course. But Dr. Benaroch gives a personable narration of how ER docs think. What they look at first, how they do rapid assessment of a patient, how patients get sorted and triaged, and all the ways a diagnosis can surprise someone. He tries to give the layman advice on how to be a "good patient" and what you as a family member or caregiver can do to help when you bring someone to the ER. (Rule #1: Don't lie to your doctor. Rule #2: Don't hide information from your doctor.)
After a few chapters, some of the cases became repetitive, but the doc is trying to drill diagnostic routines into us, as well as the ABC of ER medicine ("airway, breathing, circulation"). There are a few historical tangents, like how terrible trauma medicine and hospitals were until the 20th century (in the American Civil War, most physicians were basically practicing medicine that hadn't changed much since Roman times) and a few funny episodes (the guy who comes in telling the doctor that he had a wild week in Mexico, including unprotected sex with prostitutes: "Do you think there's a chance I might have caught something, Doc?").
A good educational listen, maybe not quite as dramatic as your typical House episode, but he does give you a few mysteries to solve with the clues he presents.
This isn't attempting to be "medical school," of course, nor is it a first aid course. But Dr. Benaroch gives a personable narration of how ER docs think. What they look at first, how they do rapid assessment of a patient, how patients get sorted and triaged, and all the ways a diagnosis can surprise someone. He tries to give the layman advice on how to be a "good patient" and what you as a family member or caregiver can do to help when you bring someone to the ER. (Rule #1: Don't lie to your doctor. Rule #2: Don't hide information from your doctor.)
After a few chapters, some of the cases became repetitive, but the doc is trying to drill diagnostic routines into us, as well as the ABC of ER medicine ("airway, breathing, circulation"). There are a few historical tangents, like how terrible trauma medicine and hospitals were until the 20th century (in the American Civil War, most physicians were basically practicing medicine that hadn't changed much since Roman times) and a few funny episodes (the guy who comes in telling the doctor that he had a wild week in Mexico, including unprotected sex with prostitutes: "Do you think there's a chance I might have caught something, Doc?").
A good educational listen, maybe not quite as dramatic as your typical House episode, but he does give you a few mysteries to solve with the clues he presents.
April 28, 2019
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an ER doctor? Well, I have.
This audiobook is a part of the Great Courses section on Audible. And before you roll your eyes and dismiss this as a dull, textbook-type read, I have to say you're wrong. This book reads nothing like a textbook. It is more like an interactive audio walkthrough. You step into the shoes of an ER resident. Your supervisor is Roy Benaroch and he will be guiding you through different days in the ER. No one day - or should I say chapter? - will be the same.
Roy Benaroch is an excellent narrator. He makes you feel like you are right there on the ER floor with him. And man, did it give me a new found respect for the nurses, doctors, administration staff, social workers and so forth that work in the ER. You need to be a quick and critical thinker since you can never predict what is going to happen next. Sometimes patients will come in with minor symptoms that will escalate to serious ones.
Benaroch touches on a variety of topics in this lecture series like gun shot wounds, bone fractures, domestic violence, child abuse, suicide attempts, myocardial infarctions, asthma, and so forth. Also, he goes through a ton of case studies, pauses to let you think about the scenarios, and then gives you the answers. This book also touches on some of the challenges of being in the ER. Often ER doctors can't establish a meaningful connection with their patients since they usually (and hopefully) only see them once.
As someone who is very curious about medicine, this book helped satiate my appetite. This is in *no way* a full look at everything that goes on in the ER, nor will it make you a medical professional, but it does contain useful information. As a patient, reading it helped me understand how doctors work in multidisciplinary teams and diagnose conditions.
This audiobook is a part of the Great Courses section on Audible. And before you roll your eyes and dismiss this as a dull, textbook-type read, I have to say you're wrong. This book reads nothing like a textbook. It is more like an interactive audio walkthrough. You step into the shoes of an ER resident. Your supervisor is Roy Benaroch and he will be guiding you through different days in the ER. No one day - or should I say chapter? - will be the same.
Roy Benaroch is an excellent narrator. He makes you feel like you are right there on the ER floor with him. And man, did it give me a new found respect for the nurses, doctors, administration staff, social workers and so forth that work in the ER. You need to be a quick and critical thinker since you can never predict what is going to happen next. Sometimes patients will come in with minor symptoms that will escalate to serious ones.
Benaroch touches on a variety of topics in this lecture series like gun shot wounds, bone fractures, domestic violence, child abuse, suicide attempts, myocardial infarctions, asthma, and so forth. Also, he goes through a ton of case studies, pauses to let you think about the scenarios, and then gives you the answers. This book also touches on some of the challenges of being in the ER. Often ER doctors can't establish a meaningful connection with their patients since they usually (and hopefully) only see them once.
As someone who is very curious about medicine, this book helped satiate my appetite. This is in *no way* a full look at everything that goes on in the ER, nor will it make you a medical professional, but it does contain useful information. As a patient, reading it helped me understand how doctors work in multidisciplinary teams and diagnose conditions.
December 6, 2024
An excellent introduction to the Emergency Department and the common protocols and procedures. The narrator has an impressive background and could be condescending and irritating, but instead he’s pleasant to listen too, and does a fantastic job explaining really complicated body problems in lay man terms.
The module is 24 different scenarios common in the ER and each was a fascinating and engaging story. I plan to listen to everything he’s produced and would highly recommend this if the subject is interesting to you.
The module is 24 different scenarios common in the ER and each was a fascinating and engaging story. I plan to listen to everything he’s produced and would highly recommend this if the subject is interesting to you.
December 28, 2024
This is like listening to a medical television series while learning the basics about diagnosis and treatment in an emergency department.
November 7, 2023
Step into the shoes of an Emergency Medicine resident guided by Dr. Roy Benaroch as your supervisor.
If you ever find yourself at the end of the emergency room line, consider yourself lucky because it likely means your condition is not life-threatening or severe enough to require immediate medical attention. While waiting can be frustrating, it also means that your condition is not as dire as others, and you can receive the necessary care once it’s your turn. In his book, ‘Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine’ Dr. Roy Benaroch explains this and other medical secrets. Each day in the Emergency Room brings unique challenges, and Dr. Roy Benaroch’s narration makes you feel like you’re right there on the floor. You gain newfound respect for the dedicated ER staff who handle unpredictable situations and must think quickly and critically.
Author’s background
Dr. Roy Benaroch is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He is a Board-Certified Pediatrician practicing at Pediatric Physicians, PC near Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Benaroch has authored two books on parenting and pediatric health, and he maintains a blog for parents and health professionals at pediatricinsider.com.
He also gives lectures to medical students, residents, and physician assistants at Emory University. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of the Cobb Health Futures Foundation, Inc., focusing on public health for all.
What is the book about?
The book is a collection of 24 lectures by Dr. Benaroch that provides an in-depth exploration of life in an everyday emergency department. It offers readers an opportunity to experience the high-stakes drama and medical insights that unfold in one of the most intense departments within a hospital.
The cases presented in the lectures feature patients with a variety of symptoms and complaints. Some cases are easily diagnosed and treated, while others are more complex and life-threatening than they initially seem. The lectures aim to illustrate the thought processes and decision-making skills that emergency doctors employ while dealing with these critical situations.
The book delves into the mindset of emergency doctors, how they think on their feet, how they determine the true cause of a patient’s condition, and how they diagnose and rule out potential health issues. It also highlights the vital role of counseling patients and their families on improving their overall health.
Overall, the book provides a captivating exploration of the adventure, mystery, and fascination of emergency medicine.
Key takeaways from ‘Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine’
1. In emergency situations it’s important to use the principles of triage
The book discusses the concept of triage in emergency medicine, emphasising how physicians prioritise patients based on the severity of their conditions. It highlights the dynamic nature of triage, where priorities may change as new patients arrive. Patients with the most critical and urgent conditions are prioritised and treated first. If you are at the end of the line, it indicates that there are other patients who need medical care more urgently than you do.
2. Involving a family can help treating illness
Dr. Benaroch emphasises the significance of considering the patient’s family in emergency care. He presents two cases to illustrate this point. In the first case, a football player with a recurrent cough is diagnosed with asthma. Despite initial skepticism from the family, the physician educates them about asthma management, leading to their cooperation in treatment. In the second case, an unresponsive diabetic patient’s family learns about diabetes management and is encouraged to actively participate in her care. The book highlights how involving the family can improve patient outcomes and prevent future visits to the emergency department.
3. Always take chest pain serious
The book highlights the importance of immediate interventions in case of chest pain, such as oxygen administration and IV lines. It also mentions various causes of chest pain, ranging from life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarctions and pulmonary embolisms to less serious issues like pneumonia and anxiety. It emphasises the need to never ignore and take all chest pain seriously and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing such symptoms.
4. Remember the ABCDE mnemonic to recognise possible skin cancer
Early detection of skin cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. There are five characteristics of skin cancer that are easy to remember from the mnemonic ABCDE.
• Asymmetry – Suspicious skin lesions may look asymmetric.
• Border – Cancerous lesions may have uneven or notched borders.
• Color – Cancerous lesions often have variable colors or changing coloring.
• Diameter – Larger lesions are more likely to be cancerous.
• Evolving – Any mole or mark that changes in color, size, elevation, or borders is more suspicious than a stable mole.
5. It’s crucial to analyse an altered mental status
Altered mental status (AMS) is a term used in medicine to describe a change in a person’s normal level of consciousness and mental function. It refers to a state in which a person’s mental activity, including their cognition, behavior, and responsiveness, is different from what is expected or their baseline. The person may appear confused, disoriented, agitated, or have difficulty following commands or answering questions.
AMS can have various underlying causes, ranging from minor issues like dehydration or medication side effects to more serious conditions such as infections, metabolic imbalances, head injuries, strokes, seizures, or even severe medical emergencies like sepsis. Recognising and diagnosing the cause of altered mental status is essential in medical settings, particularly in the emergency department, as it often indicates an urgent need for further evaluation and treatment to address the underlying condition.
6. Fever can be both friend and foe
Fever can be both a friend and a foe. It is the body’s response to infections and other triggers. In some cases, it helps identify and fight infections. However, fever can also be harmful, causing discomfort and dehydration. Proper evaluation of the patient’s overall health and clinical condition is essential to determine the severity of the underlying cause. Height of the fever is not a reliable indicator, and fever should be treated with care and monitored closely during medical evaluations.
7. In the emergency situation, specialists use the ABC approach to prioritise life-saving interventions
ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. It is a mnemonic used in emergency medicine and first aid to prioritise the initial assessment and treatment of a patient, particularly in critical or life-threatening situations.
• Airway: Ensuring that the patient’s airway is open and unobstructed is the first priority. If the airway is blocked, it needs to be cleared to allow for adequate breathing.
• Breathing: Next, the focus is on assessing the patient’s breathing. If the patient is not breathing or having difficulty breathing, appropriate interventions are taken to support or restore breathing.
• Circulation: After addressing the airway and breathing, the medical team assesses the patient’s circulation, including checking for a pulse and signs of adequate blood circulation. If circulation is compromised, measures are taken to restore it, such as administering fluids, blood products, or medications.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Insightful book that helps to understand how the ER medicine works.
• Very engaging writing style that makes you emerge in the story.
• Contains detailed exploration of interesting and informative medical cases.
Weaknesses:
• Not terribly informative, doesn’t have ‘big picture’ content.
Best quotes from ‘Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine’
“Pain seems to be more than just a thing, or just a symptom. It makes its own demands, and it is very hard to ignore. All pain has to be evaluated and treated with compassion – though not all pain is best treated only with pain medications.”
“There’s a key question from the history when someone has chronic symptoms: Is today’s symptom the same?”
“There’s a myth that somehow people will swallow their tongue during a seizure. That doesn’t happen, and trying to prevent that from happening by putting anything in a seizing patient’s mouth can cause grave harm if it triggers vomiting.”
“Chemicals splashed into the eye can cause some of the most damaging injuries. The important thing is to start irrigating right away, and continue irrigating while getting the victim to the ED.”
Final takeaway
‘Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine’ covers various topics, from gunshot wounds and fractures to domestic violence, child abuse, and medical emergencies like heart attacks and asthma. Dr. Benaroch presents intriguing case studies, prompting you to think before revealing the answers. The book also sheds light on the challenges ER doctors face, such as limited patient interactions due to the nature of the job. If you are someone curious about medicine, this book will satisfy your appetite for knowledge. While not a comprehensive view of the ER, it offers valuable insights into the teamwork and diagnostic processes involved in patient care.
If you ever find yourself at the end of the emergency room line, consider yourself lucky because it likely means your condition is not life-threatening or severe enough to require immediate medical attention. While waiting can be frustrating, it also means that your condition is not as dire as others, and you can receive the necessary care once it’s your turn. In his book, ‘Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine’ Dr. Roy Benaroch explains this and other medical secrets. Each day in the Emergency Room brings unique challenges, and Dr. Roy Benaroch’s narration makes you feel like you’re right there on the floor. You gain newfound respect for the dedicated ER staff who handle unpredictable situations and must think quickly and critically.
Author’s background
Dr. Roy Benaroch is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He is a Board-Certified Pediatrician practicing at Pediatric Physicians, PC near Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Benaroch has authored two books on parenting and pediatric health, and he maintains a blog for parents and health professionals at pediatricinsider.com.
He also gives lectures to medical students, residents, and physician assistants at Emory University. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of the Cobb Health Futures Foundation, Inc., focusing on public health for all.
What is the book about?
The book is a collection of 24 lectures by Dr. Benaroch that provides an in-depth exploration of life in an everyday emergency department. It offers readers an opportunity to experience the high-stakes drama and medical insights that unfold in one of the most intense departments within a hospital.
The cases presented in the lectures feature patients with a variety of symptoms and complaints. Some cases are easily diagnosed and treated, while others are more complex and life-threatening than they initially seem. The lectures aim to illustrate the thought processes and decision-making skills that emergency doctors employ while dealing with these critical situations.
The book delves into the mindset of emergency doctors, how they think on their feet, how they determine the true cause of a patient’s condition, and how they diagnose and rule out potential health issues. It also highlights the vital role of counseling patients and their families on improving their overall health.
Overall, the book provides a captivating exploration of the adventure, mystery, and fascination of emergency medicine.
Key takeaways from ‘Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine’
1. In emergency situations it’s important to use the principles of triage
The book discusses the concept of triage in emergency medicine, emphasising how physicians prioritise patients based on the severity of their conditions. It highlights the dynamic nature of triage, where priorities may change as new patients arrive. Patients with the most critical and urgent conditions are prioritised and treated first. If you are at the end of the line, it indicates that there are other patients who need medical care more urgently than you do.
2. Involving a family can help treating illness
Dr. Benaroch emphasises the significance of considering the patient’s family in emergency care. He presents two cases to illustrate this point. In the first case, a football player with a recurrent cough is diagnosed with asthma. Despite initial skepticism from the family, the physician educates them about asthma management, leading to their cooperation in treatment. In the second case, an unresponsive diabetic patient’s family learns about diabetes management and is encouraged to actively participate in her care. The book highlights how involving the family can improve patient outcomes and prevent future visits to the emergency department.
3. Always take chest pain serious
The book highlights the importance of immediate interventions in case of chest pain, such as oxygen administration and IV lines. It also mentions various causes of chest pain, ranging from life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarctions and pulmonary embolisms to less serious issues like pneumonia and anxiety. It emphasises the need to never ignore and take all chest pain seriously and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing such symptoms.
4. Remember the ABCDE mnemonic to recognise possible skin cancer
Early detection of skin cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. There are five characteristics of skin cancer that are easy to remember from the mnemonic ABCDE.
• Asymmetry – Suspicious skin lesions may look asymmetric.
• Border – Cancerous lesions may have uneven or notched borders.
• Color – Cancerous lesions often have variable colors or changing coloring.
• Diameter – Larger lesions are more likely to be cancerous.
• Evolving – Any mole or mark that changes in color, size, elevation, or borders is more suspicious than a stable mole.
5. It’s crucial to analyse an altered mental status
Altered mental status (AMS) is a term used in medicine to describe a change in a person’s normal level of consciousness and mental function. It refers to a state in which a person’s mental activity, including their cognition, behavior, and responsiveness, is different from what is expected or their baseline. The person may appear confused, disoriented, agitated, or have difficulty following commands or answering questions.
AMS can have various underlying causes, ranging from minor issues like dehydration or medication side effects to more serious conditions such as infections, metabolic imbalances, head injuries, strokes, seizures, or even severe medical emergencies like sepsis. Recognising and diagnosing the cause of altered mental status is essential in medical settings, particularly in the emergency department, as it often indicates an urgent need for further evaluation and treatment to address the underlying condition.
6. Fever can be both friend and foe
Fever can be both a friend and a foe. It is the body’s response to infections and other triggers. In some cases, it helps identify and fight infections. However, fever can also be harmful, causing discomfort and dehydration. Proper evaluation of the patient’s overall health and clinical condition is essential to determine the severity of the underlying cause. Height of the fever is not a reliable indicator, and fever should be treated with care and monitored closely during medical evaluations.
7. In the emergency situation, specialists use the ABC approach to prioritise life-saving interventions
ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. It is a mnemonic used in emergency medicine and first aid to prioritise the initial assessment and treatment of a patient, particularly in critical or life-threatening situations.
• Airway: Ensuring that the patient’s airway is open and unobstructed is the first priority. If the airway is blocked, it needs to be cleared to allow for adequate breathing.
• Breathing: Next, the focus is on assessing the patient’s breathing. If the patient is not breathing or having difficulty breathing, appropriate interventions are taken to support or restore breathing.
• Circulation: After addressing the airway and breathing, the medical team assesses the patient’s circulation, including checking for a pulse and signs of adequate blood circulation. If circulation is compromised, measures are taken to restore it, such as administering fluids, blood products, or medications.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Insightful book that helps to understand how the ER medicine works.
• Very engaging writing style that makes you emerge in the story.
• Contains detailed exploration of interesting and informative medical cases.
Weaknesses:
• Not terribly informative, doesn’t have ‘big picture’ content.
Best quotes from ‘Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine’
“Pain seems to be more than just a thing, or just a symptom. It makes its own demands, and it is very hard to ignore. All pain has to be evaluated and treated with compassion – though not all pain is best treated only with pain medications.”
“There’s a key question from the history when someone has chronic symptoms: Is today’s symptom the same?”
“There’s a myth that somehow people will swallow their tongue during a seizure. That doesn’t happen, and trying to prevent that from happening by putting anything in a seizing patient’s mouth can cause grave harm if it triggers vomiting.”
“Chemicals splashed into the eye can cause some of the most damaging injuries. The important thing is to start irrigating right away, and continue irrigating while getting the victim to the ED.”
Final takeaway
‘Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine’ covers various topics, from gunshot wounds and fractures to domestic violence, child abuse, and medical emergencies like heart attacks and asthma. Dr. Benaroch presents intriguing case studies, prompting you to think before revealing the answers. The book also sheds light on the challenges ER doctors face, such as limited patient interactions due to the nature of the job. If you are someone curious about medicine, this book will satisfy your appetite for knowledge. While not a comprehensive view of the ER, it offers valuable insights into the teamwork and diagnostic processes involved in patient care.
April 26, 2021
Obviously, this isn't really med school level material, but it is a introduction to emergency medicine protocols and what goes on behind the scenes in an emergency setting. The big take-away here is that one never wants to be in the position of being seen first int he ER. That means you're in really bad shape. Dr. Benaroch explains how an ER shift works from the ER staff's perspective, which is very different from the patient perspective. If you've ever gone to the ER for something like a broken leg or small wound and wondered why it was taking FOREVER and why those five people who arrived after you did are seen first, this explains a lot. And, according to someone who watched with me and has been in the position of being moved to the head of the triage line, it's very accurate.
Dr. Benaroch also supplies some good tips on how to respond in emergency situations: what to look for and what to do or never attempt. His presentation style is easy to listen to as he builds up several cases in this "virtual ER" and leads the viewer/listener to how the diagnoses is (or isn't) made. Interesting and entertaining.
There are two more sets in the Medical School series. One is on pediatrics, the other is called "Grand Rounds." I have no real interest in pediatrics, but will definitely watch the other one.
Dr. Benaroch also supplies some good tips on how to respond in emergency situations: what to look for and what to do or never attempt. His presentation style is easy to listen to as he builds up several cases in this "virtual ER" and leads the viewer/listener to how the diagnoses is (or isn't) made. Interesting and entertaining.
There are two more sets in the Medical School series. One is on pediatrics, the other is called "Grand Rounds." I have no real interest in pediatrics, but will definitely watch the other one.
February 18, 2022
I had to take a relative to the Emergency Department recently. Fortunately, I had coincidentally started listening to this course on my runs. It helped me quickly decide whether heading to the ED was the right call, and more importantly it helped me clearly communicate to the emergency room team once we got there.
Dr. Benaroch is an excellent teacher; this course is more engaging than the scripted TV ER dramas!
My favorite mnemonic device that I learned in this course, that applies to my job in IT: When a patient (or client) is presenting a problem in a way that seems frustrating, "don't get furious, get curious!" In many cases, the frustrating presentation contains a valuable clue.
Dr. Benaroch is an excellent teacher; this course is more engaging than the scripted TV ER dramas!
My favorite mnemonic device that I learned in this course, that applies to my job in IT: When a patient (or client) is presenting a problem in a way that seems frustrating, "don't get furious, get curious!" In many cases, the frustrating presentation contains a valuable clue.
October 24, 2018
This audiobook is part of the Great Courses series and is composed of 24 lectures of about 30 minutes each. The lectures take the listener on shifts in the ER, or other closely related environment, where patients present with problems and the doctor goes through a series of steps to find the cause of distress in order to provide relief.
Of course this is not designed to make physicians out of the listeners, but it can help us all be better consumers of care in the Emergency setting or elsewhere. I learned, for example, that the last thing anyone wants is to be the patient in the waiting area who is quickly ushered into the back for immediate treatment. This is because in the ED (Emergency Department), the sickest patients, those in most danger of imminent death, are the ones who receive treatment ahead of less emergent cases. So having to wait for care, while annoying, is actually a very good thing.
This was an excellent audiobook, interesting and informative. Most of the Great Courses offerings are of high quality, and this one is no exception.
Of course this is not designed to make physicians out of the listeners, but it can help us all be better consumers of care in the Emergency setting or elsewhere. I learned, for example, that the last thing anyone wants is to be the patient in the waiting area who is quickly ushered into the back for immediate treatment. This is because in the ED (Emergency Department), the sickest patients, those in most danger of imminent death, are the ones who receive treatment ahead of less emergent cases. So having to wait for care, while annoying, is actually a very good thing.
This was an excellent audiobook, interesting and informative. Most of the Great Courses offerings are of high quality, and this one is no exception.
July 22, 2018
Step into the ER. You are the doctor and you have patients. I What? Don't freak out because Roy Benaroch guides you through their care. He enlightens the medical mysteries presented by people in their most weakened and fragile states. Sometimes it takes some digging to get to the truth.
I really enjoyed all of this except for the blessedly short discourse on medical history which was basically one big $%^&up. Doctors back then were idiots. They killed more people including President Garfield than they saved. Not washing your hands after dissecting cadavers....gross.
I really enjoyed all of this except for the blessedly short discourse on medical history which was basically one big $%^&up. Doctors back then were idiots. They killed more people including President Garfield than they saved. Not washing your hands after dissecting cadavers....gross.
April 1, 2020
This definitely provides a simplistic understanding of Emergency Medicine that even the layman can understand. If someone rolls into the ED and their doctor suddenly leaves their ro maybe it will lend some insight as to why. In other words, you never want to demand the most attention in the ED. That means you're nearing that eternal light at the end of the tunnel. Death. I like the approach to the material covetered. Case stories. Nothing insightful to those who practice in the ED but interesting to listen to stories and compare and contrast them to your own experiences.
August 16, 2022
Better than watching House
Thoroughly enjoyed this Great course audiobook. It covers various potential cases in an Emergency Department during a night shift, heart attack, stroke, car accident, burn, depression, etc. even a chapter on potential diseases caught on a foreign trip. Very informative and has an element of suspense that kept me intrigued in each case presented, like solving a good puzzle. It helps me understand how doctors triage and make their diagnosis, and common tests and processes used in emergency department. The simple ABC (airway, breathing, circulation), the OLDCAAAR questions for pains, and common signs for other common illnesses. It would also help you decide whether if you need to head for an ED or not.
.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Great course audiobook. It covers various potential cases in an Emergency Department during a night shift, heart attack, stroke, car accident, burn, depression, etc. even a chapter on potential diseases caught on a foreign trip. Very informative and has an element of suspense that kept me intrigued in each case presented, like solving a good puzzle. It helps me understand how doctors triage and make their diagnosis, and common tests and processes used in emergency department. The simple ABC (airway, breathing, circulation), the OLDCAAAR questions for pains, and common signs for other common illnesses. It would also help you decide whether if you need to head for an ED or not.
.
September 15, 2021
Better than any medical TV show!
It is a very insightful book to understand how ER medicine works. Being a couple of times in ER/ICU in the US I was puzzled by how (and why) it works, especially considering it was different from my country (Russia). I recommend it if you like to hear about interesting cases, want to know when and why you need/do not need to go to ER, how paramedicine works, and how to help your loved one in an emergency (and not to make the situation worse).
It is a very insightful book to understand how ER medicine works. Being a couple of times in ER/ICU in the US I was puzzled by how (and why) it works, especially considering it was different from my country (Russia). I recommend it if you like to hear about interesting cases, want to know when and why you need/do not need to go to ER, how paramedicine works, and how to help your loved one in an emergency (and not to make the situation worse).
October 22, 2022
Invaluable, potentially life-saving information for understanding broad issues & thinking process behind emergency medicine presented through case study stories following an ER/ED doctor on his daily rounds. Helpful for thinking about the story of diagnosis with acronym OLD CAAAR: onset, location, duration, cause, alleviator, aggravator, activities, radiation. Also for dealing with life-threatening emergencies, ABCDE: airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure.
February 18, 2024
I enjoyed the way the emergency medicine is explained through cases in the Emergency room and example from real life that illustrated the teachings and simple rules that can guide doctors. I found the language used very accessible and came away feeling like I understand a doctors world better and how to address my own emergency situations.
February 28, 2024
I like how no matter what he just moved from patient to patient…. Even after Calling Time, which seemed like a serious lack of effort.
Must have been written long ago because he sure does give out Pain Medications. I was curious how he expected the one with back trouble and on opiates for many years could stop the pain medications and STOP the back pain?
Great Courses really are GREAT!
Must have been written long ago because he sure does give out Pain Medications. I was curious how he expected the one with back trouble and on opiates for many years could stop the pain medications and STOP the back pain?
Great Courses really are GREAT!
November 10, 2019
This answers many questions about emergency department care. Best of all, it answers the question that seems to be asked a lot: why did that person go before me when I was first?
Well presented with many cases.
Well presented with many cases.
July 23, 2022
I thought that was very informative and interesting. The teacher/narrator is very good and I enjoyed listening to him. The format of the material was clever; the listener is shadowing him during shifts in the ED and learning as they go along.
December 31, 2022
I loved this course. It gives you a glance into the life of the emergency care doctor and her thinking. Great erudition builder course for those who are interested in healthcare. Gonna listen to the two other courses too.
January 19, 2023
I have worked in the Emergency Room as a Social Worker and have learned certain things from that perspective but I loved learning from this perspective. I just find it all so interesting and fascinating.
August 5, 2023
This book was an adventure, taking me through the stories of days at the emergency room of hospitals in an exhilarating way. I enjoyed learning about the approaches that doctors and paramedics take, and gained newfound respect for the weight of the responsibility upon them.
Thank you.
Thank you.
September 12, 2019
One of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to. Very informative and entertaining too.
November 27, 2019
It's OK and was interesting to learn how roughly emergency room works, but it's dry and should have been cut by at least half.
July 18, 2020
I literally binge watched this. I found every episode to be fascinating. I wish there were more episodes.
December 21, 2020
Interesting enough, but not too much big picture, and will probably forget what little big picture stuff there was, but I still enjoyed listening to it.
April 25, 2021
8 out of 10
April 28, 2021
A really enjoyable and informative course about emergency medicine in a modern US hospital.
May 9, 2021
Teaching Company Great Course. Very informative, engaging lecturer, perfect length (30 minutes) for each of the lectures.
May 24, 2021
3.5 stars. Interesting but as an ER nurse maybe I know too much.
June 8, 2021
Really enjoyed it! Several particularly interesting and memorable cases. 4/5
May 27, 2024
A great set of lectures telling stories of the approach of emergency medicine to the variety of cases that regularly present in emergency rooms.
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