Natalie May reflects on feeling like an impostor while speaking at SMACC Gold in 2014. Her account explores the pressure of teaching people whose opinions matter deeply, the support of the FOAM community and finding value in a contribution despite persistent self-doubt.
Philosophy of Emergency Medicine
What can elite cycling and Formula One teach an emergency department about improvement? This reflection explores marginal gains: finding small weaknesses in everyday processes and addressing them consistently, rather than relying entirely on the next dramatic advance in resuscitation.
Pain relief alone may not address what brings distress to patients in the emergency department. This 2014 research discussion explores suffering beyond pain and introduces EPICC: attending to emotional distress, physical symptoms, information, basic care and closure, informed by patients’ accounts of what they needed.
How do experienced trauma team leaders know whether they are performing well? This reflection makes the case for peer observation and feedback, describes a practical process using a TEAM assessment sheet, and explores how colleagues can help each other develop beyond formal training.
How does a patient’s story become distorted as it passes through the emergency department? Using an illustrative handover, this post explores clearer summaries, structured communication, attentive listening and checking shared understanding, with practical ways for both the speaker and receiver to reduce misunderstandings.
Emergency Department Management
What happens when colleagues, relatives or public figures arrive expecting different treatment in the emergency department? This reflection examines fairness, pressure to prioritise, over-investigation and incomplete assessment, and considers how teams can handle personal connections while keeping care consistent with clinical need.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
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