Art of Emergency Medicine

In this episode, Kishan and I are back with a bang - a lot has happened over the last 12 months.  We discuss an SAQ on a special situation / complex case of Postpartum Psychosis.  This is designed to have 3 sub-questions totalling 12 marks.  We begin with identifying features on history followed by specific examination and management options.  This type of SAQ is one where if you have not come across the topic before, it will be difficult to score full marks.  Check out the full SAQ on www.artofemergency.com

We discuss a potential question here on Cord Syndromes delving into the different types of syndromes and their aetiologies (more possible answers revealed in the SAQ document), clinical features and prognosis.  We then progress potential questions into neurogenic vs spinal shock along with management of one such critically unwell patient.  The SAQ starts with an x-ray image interpretation so please follow the link to the SAQ on  . This cast was recorded in mid 2021 however the author has provided a modified version of this to the Feb 2022 Monash Trial OSCE.

Here we discuss a Dermatology SAQ with a difference.  Starting with an image description and differential diagnoses, we enter into DRESS (Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms).   How would you differentiate between DRESS and SJS/TENS? How do you assess and manage an entity like this? And what do you do when a patient with a rash deteriorates?  For the SAQ with images, go to www.artofemergency.com

In part 2 of our discussion with FACEM Dr. Jonathan Henry and his experience in a resource limited setting in Vanuatu, we cover ways one can advocate for patients both clinically as well as health promotion, barriers to care and social determinants of health using examples.  We go through some amazing tips, tricks and hacks that he has picked up during his work (think MacGyver!).   Finally, we go through some words of wisdom important for those who may one day want to follow their heart and practice emergency medicine in a resource limited setting.  For shownotes, visit

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode, we have another special guest Dr. Jonathan Henry FACEM who provides a fascinating discussion on global emergency care and resource limited settings using his experience in Vanuatu.  We are so reliant on gold standard top line care in Australia, that we forget the basics and alternatives.  How would you treat a life threatening emergency with limited resources in a different country? We use a case based approach using a potential fellowship written SAQ in the Admin style.  Go to for the shownotes.

In this special episode, Cardiologist Dr. Manuja Premaratne joins us to answer many burning questions in cardiac chest pain risk stratification.  As the Head of Cardiac Imaging at Peninsula Health, he is uniquely placed to discuss risk stratification in chest pain patients.  The varied discussion points in this episode include - HEART score, When to use modalities like treadmill, mibi vs CTCA, Troponin rise in Renal failure, Stent restenosis, amongst other points very relevant to ED Registrars.  This will immediately improve your practice at the bedside!! For the attached SAQ on the HEART score - go to www.artofemergency.com

A very extensive in-depth cast on a Stroke SAQ - the initial 5 part SAQ coming upto 23 marks with several alternative questions.  We cover a combination of imaging, latest treatment philosophies and complications in both list and table form.  Check out the accompanying SAQ on

In this cast, we cover an exam question on conditions relating to the Paediatric Bowel where we consider how to answer on differentials, imaging and management.  The accompanying SAQ on is an example of how one condition or presentation can be used to test your broad knowledge in a specific patient population.

A classic SAQ for the ACEM Fellowship Written Exam - something that needs to be understood and answered at a high level.  We discuss also a case of diagnostic bias relating to a dissection which makes it interesting.  Check out the SAQ and Xray images on www.artofemergency.com

In this cast, we have an all encompassing SAQ on Anorexia Nervosa.  We discuss atleast 11 possible SAQ questions one could ask a candidate in this area covering definitions, admission criteria and management.  Link to the associated SAQ document on www.artofemergency.com

In this cast, we delve into the world of the Admin SAQ - specifically 'Sentinel Events'.  Would you be able to answer an SAQ on this topic right now?  What are the various definitions and categories of Sentinel Events in Medicine? The admin SAQ is the often forgotten area with formulaic approaches.  Don't let this be you.  Listen to this cast and make this an area of strength.  Link to the associated document on www.artofemergency.com

This time we venture into the world of toxicology with an agent that is usually dear to our heart - caffeine.  The nectar of emergency medicine is everywhere and can be hidden in a variety of products.  It is not just a simple overdose causing cardiovascular effects.  It can be weird and wonderful being a perfect SAQ topic for the ACEM fellowship exam.

Here we discuss a broad SAQ on Preeclampsia and Eclampsia with emphasis on answering questions also relating to differential diagnoses and variants.  The is detailed with other ways this topic could be examined in the fellowship exam.  Check out other episodes and accompanying files on

We discuss intubation in the critically ill patient with special focus on as aspect that is usually lacking or ignored - the 'physiological airway'.  We all know about the anatomic preparation with LEMON mnemonics of the airway assessment but what about the physiologic difficulties when tubing the sick patient? This is where Emergency Medicine has the niche and knowing how to optimise the airway is essential Fellowship Knowledge.  Check out the corresponding SAQ on the

In this episode, Kishan and Abrar cover some differentials and possible aetiologies of a patient presenting with Weakness.  Specifically, here we discuss GBS, some typical and atypical features, special SAQ questions and comparison tables.  A heavy but important episode for the fellowship written candidate! Check the SAQ document on the

This episode deals with a classic fellowship topic, the Paediatric Non-Accidental Injury (NAI).  We delve deeper into what else can mimic NAI, what are the historical, physical exam and radiology features for NAI.

This is a pearler of a case which will expose you to an aspect of toxic alcohol poisoning specifically for ethylene glycol, taking your understanding to the next level.  We start off with the undifferentiated patient and make our way through differentials, ABG analysis and a discussion of blood gas vs serum values and how a specific difference can drop a truth bomb on you.  Enjoy!

This condition is a staple of fellowship exams in all critical care specialties with Emergency Medicine right at the forefront.  We have the awesome opportunity to be there right at the beginning of this patient's journey and make a big difference.  Learn the crucial aspects of how to answer the SAQ on Asthma.

Here we tackle the evolving SAQ type - you start with something that tests your 'basic approach' and then takes an abrupt turn for the worse and challenges you.  We take the approach of an undifferentiated scenario that eventually makes it's way to Thoracotomy in the ED.

Here we discuss a bread and butter staple for the ED Physician - Paracetamol OD.  We discuss the various situations, controversies and management points that are essential in acing the fellowship exam.