STEPPING FORWARD INTO GROWTH
EDITORIAL STAFF
Victoria Selley, DO, FACOEP, Assistant Editor
Megan Heller, ACOEP Association Manager
Claire Krzyzewski, Graphic Designer
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As social creatures by nature, humans need social connections to maintain a healthy psyche and to weather the storms of life. A stable family unit has been demonstrated to be a significant contributor to a young person’s development and a predictor of future potential success. This doesn’t mean that those without a strong, cohesive family unit cannot find great success in life, as there are countless examples of those who have achieved despite not having this advantage. However, having the emotional support and reaffirmation of love
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Brandon Lewis, DO, MBA, FACOEP, FACEP
FAMILY
and confidence from your family can help one overcome many challenges and endure difficulties in life.
Similarly, our experiences in the ED can be affected by the presence or lack of a strong family feel among our team. No doubt, we have all experienced the agony of working in a dysfunctional setting where staff don’t collaborate, don’t communicate, and don’t help each other out. Patients waiting, staff complaining, and stress levels higher than what we normally face during a standard day at work. On the flip side, the
blessing of a good team of APPs, nurses, techs, and other allied health professionals who know each other well, care about getting the job done, and support each other in accomplishing tasks is invaluable. These environments make it easier to endure the physical and emotional stresses that we all face in the ED. In my experience, the longevity of an ER doc is heavily dependent on the culture of the team they work with. At these settings, one knows that there is always someone there to help when they are overwhelmed and need that support.
Another area of life where we all need support is in our academic development and our professional community. Having strong ties with other Emergency Physicians who understand the struggles we go through, support us in our professional development, and give us the advice and inspiration to become something better is crucial. Throughout my career, I’ve taken inspiration from fellow osteopathic emergency physicians like Ben Klopek, Peter Bell, Mark Mitchell, Chris Giesa, Bob Suter, and too many others to name here. Their influence and advice have inspired me to achieve more than I might have thought possible. Some of my more contemporary friends and colleagues within ACOEP have also not only been an inspiration to me but have been there to pick up the slack when I
haven’t had the bandwidth or ability to do what needed to be done. My ACOEP family has been there for me in good times and bad. I am truly thankful for all of you who play such an important part in my life. Having this type of family has also inspired me to look for opportunities to mentor or support osteopathic emergency physicians in the next generation. Although it may age me some, it is truly fulfilling to see those who were once students now becoming leaders in our profession in their own right.
Whether you came from a strong personal family unit or work in a setting with a great family environment, I encourage you to take advantage of the potential professional family that we have within ACOEP. If you are a new ER doc or are finishing your training, I encourage you to join our community and benefit from all the advantages that come with having a professional family. If you are a long-time member, I urge you to expand your involvement and look for more opportunities to lead or give back to ensure those coming along behind you have the same opportunity to find a family as you did. We all face challenges in this world, and nothing makes things easier than tackling them with the help of a supportive family! –•–
Selley’s Social Club
Houston is getting closer and I don’t know about you - but I’m excited to see what Houston has to offer ACOEP!! As we gear up for the Scientific Assembly, our schedule is full of activities, social events and networking opportunities. I wanted to make sure we highlighted those on pages 10-11 AND gave you our list of activities you might want to check out while you’re in town - particularly if you are coming in early or are staying a day or so after Assembly.
Other things to consider while in Houston
• Jurassic World: The Exhibition Daily through October 27th at Katy Mills Circle
• Southern Smoke Festival October 5th at Discovery Green
• Space Explorers: The Infinite in Houston Daily until October 31st at Silver Street Studios at Sawyer Yards
• Houston Country, Folk and Blues Festival
October 5th at Heritage Place
• Houston Country, Folk, and Red Dirt Festival
October 5th at Clear Lake Park
• The TUNNEL by Big Art October 5th and 6th at Discovery Green
• Haunted Hues at the Color Factory
Daily until November 3rd at Color Factory
• Solar Dust by Quiet Ensemble Daily until October 26th at POST Houston
• Concerts Under the Stars – ABBA under the Stars October 10th at Marriott Marquis Houston
• Happy Hour Thursdays at MFAH
Weekly on Thursdays at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• 2024 Bayou City Art Festival October 11-13 at Memorial Park
• Houston Astros and the Houston Rockets Both teams have games in town during our stay!
Places to Eat
• Moxies Galleria/Uptown
• Space City Birria Tacos and More Downtown
• The Capital Grille & Ruth’s Chris Steak House Near the Westin Galleria
• ...and Oceanaire Seafood Room, Grand Lux Café, Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab, The Pit Room, The Brisket House, Roegels Barbecue Company, The Buffalo Grille That are all located fairly close by as well!
APresident, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and gratitude. Although I’ve known many of you for years, it feels like we’re embarking on a new journey together. The bonds we share, much like a family, have always been a source of strength and inspiration for me.
In a world where emergency medicine is evolving, and many organizations vie for the attention of emergency medicine
THE ON-DECK CIRCLE
Jennifer Axelband, DO, FACOEP
EXCITED FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR INCOMING ACOEP PRESIDENT
professionals, what sets ACOEP apart is our exceptional sense of community. While there are numerous organizations where EM doctors can be involved, ACOEP has always stood out for the deep, supportive connections we build with one another. Our organization is not just a professional network; it’s a true family that supports and uplifts each member, no matter the changes happening in the broader medical landscape.
ACOEP is not just a professional network; it’s a true family that supports and uplifts each member.
This coming year holds immense potential for us to grow both individually and as an organization. I’m committed to fostering an environment where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our collective success.
As President-elect, I invite each of you to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to grow and enhance our organization. Please fill out this survey to let me know your thoughts on areas of growth, classes you’d love to see, opportunities we could offer our members, and any other suggestions you may have. Your input is invaluable as we strive to make ACOEP even better.
I look forward to connecting with each of you in this new capacity and to all the great things we’ll accomplish together.–•–
With gratitude and excitement,
Jennifer Axelband, DO, FACOEP, FCCM
President-Elect,
ACOEP
STEPPING FORWARD INTO GROWTH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK
Gina Baxter Co-Executive Director
MEET THE ACOEP MANAGEMENT TEAM DRIVING INNOVATION AND ENGAGEMENT FOR 2024-2025
Dear ACOEP Members,
“In any given moment we have two options; to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” ~ Abraham Maslow
ACOEP chooses to step forward into growth.
Please allow me to introduce the ACOEP management team who, working together with ACOEP leadership, identify key opportunities to increase member engagement and education, engage non-members through social media recruitment, produce high-quality semi-annual meetings and drive new and innovative technologies, processes and revenue streams.
Elizabeth Schumacher, Affinity Strategies Founder/CEO and ACOEP Co-Executive Director
Elizabeth has represented healthcare clients for 20 years, including international, national and state medical, academic and specialty associations. Liz has a unique ability to authentically engage strategic stakeholders and build comprehensive alliances and audiences, all of which serves to build a strong foundation to drive new revenue models for ACOEP.
Gina Baxter, ACOEP Co-Executive
Director
Gina has several years of experience serving as Executive Director in the international not-for-profit medical society arena, most recently managing a society from startup to successfully engaging
physician membership from 39 countries. Her expertise was gained through the management of 12 unique international/national medical societies, and as a result, brings best practice solutions to ACOEP, all while continuing to drive innovative ways to challenge current approaches and processes with the ACOEP Board.
Ariel McClain,
Association Manager
Ariel serves as an Association Manager for ACOEP, assisting with day-to-day operations. Her 10 years of customer success leadership brings great value to ACOEP, as well as her expertise in project coordination and logistics. Ariel serves as the ACOEP Board (staff) representative for the FOEM Foundation and works closely with FOEM leadership to bring their fundraising and research development goals to fruition.
Megan Heller, Association Manager Megan serves as an Association Manager for ACOEP, assisting the co-Executive Directors with tactical execution of ACOEP strategic initiatives. Her meticulous attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills brings Megan front and center in her work with ACOEP members, committees and CMErelated events. Megan serves as the Affinity Board (staff) representative for the Resident Services Organization (RSO) and works in tandem with RSO Board of Directors to bring their semiannual educational programs to success.
The ACOEP leadership team, together with other key members of our Affinity Strategies team (e.g., Cayla Marconi, Chief Operating Officer; Becky Cira, Director of Meetings & Events; Rosaleen Tully, Director of Industry Relations, etc.), brings several years of
society management experience and expertise to ACOEP as we plan our 2024-2025 schedule going forward.
Events to note for your 20242025 ACOEP Calendar:
• 2024 Scientific Assembly Connect with emergency medicine professionals, learn about the latest advancements in the field, and gain valuable experience at the ACOEP 2024 Scientific Assembly Conference to be held October 6-10, 2024, at The Westin Galleria Houston, in Houston, Texas. Conference registration will include access to the HIPPO Course (Monday), Podcast Palooza (Tuesday), as well as a full-schedule of CME courses for the balance of the meeting. Additional (separate registration fee) events include: Airway Workshop, EM Critical Care & Procedures Workshop, FOEM Awards Reception, Women in Emergency Medicine Luncheon and More!!
• 2025 Spring Seminar
ACOEP’s Spring Seminar continues to be a more family-oriented event for our organization, and as such, continues to attract a wide variety of members and non-members from across the country who want to participate in partial day education, while having daily availability to enjoy the sightseeing opportunities in the exciting locations we select for the meeting. Our 2024 Spring Seminar hosted over 400 registrants and we hope to surpass that for spring of 2025. Mark your calendars for April 26-30, 2025, at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. Details will be available soon.
• Grand Rounds Webinars
We are constantly evolving to meet the challenging needs of our members. Our Grand Rounds Webinars provide an easy-to-use platform for education and collaboration. Check ACOEP website for
up-to-date information regarding dates/times/ presenters.
We are honored and humbled to continue our partnership with ACOEP in the coming year. In addition to the vast selection of events we host, we continue to work (together with the Board) to identify innovative approaches to drive new revenue streams and increase member engagement opportunities. As always, we remain most interested in your ideas, your thoughts, and your concerns. Please let us know (info@acoep.org) if we can either provide additional information to you, or simply provide a listening ear. It is our intention to work with you as we shape the future of ACOEP. –•–
Respectfully,
Gina Baxter
ACOEP Co-Executive Director
Workshops
(Additional CME opportunities - must register to attend)
Sunday, October 6
Airway Workshop 10 AM-1 PM in Plaza I & II
EM Critical Care and Procedures Workshop 2-5 PM in Plaza I & II
Tuesday, October 8
Women in EM Luncheon with Bailee Jacobsen, MD 1-2 PM in Plaza I & II
Full Schedule
Monday, October 7 7:30 AM-5:30 PM
HIPPO Education and ACOEP Present ERcast Live
Join us for a unique day full of live music, cutting-edge topics you can take to the bedside on your next shift, on-stage demos, and plenty of wild surprises and giveaways. This event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to earn CME while engaging in an unforgettable experience.
As an added bonus, all attendees will receive a free trial subscription to ERcast. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to enhance your practice and have some fun along the way!
Tuesday, October 8 8 AM-6 PM
Podcast Palooza
Featuring some of the biggest names in EM podcasting—Rebel EM, Ultrasound G.E.L., ERcast, EM Over Easy, PEM Rules, The Visible Voices Podcast, and Rapid Rads.
Enjoy live recordings, interactive Q&A sessions, and earn CME while engaging with your favorite hosts in this unique blend of education and entertainment.
Competitions
Monday, October 7
FOEM CPC Competition 8 AM- 2 PM
FOEM Competitions: Posters 8 AM-12 PM
FOEM Oral and Research Competitions 1-5 PM
Full Schedule
Wednesday, October 9
All General Sessions are located in Galleria I-III Breakout Sessions are in Plaza I & II
Balancing Act: Understanding Neurologic Complications in Emerging Alzheimer’s Treatments - Karen Greenberg, DO 7:30-8:00 AM
Approach to Ill Appearing Newborn - Yaron Ivan, MD 8-8:30 AM
Keynote Speaker 8:30-9:30 AM
Use of Abx in Children - Yaron Ivan, MD
9:30-10 AM
Physiologic Difficult Airway - Andrew Phillips 10:30-11 AM
Breaking Boundaries in Stroke Care: Highlights from ISC 2024 and SCOC 2024 - Karen Greenberg 11-11:30 AM
Fluid Resuscitation - Andrew Phillips 11:30 AM-12 PM
Alcohol Withdrawal - Bailee Jacobsen, MD 1-1:30 PM
BREAKOUT SESSION EMS TBD - Janae Hohbein, DO 1-1:30 PM
Prevent the Explosion - Defusing in the ED - Drew Kalnow, DO 1:30-2:00 PM
BREAKOUT SESSION Resuscitation of the Morbidly Obese Patient - Brian Parker, MD 1:30-2 PM
Airway Updates - Marco Propersi 2-2:30 PM
BREAKOUT SESSION EMS TBD - Janae Hohbein, DO 2-2:30 PM
HALO Procedures in the ED Part I - Andy Little, DO 2:30-3 PM
BREAKOUT SESSION Ultrasound TBD - Drew Jones, MD 2:30-3 PM
HALO Procedures in the ED Part II - Andy Little, DO 3:30-4 PM
BREAKOUT SESSION EKGs - Noncardiac Emergencies - Brian Parker, MD 3:30-4PM
BREAKOUT SESSION Ultrasound TBD - Drew Jones, MD 4-4:30 PM
SPEAKER PANEL
4:30-5:00 PM
Full Schedule
Thursday, October 10
All General Sessions are located in Galleria I-III
Cosmetic Derm Gone Wrong - Chris Colbert, DO
7:30-8 AM
Medical Malpractice Pearls and Pitfalls : Part 1Brian Acunto, DO
8-8:30 AM
When Blood Turns Toxic - Molly Estes, MD
8:30-9 AM
Medical Malpractice Pearls and Pitfalls : Part 2Brian Acunto, DO
9-9:30 AM
Cardiology TBD - George Willis, MD
9:30-10 AM
Agency vs. Acceptance: The Wellness Tug-of-War for Emergency Physicians - John Casey, DO 10:30-11AM
Trauma TBD - Hilary Fairbrother, MD 11-11:30 AM
Endocrine TBD - George Willis, MD 11:30 AM-12 PM
Trauma TBD - Hilary Fairbrother, MD 12-12:30 PM
Networking Events
Monday, October 7
Membership Meeting 5-6:30PM
Welcome Reception 7-9:00 PM
ACOEP Membership Meeting & Awards Ceremony 5:30-6:50 PM
Tuesday, October 8
FOEM Reception 6-8:30PM
Resident Student Organization
Leadership Breakfast | 10/7 8-10 AM
Speed Dating | 10/7 10 AM-12 PM
Residency Expo | 10/7 12-1 PM
ACOEP RSO BOARD
Gordon Calhoun, OMS IV
Student Publications Chair
RSO UPDATE
EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S DOCTORS: ICOM STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
On Friday, March 8, 2024, the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, known locally as ICOM hosted its largest simulation event ever on campus—a fullscale, mass casualty incident (MCI) training exercise, 100% organized by the student body. This event brought together the college’s student physicians, clinical faculty, and support staff, along with representatives from the Idaho Medical Academy and cosmetology students from nearby Paul Mitchell School locations in the Boise, Idaho area.
The ICOM ACOEP-RSO Emergency Medicine Interest Group organized the MCI training exercise, which involved approximately 60 participants and 15 controllers/evaluators, along with 20 simulated patients with moulage injuries and full patient profiles ranging from walking wounded to immediate treat and transport. The scenario—a music festival gone wrong—required multidisciplinary teams of student responders to work together to triage, treat, and determine medical transport and triage priority across the sprawling, campus-wide mock incident scene.
“We often think about mass shootings when it comes to MCIs, but the reality is, MCIs can take on many forms and can happen at any time, without notice,” explained the event’s leader, Student Doctor Mohammad Abuakar, a fourth-year student at ICOM. “In fact, COVID19 resulted in one of the largest MCIs in the world just a few years ago. These events overwhelm resources and truly require everyone’s help to overcome. We must expose our future physicians to MCI drills so that they know how to properly manage one within the hospital and support our first responders in the process.”
The passion and dedication of the ICOM Emergency Medicine Interest Group was evident by the remarkable amount of planning and commitment necessary to design the event, while simultaneously studying for exams and participating in medical rotations. The team emphasized the importance of such training for health professionals and community members alike, particularly given the evolving national climate that demands healthcare professionals be uniquely prepared
for challenges such as mass shootings, extreme weather phenomena, and emergent pathogens, as recently seen with COVID-19.
The leadership and commitment of the ICOM ACOEPRSO Emergency Medicine Interest Group not only highlighted the critical role of such training exercises but also inspired their peers to recognize the importance of being prepared for similar emergencies they may face in their future careers. Through their efforts, ICOM students are better
equipped to meet the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. Involvement in organizations like ACOEP provides invaluable experiences, fosters a spirit of collaboration, and prepares future physicians to be leaders in emergency medicine. Aspiring medical students are encouraged to engage with such groups to enhance their education, contribute to their communities, and make a significant impact in the field of medicine.
Annual Residency Speed Dating Event:
ACOEP-RSO will host over 30 programs at our not-so-traditional residency fair targeted towards 3rd years starting rotations and 4th years applying this Fall looking to find their perfect match, although all OMS students are welcome!
Simulation labs and skills workshops! At the Spring Seminar, we had workshops including priapism drainage, lateral canthotomy, ultrasound, intubations, and even a beanie baby triage competition!
Guest lectures from residents, attendings, and other faculty from around the country.
ACOEP-RSO elections for the 2024-2025 year will be held in person at the conference. Head to our website to read role descriptions.
NETWORKING and FRIENDSHIPS!!
We always have a great time hanging out with all of you!! At the Spring Seminar, we all took a trip to Epcot!
By Michelle F. Wallen, DO, MS
WELLNESS COMMITTEE UPDATE
PRESERVING HEALING HANDS: COMBATING THE EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE AGAINST HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Our fundamental mission as healthcare providers is to heal, assist, and empathize with our patients. Unfortunately, amidst our unwavering dedication, we face a growing epidemic: violence against healthcare workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 38% of healthcare workers globally have experienced physical violence throughout their careers. Recent alarming statistics reveal that approximately half of Emergency Department physicians reported physical assault in the past year. Shockingly, a recent Press Ganey report disclosed that two nurses faced assault every hour.
Violence against healthcare workers manifests in various forms, including physical and verbal assaults, sexual harassment, stalking, online threats, and bullying. The underlying causes are intricate, often stemming from patient and family heightened
stress and emotions related to diagnoses, extended wait times, miscommunication, or dissatisfaction with care. Mental health issues and substance abuse further exacerbate the problem.
The repercussions of violence against healthcare providers are profound. Beyond physical injuries, providers endure psychological trauma and face the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, significantly impacting their overall well-being. This, in turn, leads to an increase in burnout, affecting patient care and overall healthcare system functionality.
To address this epidemic, there must be a prioritized focus on heightened awareness and education. Healthcare workers should be well-informed about the risks and actively participate in training in conflict resolutions, drills, and de-escalation techniques. Ensuring a secure environment is crucial, involving
measures such as security cameras, signage indicating that harming a healthcare worker is a felony, the presence of security guards, metal detectors, and flagging in electronic medical records (EMR) to denote prior patient threat levels.
Moreover, there is an urgent need to establish firm legal consequences for individuals who commit acts of violence against healthcare workers. Emphasizing the importance of reporting these crimes should be a universal practice across all healthcare sectors, ensuring that healthcare workers can report incidents without fearing retaliation. Public awareness emphasizing the importance of respecting healthcare professionals and the challenges they face can contribute to societal changes.
Violence against healthcare workers is a critical issue that jeopardizes the well-being of those dedicated to healing others. By fostering awareness and taking decisive action, we can combat this epidemic. Healthcare workers should not live in fear while fulfilling their duties, and their safety should be of paramount importance. Such physical and verbal assaults are considered unacceptable in other workforces, and the same standard should hold true in the healthcare field. Together, we must take a stand to protect healthcare workers, ensuring that healing hands remain unharmed as they strive to save lives and provide compassionate care.
I’LL SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD
Let’s face it, we’re tired. Emergency physicians, and health care workers in general, work long hours to assist our patients. We find a way to see one more patient, to answer one more email, and to serve on one more committee for the betterment of the practice, the organization, and the community.
Historically, our workdays ended at the end of our shifts; however, several factors have eroded into our personal free time. These include added shifts to cover service debt, administrative commitments to employers, 24-hour availability of electronic health records and administrative duties. While terms like wellness and work-life balance have become cliché, they still hold a lot of weight in principle: wellness and work-life balance must be integral in our daily lives so we don’t feel consumed by our work. Basic human needs, such as food, water, sleep, and love are squelched by the rigors of professional life.
For example, the Wall Street Journal reports that China’s Information Technology companies have 996 work schedule, suggesting or mandating employees work 9 am to 9 pm, six days per week; i.e., 72 hours per week, 12 hours per day. Despite legality concerns and criticism, & “Revenge Bedtime Procrastination”, developed to maintain a semblance of personal control over one’s life. They intentionally delay sleep to get “revenge”; or “me time”on long, stressful hours that leave little room for personal enjoyment such as gaming, dating, a hobby, or spending time with family or friends. Though initially expressed by people in China, the idea has spread worldwide.
The award winning business British psychologist Lee Chambers sums it nicely, noting Generation Z and Millennials are most likely to engage in this behavior and sums it up this way, thus making medical professionals ripe to delay sleep:
Factors that contribute [to bedtime procrastination] are working hours, often elevated to 12 hours and beyond, workplace expectations to be available outside of hours, and overtime to be worked. Modern working patterns and technologies are blurring boundaries between work and domestic lives, giving rise to a feeling of living at work. Peer pressure to achieve, self-learn, have valuable hobbies, and practice well-being can all drive behavior that eats into a sleep schedule.
~ Lee Chambers
Wellness programs and worklife balance initiatives began to take shape in the medical establishment with the Quadruple Aim in 2014, with the clinician well-being component being recognized as an integral part of the healthcare ecosystem and improving population health. Although the 4th Aim focuses on organizational and administrative optimization to remove any technological barriers, the focus of this article is on personal recharge, which is foundational to that is sleep. Additionally, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has made great strides in emphasizing learner well-being and promoting a culture of wellness through academic training institutions.
By Vincent Rimanelli,
The popularity of sleep tracker devices are evidence that there is a cultural awareness that sleep is often neglected, yet should not be compromised. Circadian rhythms dictate our day-to-day sleep-wake cycles, with daylight being the strongest influencer of this biological process. Studies have shown that this “internal clock” controls all animal species, and even plants. In fact, studies have demonstrated that organisms still follow a sleepwake (internal clock) pattern despite prolonged darkness.
Additionally, each of us has a chronotype – our inclination about what times of day we prefer to sleep or when we are most alert or energetic. Our nature as emergency medicine physicians is never to say no, not show signs of weakness, and to push through. Sleep can wait. Any misalignment between circadian timing and the sleep cycle leads to poor and irregular sleep quality, resulting in sleep debt. Medical effects of less deep, or stage 4, and REM sleep include weight gain and increased risk of diabetes and heart diseases, especially as we age. Learning and memory function are also negatively affected; consequently, there is potential for physician error. Ultimately, all-cause mortality is affected by the duration and proportion of REM sleep.
It’s difficult for busy emergency medicine clinicians to ensure healthful longevity in their profession;
especially when one considers the swing between day and night shifts and inability to personally regroup outside the workplace.
First, as a quasi-solution, emergency physicians should refrain from developing the notion of learned helplessness. That is, when an individual perceives an inability to control a situation and ultimately abandons efforts to change it. These thoughts or feelings can lead to depression, worsening negative emotions, and, eventually, burnout. Empowerment to make change, even incrementally, can lead to a better life.
Second, good habits will pay dividends. What this looks like is feeling vibrant in the morning. Sleep
1. Kroese, F. M., De Ridder, D. T., Evers, C., & Adriaanse, M. A. (2014). Bedtime procrastination: Introducing a new area of procrastination. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 611. https://pubmed.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/24994989/
2. Li Yuan (22 February 2017). “China’s Grueling Formula for Success: 9-9-6”. The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2019.Magalhães, P., Cruz, V., Teixeira, S., Fuentes, S., & Rosário, P. (2020).
3. An exploratory study on sleep procrastination: Bedtime vs. whilein-bed procrastination. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5892.https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32823762/ Liang, L.-H. (2020, November 26). The psychology behind “revenge bedtime procrastination.” BBC., Retrieved February 17, 2021, from https://www. bbc.com/worklife/article/20201123-thepsychology-behind-revenge-bedtimeprocrastination
4. Magalhães P, Cruz V, Teixeira S, Fuentes S, Rosário P. An Exploratory Study on Sleep Procrastination: Bedtime vs. While-in-Bed Procrastination. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020
also helps emotionally regulate difficult situations. So make sure sleep is prioritized, restful and restorative because 1/3 of our lives are meant to be asleep. To begin, prepare for bed:
• Get to bed before midnight as often as possible.
• Keep a bedtime ritual – including powering down all electronic devices. Get your mind off the treadmill of life.
• Focus on something pleasant and clear your mind of any concerns and this can be assisted by journaling or light reading.
• Stay away from stimulants that impede melatonin production,
Aug 13;17(16):5892. doi: 10.3390 ijerph17165892. PMID: 32823762; PMCID: PMC7460337.
5. Front. Neurosci., 18 September 2019Sec. Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Volume 13 - 2019 | https://doi. org/10.3389/fnins.2019.00963
6. Before-bedtime passive body heating by warm shower or bath to improve sleep: A systematic review and metaanalysisHaghayegh S., Khoshnevis S., Smolensky M.H., Diller K.R., Castriotta R.J.(2019) Sleep Medicine Reviews, 46 , pp. 124-135.
7. Petrie, C., Holschen, J. C., Adams, W., & Zelisko, S. (2019). 277 The impact of decision fatigue on ancillary test ordering in the emergency department. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 74(4), S110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. annemergmed.2019.08.235
8. Kowalkenko T, Hass-Kowalenko J, Rabinovich A, Grzybowski M. Emergency medicine resident-related auto accidents-is sleep deprivation a risk factor? Acad Emerg Med. 2000;7(5):451–9.
9. Leary EB, Watson KT, Ancoli-Israel S, Redline S, Yaffe K, Ravelo LA, Peppard PE, Zou J, Goodman SN, Mignot E, Stone
especially after 3 pm. This includes exercising within 2-hours of bedtime.
• Avoid the use of alcohol to “help” you sleep. Alcohol activates the sympathetic nervous system and fragments restorative REM sleep.
Once in bed, those who live in your home need to be made aware that “Do Not Disturb” means just that (unless, of course, there’s a fire). Using white noise, a fan or a sound machine will help block extraneous sounds will also help. Hot showers or baths have also proved to promote the one-degree Celsius drop the body requires to fall asleep. In addition, many find setting the thermostat at a cool temperature and resting in a dark environment is a perfect for peaceful sleep.
Finally, it’s in your employer’s best interest to have your best interest in mind; after all, your good health and wellbeing make for sound medical decisions and patient satisfaction. It’s time for you to take back your wellness, mitigate your feelings of burnout, and prioritize your sleep.
Here’s to your good health! –•–
KL. Association of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep With Mortality in Middle-aged and Older Adults. JAMA Neurol. 2020 Oct 1;77(10):1241-1251. doi: 10.1001/ jamaneurol.2020.2108. Erratum in: JAMA Neurol. 2020 Oct 1;77(10):1322. PMID: 32628261; PMCID: PMC7550971.
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By Jeremy Selley, DO, FACOEP Chair, ACOEP Practice Advocacy Committee
PRACTICE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE UPDATE
WHAT A DIFFERENCE 2 MONTHS MAKE
Elections matter but our voter constituent voice matters as well! This coming election in November is important for many reasons. One of the most important reasons it is our constitutional right to exercise our right to vote for our elected officials.
Most of us in Emergency Medicine have more money than time. If you value the advocacy others do for you…..please make a donation to one of the many political action committees.….. OPAC, NEMPAC, or one of your state PACs or employer PACs. That may only be $25 to $50/month but that $300 to $600/year adds up when you combine it with a couple hundred to a couple thousand people. The contribution these PACs can make $2500 to $5000 to an individual running for office is usually selected because they have expressed interest in medical legislation or they are already a medical champion of legislation. The money gets us in the door to allows for facetime, discuss issues and help to direct medical legislation at local, state and national levels. A proactive approach to politically charged medical issues is always the easiest route. If we do not get our foot in the door, and have to combat issues in a retroactive and defensive manner it always takes more time and money……and sometimes the answer is NO or you are too late.
Support Our Advocacy Efforts Click Here for More Details
Join us in Washington DC for ACEP Leadership and Advocacy April, 27-29 2025 at the Grand Hyatt. Although this is an ACEP event it is well coordinated and staffed to get us in front of our US House and Senate Representatives to discuss Emergency Medicine related legislation. If you have never gone to DC for this, please try it at least once. If you have no desire to go….then this is where the $25 to $50/month to NEMPAC comes in or if you work for USACS….the USACS PAC.
You must be an ACEP Member to donate to NEMPAC and OPAC cannot solicit money from non-AOA members.
Florida College of Emergency Physicians does not require membership to donate to the PAC and they have a robust advocacy program including a state legislative day in Tallahassee “EM Days” yearly: https:// fcep.org/support/
Most PACs donate to a mix of both Republican and Democrat candidates.
Every dollar counts! Every voice counts! We need to unify the House of Emergency Medicine together to get some real Medicare and insurance reform across the finish line! Start today by either committing to ACEP LAC, making a monetary PAC donation or join us on the ACOEP Practice Advocacy Committee – If you have any interest, let us know of your interest so we can all learn together and push the needle forward! –•–
ACOEP WOMEN IN EM COMMITTEE
Jacqueline M. Dziedzic, DO, FACEP,
FACOEP
Chairwoman
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE UPDATE
ACOEP 2024 Scientific Assembly
The ACOEP Women in EM committee is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all for the upcoming 2024 Scientific Assembly, taking place from October 6-10th at The Westin Galleria Houston in Houston, TX. This event promises a dynamic blend of education, networking, and professional development opportunities, tailored especially for colleagues in emergency medicine.
Committee Meeting and Membership Drive
Kicking off the assembly on Sunday, October 6th from 2-3pm CST, we invite all committee members and interested parties to join our committee meeting. This gathering serves as an excellent opportunity to connect, discuss initiatives, and shape the future of our committee. We are actively seeking new members, including medical students, residents, and attending physicians, to join our ranks. Leadership positions are available, offering a chance to make a significant impact on a national level.
Women in EM Luncheon: October 8th, 1pm
One of the highlights of our committee will be the Women in EM luncheon on Tuesday, October 8th at 1pm CST. This event promises to be an enriching experience filled with networking opportunities, educational insights, and captivating discussions. We are honored to announce our guest speaker, Dr. Bailee Jacobsen, who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in addiction medicine.
Dr. Bailee Jacobsen, DO, will deliver a thought-provoking presentation on addiction medicine that promises to offer valuable perspectives essential for every emergency medicine physician. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn CME credits (.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™) while enjoying a delicious meal and engaging with peers and mentors in the field.
Join Us
Whether you are a seasoned professional or just beginning your career in emergency medicine, the ACOEP Women in EM committee invites you to participate in our upcoming events at the 2024 Scientific Assembly. Together, let’s continue to foster an inclusive and supportive community that celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in emergency medicine. For more information and to register for the assembly, please visit ACOEP’s official website. We look forward to welcoming you in Houston! –•–
About Dr. Bailee Jacobsen, DO
We are honored to welcome Dr. Bailee Jacobsen, DO. Dr. Jacobsen attended medical school at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. A true pioneer, she completed her emergency medicine residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL as part of the inaugural graduating class. While at Loyola she completed the Global and Community Health specialty tract. She had multiple leadership roles during residency including the Opioid Task Force Committee, ICEP’s Social EM Committee and most important she served as Chief Resident. She completed her Addiction Medicine fellowship at Stanford University and remains on staff there. She also works at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, CA.
Dr. Jacobsen has given didactic lectures and has been invited to speak on addiction medicine nationally. She has done research on her area of expertise and has multiple publications. Dr. Jacobsen has also earned multiple honors and awards including the Spirit of Loyola Award for Service in 2022. When not taking care of patients in the emergency department or educating physicians on addiction medicine she can be found hiking with her family and cheering on her favorite teams, the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.
Dr. Bailee Jacobsen is a leader in addiction medicine, known for her dedication to advancing patient care and medical education. Her insights into the intersection of emergency medicine and addiction will undoubtedly provide attendees with invaluable knowledge and strategies for patient care.
FOEM Competition Award Winners Spring Seminar 2024
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2024 FOEM Spring Seminar Competitions!
The Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Osteopathic Emergency Medicine thanks you for participating in the competition and hope that you will participate in future events like this as a Resident or apply for research grants as a physician.
The Foundation is here to help serve the research needs of the specialty of emergency medicine and hopes that you have found the creation of a research paper a worthwhile experience worthy of repeating in the future.
Thank you again for your participation! Best wishes in your future research endeavors.
SS24 CASE STUDY
1st Place
Bilateral tube-ovarian abscesses
Eli Johnson, DO
2nd Place
Vertebral artery dissection post chiropractic adjustment
Rebecca Heffner, DO
3rd Place
Oculocardiac Reflex in Facial Trauma
Kacper Bury, OMSIII
SS24 NEW INNOVATIONS
1st Place
Introduction and Implementation of a Low-Cost Resuscitative Thoracotomy Model in Training of the Procedure
Ethan Kromberg, OMSII
2nd Place
Development and implementation of a multiple-use anatomically complex cricothyrotomy model
Adriana Facchiano, MD
3rd Place
Examination of Medical Resident Training on Caring for Adult Patients Reporting Recent Sexual Assault
Jalicia Sturdivant, DO
SPRING SEMINAR FLASHBACK!
Thank you to our attendees, speakers, and presenters for making the 2024 Spring Seminar another great event! Our CME Committee put together an amazing lineup for the general sessions and our RSO Board had record turnout by offering workshops, escape rooms, and specific student and resident tracks.
More than 400 attendees took part in 41 lectures, 1 keynote session, LIVE EM Over Easy podcasts, 2 FOEM competitions and hours of dedicated content for students and residents.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2024 Scientific Assembly, October 6-10 in Houston TX. Register now to get early bird savings!
Join
ACOEP Network!
Stay connected with the ACOEP family and enhance your networking opportunities by following us on social media! Whether you’re seeking to foster professional relationships, explore exciting events like our Scientific Assembly and Spring Seminar, or connect with fellow emergency medicine professionals, our social media channels offer a vibrant community and valuable updates. Join us as we build a supportive network that celebrates growth and collaboration in emergency medicine. Follow us today and be part of our journey toward collective success!
