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Steep Learning Curves at MammothEM Conference

EM Conference 2018

On March 4th, 2018 the Department of Emergency Medicine (EM) of the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine (UC Irvine) kicked off the 37th Annual Mammoth Mountain Emergency Medicine Conference in Mammoth Lakes, California. This four-day conference presented a broad range of emergency medicine topics to over 150 healthcare professionals including EM physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, paramedics, EMTs, and medical students. During the opening night reception, Dr. Megan Boysen Osborn, the Conference Chair, gave a warm welcome that filled the room with energy and was well received by enthusiastic participants eager to learn (and hit the slopes).

On day one of the conference, with tons of fresh powder waiting on the slopes, Dr. Bharath Chakravarthy of UC Irvine EM and Dr. Michael Menchine of LAC+USC EM, got the day started with part one of their two-part series "Cruising the Medical Literature.” This annual presentation offered participants a review of current literature “hot off the presses.” The dynamic duo focused on clinical articles, encouraged critical thinking and promoted the practice of evidence-based medicine which truly set the tone for the rest of the conference.

Cruising the Medical Literature

While on the mountain, attendees had the opportunity to learn from a combination of lectures and hands-on activities. Distinguished speakers covered topics including "Opioid Epidemic,” “Fentanyl Derivatives: The Latest Danger on the Street,” “Current Updates on Spine Precautions,” "Ultrasound Guided Resuscitation,” and "How to NOT ruin your career on social media” among others. The interactive sessions allowed practice of airway management using simulation models, use of bedside ultrasound with live models, virtual reality simulation cases, and “Improvised Wilderness Rescue Techniques” using conventional items used for camping and outdoor sports.

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On day three, Dr. C. Eric McCoy of UC Irvine EM presented his unique take on "Neonatal Resuscitation: What YOU can’t afford to miss.” He covered critical points of emergent delivery of the newborn, neonatal resuscitation, and the role of ventilation. To everyone’s delight, he closed his session by sharing his musical talents making the take home points memorable: McCoy Neonatal Resuscitation Clip.

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After four days of snow and learning, Dr. Max Thompson and Dr. Inna Schniter of UCI EM closed out the conference paying homage to the mountain’s mascot, Wooly and reviewing "Conference Topic Highlights." Their high yield overview of conference content reinforced the importance of evidence-based medicine for optimal care in the emergency setting which will benefit attendees and patients alike. For over three decades, the Mammoth Mountain Emergency Medicine Conference has educated front line providers on the latest updates in emergency medicine care. 

Save the Date: (March 4-7, 2019) 38th Annual Mammoth Mountain Emergency Medicine Conference

(Footnote)
Thank you to Graciela Maldonado, MS4 for her assistance on this story.