Case of the Month 2025
Case of the Month: December 2025
Swami and Jan are back with a case of the month! A 33-week pregnant patient came in with what seemed like a straightforward complaint, but her story quickly took a turn. As we worked through the differential, none of the usual explanations fully fit, and each test brought us a step closer to an unexpected answer. This case was a reminder that even familiar symptoms can hide something deeper. A good nudge to slow down, rethink, and let the workup guide you.
Case of the Month: November 2025
Miz joins Swami for this month’s case! When a 45-year-old woman comes into the ED in shock just hours after hip surgery, the team runs through the usual suspects — hemorrhage, sepsis, pulmonary embolism — but the answer lies elsewhere. In this episode, Swami and Miz break down a real case of adrenal crisis, the subtle clues that can lead you there, and why thinking about it early can save a life. They also dive into what’s new at EM:RAP — from revamped Fundamentals video series (EBM, Trauma, Ultrasound) to INVICTUS Encore, the first and only oral board review course designed for ABEM’s new exam format. S
Case of the Month: October 2025
Case of the Month: October 2025 This month's case comes from a fast track shift that starts out like any other—but takes an unexpected turn. A middle-aged patient presents with penile pain, something you might assume is STI-related or minor trauma. But as the story unfolds, the history and background push you to think beyond the usual suspects. The patient isn’t sexually active, has a chronic condition that changes the risk profile, and the exam reveals findings that don’t quite fit the common explanations. Suddenly, what felt like a straightforward case forces you to broaden your differential. From vascular processes to infectious concerns, this is a reminder that serious pathology can hide behind seemingly routine complaints. We’ll dig into what key questions you need to ask, what clues should raise red flags, and how to manage when the diagnosis isn’t common—or easy. Even in fast track, the unexpected shows up, and knowing how to recognize it can make all the difference.
Case of the Month: September 2025
This month, Jan and Swami return with not one, but two thought-provoking cases. In the first, a patient presents with pneumonia after receiving inadequate prior treatment. How do you move the case forward without placing blame on the previous doctor? Jan shares her approach to reframing the conversation with patients, focusing on next steps instead of dwelling on the past, while Swami reflects on his constructive exchange with the patient’s PCP. Then, the dynamic duo take on a different challenge: a patient who’s run out of their anxiety medication. The discussion opens up questions around benzodiazepine dependence, withdrawal, patient education, and strategies for long-term treatment. There is more to medicine than clinical knowledge, and together, these cases highlight the art of practicing medicine. Navigating these complex, sometimes uncomfortable scenarios with both honesty and compassion is a critical aspect of overall job satisfaction.
Case of the Month: August 2025
Case of the Month: August 2025
Case of the Month: July 2025
Case of the Month: July 2025
Case of the Month: June 2025
Jan and Swami take time today to chat about an emotionally difficult situation in the ED– delivering death news. How do you communicate life-altering news to families when you do not have a relationship with the patient and their family?
Case of the Month: May 2025
Happy Cinco de Mayo from EM:RAP! We’ve got a case today that is exploding with twists and turns. Swami reminisces on his first week as an attending: a 32-year-old man comes in with epigastric burning, radiation to the back of the throat, and a history of GERD. The more information they gathered, the more complicated this seemingly simple case became.
Case of the Month: April 2025
Jan dives right in: male patient comes in and looks like he is in advanced stages of pregnancy. He is experiencing shortness of breath and abdominal discomfort. They unpack their decision making process for whether or not to perform a therapeutic paracentesis. They discuss whether or not you need to run labs, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and the tools they use during the procedure.
Case of the Month: March 2025
Case of the Month: March 2025
Case of the Month: February 2025
Case of the Month: February 2025
Case of the Month: January 2025
Colchicine overdose. It's not something you want to encounter when grabbing your next patient from the board. Highly toxic, it brings with it a high mortality rate. You'll need to act fast. Are you prepared to perform a gastric lavage? This procedure is rarely done in the emergencydDepartment and is only used in narrow indications. Swami and Jan discuss a case in which it was the right intervention. Have you experienced a case where you attempted this procedure? What were the circumstances? Share your stories in the comments below - we want to hear about your gastric lavage experiences, both successful and challenging.