Episodes

Disaster medicine requires a multidisciplinary approach, similar to a team sport where diverse skills and backgrounds are essential. Ashley E. D. Kane, MD, MScR, a MedPeds-trained physician and a core faculty member of the Harvard Beth Israel Deaconess Disaster Medicine Fellowship, emphasizes the importance of infrastructure in disaster response and recovery, learned from her experiences in Guatemala and Malawi. Resources:Pediatric Disaster Medicine - World Association for Disaster and Emergenc...

Last year, the healthcare system faced a surge of COVID, influenza, and RSV cases, filling hospitals with children in critical condition. Despite the introduction of a promising new RSV treatment, nirsevimab, its rollout was hampered by supply shortages and logistical challenges. Daniel Dodson, MD, MS, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, explained that the limited supply required careful allocation to high-risk infants, leading to difficult decisions and impassioned pleas from caregivers....

Nikki Shimko, nurse manager of the Golisano Transport Team and president of the Florida Neonatal Pediatric Transport Network Association, recounts the harrowing experience of evacuating Golisano Children's Hospital during Hurricane Ian. Despite the lack of preparedness leading up to the hurricane, Nikki's team successfully evacuated 81 patients, including 62 neonates, over 160 miles to 15 facilities. The collaborative effort and preexisting networks proved invaluable in ensuring the safety and w...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian's unexpected Category 5 landfall in Florida, the evacuation of Golisano Children's Hospital became a critical operation, highlighting the challenges and heroism of transport medicine teams. Phyllis Hendry, MD, FAAP, FACEP, a key figure in pediatric emergency care and transport services, sheds light on the complexities of pediatric transport, the necessity of community-based response, and the lessons learned from this harrowing event. REASOURCES: https://www.nh...

Stephanie Chan, MPH, a research associate, discusses the vital role of youth as community health workers (CHWs) in bridging gaps in public health. By training and empowering youth aged 16 to 19, they become relatable ambassadors within their communities, tackling issues like vaccine hesitancy and misinformation surrounding COVID-19. Resources: COVID-19–Associated Orphanhood and Caregiver Death in the United States - American Academy of Pediatrics Community Health Workers - American Public Healt...

Becky Platt, ACP and volunteer with UK Med, shares her experiences providing medical aid to children in various parts of the world, notably focusing on her time in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh during a diphtheria outbreak. Resources: Refugee Camp Real-time analysis of the diphtheria outbreak in forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh - National Library of Medicine Diphtheria - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Ethical Obligations Regarding Short-Term Global Heal...

Derrick Tin, MD, describes a political rally interrupted by a suicide bombing in Pakistan, resulting in numerous casualties. The episodes includes insights from Tin’s expertise in disaster and counterterrorism medicine and the challenges of triage systems in disaster situations, emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches and mental health support for responders. This episode offers continuing education credit for physicians and nurses. To receive credit, learners must register and compl...

Christina Hernon, MD, FAAEM, an emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist, shares her experience as a spontaneous responder during the Boston Marathon bombing. The story highlights the often overlooked role of spontaneous responders and emphasizes the need for better preparation, debriefing, and support for those who find themselves thrust into such situations. This episode offers continuing education credit for physicians and nurses. To receive credit, learners must register and co...

Brigitte French, CA-PEM, IAEM-CEM, DVM, a Pediatric Pandemic Network program manager, discusses her transition from veterinary medicine to emergency management and her experience in the Air Force. She shares stories of dealing with a norovirus outbreak, setting up decontamination tents, and responding to a bomb cyclone. This episode offers continuing education credit for physicians and nurses. To receive credit, learners must register and complete an evaluation on the PPN Continuing Education p...

Dennis Ren, MD talks with Brent Kaziny, MD, MA about the chaos and uncertainty medical staff faced during Hurricane Katrina. Kaziny also shares the improvised methods used to ensure children could be reunited with their families and provided care despite limited resources. This episode offers continuing education credit for physicians and nurses. To receive credit, learners must register and complete an evaluation on the PPN Continuing Education portal after listening to the episode. Resources...

Ready. Prep. Go! host Dennis Ren, MD has a conversation with Joelle Simpson, MD, MPH about her experience as a medical student at the George Washington University during 9/11 and how she contributed to public health efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode offers continuing education credit for physicians and nurses. To receive credit, learners must register and complete an evaluation on the PPN Continuing Education portal after listening to the episode. Resources:Honoring First Resp...

Ready. Prep. Go!, a podcast from the Pediatric Pandemic Network, features compelling conversations with emergency, disaster, and preparedness subject matter experts and those on the frontlines. Guests share their transformational stories and invaluable lessons learned from their experiences. Children have unique physiological and developmental characteristics, making them particularly vulnerable in emergencies, disasters, and global health threats. Too often, though, disaster preparedness and r...