In the last episode of the “Sleep in the ICU” series, Dr. Hassaballa goes through several easy tips to help get a good night’s sleep. American Academy of Sleep Medicine Tips: https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits/By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Dr. Hassaballa tells the story of when he filled in as a Tele-ICU Nurse. It wasn’t a pretty picture, and it highlights how important nurses truly are to the healthcare field. A very Happy Nurses Week to every nurse in the world! There is no “care” in healthcare without nurses.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In Part 2 of the Sleep in the ICU series, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the SCCM guidelines with respect to sleep in critically ill adults and what we should do in the ICU. SCCM Guidelines: https://www.sccm.org/clinical-resources/guidelines/guidelines/guidelines-for-the-prevention-and-management-of-pa SCCM Update: https://sccm.org/clinical-resources/gui…

Dr. Adam Cifu is an award-winning Medical Educator and general internist at the University of Chicago. He also writes for the fantastic Substack, Sensible Medicine. I had a wonderful conversation with him about Medical Education and how it has changed and not changed over the years. Dr. Cifu's books: https://www.adamcifu.com/books Sensible Medicine…

In the first of a two-part series about sleep in the intensive care unit, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the classic sleep deprivation studies and their implications on our own sleep.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Unless one has lost a child, then he or she can never know the horror of the parents who just lost a child to measles in Texas. For the latest on the Texas Measles Outbreak: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In the latest installment of the Faith in the ICU Series, Dr. Hassaballa recounts a story that has always stayed with him.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In this latest episode of the ICU Lecture Series, Dr. Hassaballa lectures to staff about the ICU Liberation Bundle. Link: https://sccm.org/clinical-resources/iculiberation-home/abcdef-bundlesBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Despite multiple specialty society guidelines recommending not to transfuse blood if the hemoglobin levels are above 7-8 g/dL, many physicians disregard the recommendations. Why is that? Dr. Hassaballa discusses this issue. Article referenced in the show: https://www.pulmccm.org/p/guidelines-on-red-cell-transfusion…

In this latest ICU lecture series, Dr. Hassaballa discusses metabolic acidosis: how to diagnose it and what to do about it.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

What would someone who is BOTH a Critical Care and Palliative Care Doctor say about palliative care in the ICU? I asked one. Links from the show: The Coleman Palliative Medicine Training Program: https://colemanpalliative.org/ Research Articles referenced in the episode: Norton SA, Hogan LA, Holloway RG, Temkin-Greener H, Buckley MJ, Quill TE. Proa…

Many payers state that a 2016 Coding Clinics article allows them to deny sepsis DRGs. This is not true, and Dr. Hassaballa goes into the article and what is specifically says about sepsis. And, he issues an unequivocal condemnation of the murder of Brian Thompson.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In the latest installment of the "Great Minds in Medicine" series, I sit down with Dr. Sergio Zanotti, Critical Care Chief Medical Officer for Sound Physicians. We had a wide-ranging discussion about medicine, critical care, and healthcare in general. It was, perhaps, one of my favorite conversations. Discussed during the podcast: The Ventilator (H…

Given that physicians frequently make life and death decisions, especially in the ICU, does being a physician weaken one's faith? Dr. Hassaballa reflects on his own experience of faith and being a doctor.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Despite a strong recommendation by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in its guidelines, recent surveys indicate very few, if any at all, Oncologists refer patients to Palliative Care. This is a huge disservice.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

I sit down with Dr. Mohammad Alo, America's Cardiologist and great friend of mine, and we discuss all things cholesterol and social media best practices for Doctors. Dr. Mohammad Alo on X: https://x.com/MohammedAlo Website: dralo.net/linksBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Recent research shows that a substantial minority of patients have cognitive motor dissociation. This has many important implications for our practice of critical care medicine. NEJM Study: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2400645 NY Times Column: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/11/opinion/covert-consciousness-unresponsive-brain.html…

Dr. Hassaballa discusses this recent review article and meta-analysis of the correction rate of hyponatremia and clinical outcomes.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In this episode of Journal Club, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the recent study comparing small-bore to large-bore chest tubes for hemothorax drainage.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Daddy misses you so much.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In a new series on Healthcare Musings, Dr. Hassaballa discusses faith in the ICU and how Doctors should not shy away from faith. It can be an added asset in the right circumstance.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

A recent study showed that you don’t need oxygen all day, every day. That’s welcome news for patients needing chronic oxygen.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Marketing is literally in Austan Lundeen’s blood. So, I sat down with him to get tips on how to best use social media as a clinician.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

This highly contagious virus can absolutely kill children.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

A study showed no difference between IV and IO access in cardiac arrest. Yet, I have some questions. Study link: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2407616By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Insurance companies will use obscure “Coding Clinics” articles to deny various DRGs. I asked appeal expert Dr. Vivek Tirmal of Sound Advisory Services all about this.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

As cannabis use becomes more widespread, and more potent, clinicians need to be aware of its potential harms. NY Times article cited in show: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/04/us/cannabis-marijuana-risks-addiction.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShareBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

If we clinicians are not at the table, then we will be on the menu.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

If we provide care consistent with our patients’ values and preferences, we are good stewards of scarce resources and provide compassionate effective care. Sign up below to get every episode in your email:http://eepurl.com/i1xuH2By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In this next podcast in the “Great Minds in Medicine” series, I sit down with Dr. Greg Johnson, Chief Physician Executive at Unity Point Health. We discuss the state of healthcare and healthcare equity. Unequal Treatment (2003): https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/12875/unequal-treatment-confronting-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-in-health-car…

It is very small and goes a very long way… Sign up here to get every episode of Healthcare Musings in your inbox.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In this latest Journal Club episode, Dr. Hassaballa discusses an article about potassium replacement after cardiac surgery. Could this be the beginning of a more sensible potassium replacement protocol? Study link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2823246By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

As we conclude Sepsis Awareness Month, Dr. Hassaballa discusses how the definition of sepsis changes depending on which insurance company the patient uses.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Some say drinking alcohol may prevent food poisoning. Umm…not really.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

September 17 is Physician Suicide Awareness Day. I’ve seen the face of physician suicide, and it is devastating.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Dr. Rob Bessler, CEO of Honest Health and Founder of Sound Physicians, talks with Dr. Hassaballa about where healthcare in America needs to go.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In honor of Sepsis Awareness Month, Dr. Hassaballa remind us to always be on the lookout for sepsis, which can manifest as a variety of conditions.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In this episode, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the utmost importance of having advanced directives in place now, when you’re healthy and of sound mind. Living Will Link: https://www.legalzoom.com/marketing/estate-planning/living-will Healthcare Power of Attorney: https://legaltemplates.net/form/lt/medical-power-of-attorney/…

With the continuing decrease in physician reimbursement from CMS, Dr. Hassaballa has a conversation with Dr. Rob Zipper, CMO of Advisory Services of Sound Physicians. Links mentioned in episode: Dartmouth Atlas: https://data.dartmouthatlas.org/ Documentation Rules: https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2023-e-m-descriptors-guidelines.pdf CPT: https…

Dr. Hassaballa discusses a recent study about using noninvasive ventilation for preoxygenation prior to intubation. Study link: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2313680By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Dr. Hassaballa shares advice for those students starting medical school.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

As the 2024 Summer Olympic Games enter their final week, Dr. Hassaballa reflects on how wonderful it is to watch.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Just as important as battling critical illness, the battle against an ignoble death is crucial in the ICU. Dr. Hassaballa reflects.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

As an Intensivist, I wage multiple battles in the ICU. In this latest episode, I reflect on what those battles are.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In this latest episode of Journal Club, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the latest evidence regarding stress ulcer prophylaxis. Article link: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404245 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthcaremusings.substack.com…

CMS has proposed another cut in physician reimbursement. Really? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthcaremusings.substack.comBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

Dr. Hassaballa discusses a devastating case of toxic shock syndrome, and its pathology and pathophysiology. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthcaremusings.substack.comBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In this latest lecture in his ICU Lecture series, Dr. Hassaballa delves into the contentious realm of litigation and how to mitigate its specter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthcaremusings.substack.comBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

In Part 4 of his series "Nights in the ICU," Dr. Hassaballa discusses acute stroke, blood pressure management, SATs, and what a true crystalloid bolus is. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthcaremusings.substack.com…

Dr. Hassaballa reflects on what it means to be an ICU Doctor and a father. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthcaremusings.substack.comBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP