Department of Emergency Medicine Medical Student Rotation Lectures and Labs

Morning report

This is a case-based discussion run at 7 a.m. by the teaching shift resident at the Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest emergency department. If you are scheduled to work at the Acute Care and Trauma Center (ACTC), LVH–Cedar Crest, on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday, you are to first attend morning report at 6:55 a.m., held in the conference room. If you have questions, ask the on-shift resident when you get there.

Didactics

Will occur on most Tuesdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m., either virtually or in the Emergency Medicine Residency Suite. This will be in either lecture format or using a case-based format from EM Foundations.  

Grand rounds

Grand rounds are held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Wednesday at various locations. Topics and locations are emailed weekly. A nationally known guest speaker will present the first Wednesday of each month.

Evidence-based medicine workshop

The workshop is an overview of key concepts in evidence-based medicine, including how to formulate an appropriate question and locate it in an article, a discussion of methodology and search strategies, and reviewing basic statistical concepts. It will typically occur the first Tuesday of each month, 1-3 p.m., either virtually or at a location to be determined.

Critical care simulation

Critical care simulation rounds are held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Center for Healthcare Education at 3900 Sierra Circle, Center Valley, PA 18034. During this interactive learning event, students will be instructed on how to properly manage the airway, perform a lumbar puncture and place a central venous catheter. They also will participate in and be required to lead simulation cases. Simulation cases may include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular, respiratory and toxicological emergencies. Complete the designated procedure self-study modules on the LVHN intranet before the simulation.

Trauma simulation

Trauma simulation rounds are held 9 a.m.-1 p.m on the third Thursday of the month in the Center for Healthcare Education building at 3900 Sierra Circle, Center Valley, PA 18034. Simulations will include examples of penetrating and blunt trauma. Emphasis will be on procedural competency in cricothyrotomy, chest tube placement and intraosseous insertion. Complete the designated procedure self-study modules on the LVHN intranet before the simulation.

Suture/orthopedic lab

On the first Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon, our emergency medicine physician assistants teach suturing and splinting techniques. The suture lab handbook contains helpful information to prepare you for the techniques shown during the lab. Please click below to download the suture lab resources. To prepare for the orthopedic lab, review the pertinent procedure self-study modules on the LVHN intranet prior to the lab.

The Surgery Education Center is in the basement of the Kasych Family Pavilion at the LVH–Cedar Crest campus.

Suture lab resources:

Ultrasound experience

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic and procedural tool in the current emergency medicine setting. There are several ultrasound machines available for student and resident use in all of the emergency departments at LVHN. You are encouraged to use the ultrasound machines under resident or attending guidance while working in the emergency department. You will be provided with a hands-on experience by our ultrasound faculty and/or senior residents. This will usually be held 1-3 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the fourth-floor conference room at LVH–Muhlenberg. Please browse the ultrasound lectures from the list below at your convenience during your rotation.

Autopsy (optional)

This experience will provide an opportunity to observe an autopsy. Sessions will be held in the LVHN morgue, in the basement of the Kasych Family Pavilion at LVH–Cedar Crest. No more than two students will be assigned per day.

EMS ride-along (optional)

Download the ride-along release and indemnity agreement.

Practical ultrasound experience (optional)

Spend some time getting valuable hands-on experience with the ultrasound machine on patients in the ED under the supervision of a senior resident. 

Toxicology experience (optional)

You are invited to attend the toxicology daily educational sessions and/or rounds with one of our toxicologists or fellows. Topics discussed will be the assessment and management of the poisoned patient, including recognition of certain toxidromes, proper decontamination strategies and utilization of antidotes for common and less common conditions. There also may be opportunities to assess toxicological patients. Review the self-study module on the approach to the poisoned patient at this link prior to this session.