Medical Training Blog | Provider Practice Essentials

Nontraumatic Thoracic Aortic Dissection (2014)

October 16, 2018 by PPE Medical

Inclusion: Adult ≥ 18 with suspected acute nontraumatic thoracic aortic dissection Exclusion: Traumatic aortic dissection, pediatric, pregnant Level A: None Level B: CTA to exclude thoracic aortic dissection (accuracy similar to that of TEE and MRA). Do not rely on abnormal bedside TTE result to definitively establish diagnosis Level C: Do not use clinical decision rules alone to …

Antibiotics for Abscesses

October 16, 2018 by PPE Medical

TMP-SMX vs Placebo for Uncomplicated Skin Abscess Talan DA et al.. “Trimethoprim–Sulfamethoxazole versus Placebo for Uncomplicated Skin Abscess”. NEJM. 2016. 374(9):823-832. PubMed Full text PDF Clinical Question In settings with MRSA, does Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment after Incision and drainage of an abscess result in a greater cure rate? Conclusion Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole treatment resulted in a higher cure rate among patients with a drained cutaneous abscess than placebo for abscess that …

Are there too many ‘Doctors’?

September 28, 2025October 1, 2018 by Scott Biggs, PA-C

Higher Education

In our society significant emphasis is placed on higher education, specifically the number of levels of higher education. At one point in time, having a high school diploma was sufficient for most professions, and a college degree made you stand out and put you in line for management of some sort. Doctorate level education was reserved for professionals such as Physicians and Dentists, or career academics like college level professors. As more and more people went on to college and obtained degrees, the Bachelor’s degree replaced the High School diploma as the entry level of higher education and the Master’s degree was conferred upon those who sought more advanced training in specific fields and wished to further their careers.

Pediatric Rashes

January 24, 2026September 18, 2018 by PPE Medical

by PPE Medical Rashes are a very common pediatric finding. This table summarizes the usual appearance, progression, and treatment of common rashes. DISEASE SEASON PROGRESSION MORPHOLOGY DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATED FINDINGS TREATMENT Measles/Rubeola paramyxovirus Winter to Spring Incubation: 1-2 weeks Communicability: 4 days before and after the rash Rash appears 3 days after symptoms Erythematous, confluent, maculopapular …

Patient-Provider Interactions Part 2: Improving the experience for everyone

November 12, 2018September 6, 2018 by Scott Biggs, PA-C

Let’s explore a few areas where just a simple change in our own actions can reap huge benefits for both ourselves and our patients.

Patient-Provider Interactions Part 1: The patient’s and your own experience

November 12, 2018September 6, 2018 by Scott Biggs, PA-C

The Stress of Hospitals

Emergency departments can be a stressful place, both for patient’s and healthcare providers. Patient’s are often scared, in pain or other distress, and anxious about what is happening to them, and what is about to happen to them. As Providers, we are often caring for multiple sick and/or injured patients who all want one-on-one attention, constant interruption by nurses and other staff, plus keeping things like patient satisfaction and turn-around times in the back of our minds so that we can satisfy administration’s expectation of us. This mixture can easily lead to dissatisfaction by both patients and Providers, which is completely counter to the reasons many of us went into the practice of Emergency Medicine in the first place. It doesn’t have to be like this, and I can show you some ways to help improve everyone’s experience in the ER.