Medical students and metrics: seven techniques for a win-win situation.

BACKGROUND: The authors present seven winning strategies for maintaining a rich academic environment for learners while working in a busy emergency department with expected productivity metrics. METHODS: This is a descriptive paper based on existing literature and on the authors' experience. RESULTS: Winning strategies to improve ED throughput while also supporting the mission of medical education and improving the learning environment for students include the following: (1) attending first, (2) provider in triage, (3) mobile workstations, (4) patient education, (5) bedside patient presentations, (6) dedicated teaching resident, and (7) thoughtful scheduling. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present seven practical strategies that are portable to many settings.

Cerebral sinus thrombosis in a 6-year-old boy after a minor head injury.

Posttraumatic cerebral sinus thrombosis is an uncommon disease in children that is rarely seen in the setting of a closed head injury. We report a 6-year-old boy who developed cerebral sinus thrombosis after an apparent minor head injury. The clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, and treatment strategies are discussed. Serial neurological evaluation and close observation are important, and the decision for anticoagulation should be carefully considered with hematological consultants.