Breaking Waves: EM Makes a splash at TCEP’s CONNECT24 Conference!

04/22/2024

We had an exceptional time this past weekend at TCEP’s CONNECT24 Conference  in Lake Conroe, TX. Although the renowned lake waters surrounding them remained calm, our Faculty & Residents sure made a splash at this year’s event!

Here’s a roundup of some of the highlights:

  • Hilary Fairbrother, MD, MPH, a key member of TCEP’s Planning Committee, showcased her skills on the mic’ as she MCed the Medical Student Track event(s). Most importantly, a huge congratulations to Dr. Fairbrother for receiving the esteemed Dr. James Hayes Legacy Award. This recognition is a testament to her dedication, service, and commitment to TCEP.
  • John Waller Delarosa, MD, is helping carry the torch for ECMO innovation with his presentation ECMO: Overview, ED Implications, Mobile Applications. Dr. Waller-Delarosa was a great resource for many intrigued audience members, answering questions about the benefits and challenges of ECMO.
  • Michael Van Meter, MD, MPH, shared some great tips at the Residency Program Director Panel, assisting medical students in understanding what to expect as they prepare for and embark on their residency journeys.
  • Charles Maddow, MD, provoked great discussions with his presentation on The Path to Geriatric ED Accreditation.
  • Audrey Sharp, MD impressed participants with her research on Point of Care Ocular Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Papilledema in the Emergency Department.
  • MS4 and soon-to-be Resident, Samuel Slusky presented A Text Message-Based Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Intervention in a Hispanic Community.
  • Members of the McGovern Medical School HEROES program gave a presentation on treating patients with opioid use disorder. Led by HEROES Program Director, Shabana Walia, MD, MPH, the presentation covered key aspects of managing opioid overdose, focusing on discharge protocols, including the necessity of Narcan for those at risk of synthetic opioid overdose. It also addressed barriers to recovery from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), such as stigma, and highlighted the UT Health Houston – Heroes program as an effective support system.
  • A special shoutout to Chief Resident, Lauren Bayliss, MD, for her outstanding achievement in winning the Dr. Michael Wainscott Legacy Award. This prestigious honor recognizes her remarkable contributions to the field of emergency medicine, TCEP and UTHealth Houston. We will truly miss her leadership, innovation, and kindness!

Thank you all for proudly representing the Department of Emergency Medicine at this year’s CONNECT24!