That is the question: contrast CT or non contrast CT?   it is very difficult sometimes to answer, but for some facts such as r/o of appy, divericulitis and other pathologies, why do we need  Contrast CT? as an emergency physician, it is a matter of 2-4 hours of delayed disposition and increased LOS, more cost, more complications (Allergic reaction , Renal failure,..). I found this article very useful at least for acute appendicits, hope more come from our radiology colleagues

Link to Article

TIA sometimes is a huge dilemma in ED. It could be challenging from definition to workup to disposition. It is really frustrating for ED physicians, but recent article in clinics of north America, reviewd the pitfalls in diagnosis and disposition of patients with TIA. TIA is important because there is a chance of Stroke within 48 hours (5%). It is challenging because misdiagnosis of TIA reported among EPs up to 60% and disagreement among neurologist to diagnose TIA  is between 42% to 86 %. Interestingly, Castle, James et al Agreement Regarding Diagnosis of Transient Ischemic Attack among Stroke-Trained Neurologists showed diagnosis of TIA is highly subjective diagnosis, even among stroke subspecialists.

Link to article

Residents and fellows asked me numerous time, what should we do for boards? and my answer always is : whatever you do in In-service exam is a reflection of your ABEM board score! There are several study materials such as  board reviews books, courses and workshops, but one of the best one is NEMBR (National Emergency Medicine Board Review). I do not have any financial relations with them and I do not know how much they charged but faculty and course materials are strong. I recommend you, if you would like to attend these courses, do not wait until last minute because this course can guide you about your weaknesses and strengths, and  in a very short period of time can give you a review of EM. For residents, you can have this course as a 2nd year resident to have a big picture of your specialty and for 4th year,  if you are in 3 years program in early months of  last year is good to have it so you can program your reading.

You can visit http://www.ceme.org/national-emergency-medicine-board-review-study-tools for more info.

P.S.: one of my PA asked me about CME course recommendations, I believe can be a good one.

::: The author have no commercial associations or sources of support that might pose a conflict of interest.