Chairman's Welcome

Brian J. Browne, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Professor and Chairman
Brian J. Browne, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Professor and Chairman
 

Welcome to the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. We train tomorrow's leaders in emergency medicine to positively affect the lives of patients and to expand our specialty's contributions to patient care.

Our department's emphasis on education is fundamental. Our 75 full-time, board-certified faculty members include some of the world’s most accomplished clinicians, teachers, researchers, and leaders in emergency medicine. Our faculty's interests are wide-ranging: emergency care, cardiopulmonary and brain resuscitation, clinical toxicology, prehospital care, emergency medical services, disaster preparedness and response, international medicine, use of ultrasound in the emergency department (ED), and the incorporation of simulation into medical education. I am personally committed to our faculty development program, urging faculty members to explore their academic interests by promoting collaborative efforts on interdepartmental projects and initiatives.

The Department of Emergency Medicine has a proud history of serving communities in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Our faculty provides patient care at 4 hospital EDs in downtown Baltimore: University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), Baltimore VA Medical Center, UMMC Midtown Campus, and Mercy Medical Center. In addition, we have a community emergency medicine network at 9 hospitals statewide. These sites provide outstanding clinical education opportunities for our residents and medical students, with ED volumes of:

  • 53,000 at UMMC
  • 32,000 at the VA
  • 31,000 at Midtown
  • 66,000 at Mercy

Our urban location provides a fast-paced and challenging environment for learning and clinical practice. Enriched with the state-of-the art technology and cutting-edge academic resources available to us as part of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, we offer comprehensive training in emergency medicine. Our educational responsibilities have our highest commitment. We are shaping the future of emergency medicine in the United States and abroad.

I welcome your interest in our department, and I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our dynamic clinical and educational programs.

 

Department Blog


Educational Pearls

  • October 15th, 2024 - Using a Micropuncture Kit for Difficult Lines

    Getting reliable venous and arterial access is crucial when resuscitating critically ill patients. These lines can be difficult due to patient and situation... (continued)

  • October 13th, 2024 - Rectal Injuries-part one

    Rectal injuries are rare. The majority are secondary to penetrating injuries. Trauma care providers “should have a high clinical suspicion of rectal injury... (continued)

  • October 12th, 2024 - Shoulder Abduction Test aka Bakody’s Sign

    Shoulder Abduction Test aka Bakody’s Sign Used clinically in the evaluation of patients with suspected cervical radiculopathy Unlike Spurling’s test, where we create discomfort, this test attempts to relieve it. Specifically, evaluates for nerve root compression at C4-C6/7 To perform: Have the patient sit or with their back straight. Instruct the patient to raise the symptomatic arm and place the hand on top of their head.             Arm Abduction can be active or passive      3. Instruct the patient to hold this position for 30 seconds.      4.Observe the patient for any relief of symptoms (A positive test)            Decrease in pain, numbness, weakness or tingling      5. Repeat on the unaffected side for comparison. Sensitivity: 17–78% Specificity: 75–92% Note: when asked about what alleviates their pain, patients will frequently describe and demonstrate the maneuver. Consider adding this simple maneuver in your assessment of patients with suspected symptomatic cervical radiculopathy... (continued)

  • October 11th, 2024 - Pediatric Electrolytes: Approach to Hypernatremia

    Hypernatremia in Pediatric patients is less common than other electrolyte abnormalities occurring in <1% of hospitalized patients. The most common cause... (continued)

  • October 10th, 2024 - *Clinical Practice Update* - RhoGAM administration in early pregnancy loss

    Historically, there has been limited and inconclusive data regarding the utility of Rh (D) immunoglobulin (RhIg) in preventing alloimmunization for patients... (continued)