In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, innovation is crucial for advancing patient care and improving emergency response. Laksmita Candrisari’s article explores the importance of integrating innovation into medical student electives, specifically in Emergency Medicine. By immersing students in emerging technologies and novel problem-solving techniques, such as AI, virtual reality, and quality improvement methodologies, this elective aims to cultivate future leaders equipped to tackle complex challenges in patient care. The article provides a step-by-step guide on creating an elective that fosters creativity and critical thinking, ensuring that students are prepared to drive meaningful advancements in the healthcare field.

At SAEM24 in Phoenix, Arizona, the SAEM Innovation Interest Group and the Emergency Medicine Innovation Collaborative presented an interactive workshop titled "Solving the ED Psych Crisis: An Interactive Session." Dr. Michael Wilson, chair of the Coalition on Psychiatric Emergencies, spearheaded the event, focusing on the increasing behavioral health emergencies in emergency departments (EDs). Utilizing design thinking—a human-centered approach defined by IDEO CEO Tim Brown—participants collaboratively tackled this pressing issue through empathetic problem-solving and iterative innovation. This article delves into the principles of design thinking and its transformative potential in emergency medicine (EM), illustrated by examples like Dr. Wilson’s digital tool, iCar2e, aimed at managing suicidality. By applying the five steps of design thinking—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—EM professionals can systematically address complex challenges, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency in the ED.

Physicians and innovators from across the United States gathered in Philadelphia for the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly in early October, where they had the opportunity to participate in an innovative healthcare event known as HackED. “HackED”, a combined innovation challenge and hackathon event, was developed in partnership with ACEP, the Emergency Medicine Innovation Collaborative (EMIC), and Stanford University's StEMI X. Its primary aim is to empower physicians to become primary agents of change within their speciality, foster collaboration between physicians and technology industry leaders, as well as encourage multidisciplinary solutions to pressing healthcare issues.

Transforming Emergency Medicine: Highlights From an Expert Panel on AI and Machine Learning