This episode of Cogent Conversations features a comprehensive discussion on mass casualty preparedness and the critical role of stress management in emergency training. Host Shelly Weinstein is joined by Cogent Steps Instructors Dr. Megan Mitchell and Joel Bannister, as well as Dr. Kristina Stanich, a physical therapist who works for the US government. The episode underscores the need for proactive training to ensure readiness for large-scale emergencies.

The conversation highlights the value of stress management during training, as well as the benefits of training focused on mass casualty preparedness, using Cogent Steps' recent course with Rocky Mountain University to train students for a potential mass casualty event as an example. The panelists of guests also discuss the lack of prioritization for mass casualty preparedness at large-scale events and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration among agencies when doing so.

This episode of Cogent Conversations features Dr. John Jardine, an emergency medicine physician currently working at Kent Hospital in Rhode Island. Host Shelley Weinstein and Dr. Jardine discuss his experience in endurance medicine, exploring the challenges of providing medical support at events—particularly in treating exertional heat stroke—as climate plays a more prominent role in our lives.

Dr. Jardine shares insights on the importance of rapid response, teamwork, and the unique demands of medical planning for large-scale athletic competitions, and highlights his work at events like the Beach to Beacon race and the Marine Corps Marathon.

This episode of Cogent Conversations features Fire Chief Brian Weston, a federal firefighter and paramedic overseeing Marine Corps Base Quantico's Fire and EMS services. Chief Weston and Cogent Conversations Host Shelly Weinstein discuss the unique challenges of emergency management on a military base, including differences from civilian departments and other logistical complexities.

The conversation focuses on the importance of incident action plans (IAPs) for large-scale events, explaining how they enhance coordination among multiple agencies and improve response efficiency. Chief Weston also shares insights on overcoming communication barriers, the role of logistics in emergency planning, and best practices for event organizers to collaborate effectively with first responders.

This episode of Cogent Conversations explores the early stages of a medical career through the lens of volunteering at major events, featuring Gillian Styring, a second-year medical student at George Washington University. Gillian reflects on her roles as an Emergency Room Liaison at the Marine Corps Marathon and as a Marshall at the Isle of Man TT Races and how these have provided unique opportunities to build skills and gain insights into emergency medicine. Shelly and Gillian dive into the unique challenges of providing medical and logistical support at large-scale events, with Gillian providing great insight into the logistics of the mountainous 37-mile Isle of Man TT course.

Dr. Josh Funk, founder of Rehab to Perform, joins Cogent Conversations Host Shelly Weinstein in this latest episode to discuss how innovative approaches to physical therapy can transform patients' experience. Dr. Funk kicks off this episode by reflecting on his journey as a multi-sport youth athlete and Division I competitor. He highlights the importance of sport sampling and advocates for diverse athletic experiences to foster lifelong physical activity and overall well-being. He also discusses the shortcomings of traditional physical therapy settings and how Rehab to Perform was designed to make rehab engaging, individualized, and community-centered. Dr. Funk’s story offers insights into enhancing patient care and fostering a more vibrant and impactful physical therapy profession.

In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Host Shelly Weinstein is joined by Battalion Chief Jack McGovern, the Deputy Emergency Manager for the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Chief McGovern shares his experience managing both planned events, like the Marine Corps Half Marathon, and unplanned crises, such as natural disasters and large-scale fires. Shelly and Chief McGovern dive into the importance of interagency collaboration, resource management, and community engagement in keeping the public safe. From mass casualty preparedness to supporting local communities in times of crisis, this episode underscores the critical role of leadership and planning in public safety.

In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Dr. Kori Hudson, a board-certified specialist in both sports and emergency medicine, shares her unique insights on emergency action plans (EAPs). Dr. Hudson and Cogent Conversations Host Shelly Weinstein discuss the critical role EAPs play in ensuring safety at sporting events, emphasizing the importance of preparation, practice, and collaboration between medical teams. From the high school field to professional sports arenas, this conversation highlights how effective planning can save lives.

Scott Kaylor, board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy, joins Host Shelly Weinstein on this episode of Cogent Conversations. Scott, who owns Zone Physical Therapy in Greer, South Carolina, specializes in treating both upper and lower extremities, with a particular focus on runners. He shares insights from his career, including his personal experience as a runner and his expertise in guiding runners through every stage of their athletic journey.