The PA Guide to Free Open Access Medical Education #FOAMed
FOAMed, which stands for Free Open Access Medical Education, is a transformative movement in the field of healthcare that promotes the free and unrestricted sharing of medical knowledge and education through digital platforms. Through blogs, podcasts, videos, and social media,
FOAMed provides healthcare professionals, including physician assistants (PAs), with easy access to a vast array of up-to-date and evidence-based medical information. The FOAMed community comprises experienced clinicians, educators, and researchers who collaboratively contribute their insights, making FOAMed a dynamic and continuously evolving resource.
Physician assistants can leverage FOAMed to enhance their knowledge, improve patient care, and stay current with the latest developments in medicine. By engaging with FOAMed resources, PAs can access a diverse range of topics, from clinical case studies to diagnostic challenges, allowing them to sharpen their clinical reasoning skills.
I. Overview of #FOAMed
a) Definition of FOAMed
At its core, Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) is a movement that strives to make high-quality medical education accessible to all, free of charge. Through the creative use of digital platforms such as blogs, podcasts, videos, and social media, F#OAMed advocates passionately share their expertise and insights with a global community of medical professionals, including physician assistants like yourselves and PA students.
FOAMed breaks down the traditional barriers that hinder access to the latest medical knowledge (paywalls, journal subscriptions). It embraces the idea that education should not be confined to expensive textbooks or exclusive conferences but should be freely available to anyone with the desire to learn and grow in their medical career.
b) Advantages of FOAMed
FOAMed is more than just a collection of online resources; it is a collaborative and supportive network that encourages continuous growth and knowledge-sharing among medical professionals.
Here are some advantages of FOAMed:
Easy Accessibility: Unlike conventional educational resources that may require hefty subscriptions or restricted access, FOAMed materials are just a click away.
Diverse Content: FOAMed covers an extensive range of medical topics, from rare diseases and diagnostic challenges to cutting-edge treatments and innovative research.
Continuous Updates: Medicine is an ever-evolving field, with new discoveries and advancements surfacing regularly. FOAMed provides a dynamic space where healthcare professionals share real-time updates and insights. Staying connected to FOAMed resources ensures you remain up-to-date with the latest medical breakthroughs and evidence-based practices.
II. Navigating #FOAMed Resources
a) Identifying Reliable Resources
With the abundance of information available online, it becomes crucial to discern reliable and evidence-based sources from potentially misleading or inaccurate content. As health care providers, it is essential to base our practice on the latest and most reliable information.
Here are some tips to help you identify credible FOAMed resources:
Authority and Credentials: Look for content created by reputable healthcare professionals, subject matter experts, and renowned institutions. Check the author's credentials and affiliations to ensure they are qualified to provide accurate medical information.
Transparency and Citations: Trustworthy FOAMed resources will often provide proper citations and references to support their claims. Verify the sources cited and cross-check them to ensure the information is from reputable journals or medical publications.
Peer Review and Feedback: Seek out FOAMed content that has undergone peer review or received positive feedback from other healthcare professionals. Platforms with active commenting sections can offer valuable insights and discussions on the content's accuracy.
b) Popular #FOAMed platforms
Blogs and Websites: FOAMed blogs hosted by experienced clinicians and medical educators are treasure troves of valuable insights and clinical pearls. Some popular blogs cater specifically to physician assistants and PA students, offering content tailored to your unique needs.
Podcasts: Medical podcasts have gained immense popularity for their convenience and accessibility. Look for podcasts that cover a wide range of topics, including clinical case discussions, evidence-based practices, and updates on medical guidelines.
YouTube Channels: Numerous reputable medical YouTube channels produce engaging and informative content. From medical procedure tutorials to concise lectures on various medical subjects, you can find videos that suit your learning style.
c) How to find #FOAMed Resources Online
Search Engines: Use popular search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo to search for specific FOAMed topics or keywords relevant to your medical interests. For example, you can search for "FOAMed emergency medicine," "FOAMed cardiology," or "free medical education resources."
Social Media: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are excellent sources for finding FOAMed content. Look for hashtags like #FOAMed, #MedEd, or #FOAMcc (FOAM critical care) to discover posts, articles, and discussions related to medical education.
FOAMed Aggregators: Some websites curate and aggregate FOAMed resources from various sources. These aggregators provide a centralized platform where you can access content from multiple blogs and podcasts. Examples include FOAMbase and FOAMem.
Medical Education Blogs: Many reputable medical education blogs offer FOAMed content. Search for blogs dedicated to your specialty or general medical education blogs that cover a wide range of topics.
YouTube Channels and Podcasts: Utilize YouTube and podcast platforms to find channels and podcasts that provide FOAMed content. Search for topics relevant to your medical interests to discover relevant videos and episodes.
Medical Associations and Organizations: Check the websites of medical associations and organizations related to your specialty. They often curate and share FOAMed resources that align with their field of expertise.
Online Forums and Discussion Boards: Engage with FOAMed discussions on online forums and discussion boards dedicated to medical education. Participating in these communities can lead you to valuable resources and insights.
FOAMed Hashtags and Accounts: On social media platforms, follow accounts and hashtags related to FOAMed. Many educators and medical professionals regularly share informative content.
Medical Journals and Publications: Some medical journals and publications offer free access to select articles or content through FOAMed initiatives. Check their websites for FOAMed sections or resources.
CME Providers: Some Continuing Medical Education (CME) providers offer FOAMed activities that can count towards your professional development. Check CME platforms for FOAMed options.
d) Incorporating #FOAMed into your practice or studies
While FOAMed is a valuable resource for self-directed learning, it's essential to acknowledge that it complements, rather than replaces, formal education, CME, and CPD activities. Traditional educational programs and accredited courses provide a structured and comprehensive foundation, while FOAMed serves as a dynamic and supplementary source of information.
By recognizing the synergy between formal education and FOAMed, you can create a well-rounded approach to your professional development. Attend workshops, conferences, and accredited courses to gain in-depth knowledge and obtain official certifications. Then, use FOAMed to reinforce and expand upon the concepts you've learned, as well as to stay updated with the latest advancements in your field.
III. Examples of #FOAMed Resources
a) Example #FOAMed Blogs
Academic Life in Emergency Medicine (ALiEM): ALiEM is a renowned FOAMed blog focused on emergency medicine education. It features case discussions, evidence-based reviews, and clinical pearls that are applicable to various medical specialties.
EMRAP: Emergency Medicine Reviews and Perspectives (EMRAP) is a popular FOAMed podcast and blog that covers a wide range of emergency medicine topics. It offers engaging discussions, interviews, and expert insights.
PulmCrit: PulmCrit is a FOAMed blog dedicated to critical care and pulmonary medicine. It delves into evidence-based practices and clinical controversies in these fields.
Core EM: Core EM is a FOAMed blog and podcast that provides comprehensive education in emergency medicine. It covers core topics, procedures, and clinical guidelines.
The Skeptics' Guide to Emergency Medicine (SGEM): SGEM is a FOAMed blog and podcast that critically reviews and appraises the latest medical literature in emergency medicine.
CanadiEM: CanadiEM is a FOAMed blog with a focus on Canadian emergency medicine, but its content is relevant and beneficial to healthcare professionals worldwide.
Life in the Fast Lane (LITFL): LITFL is a comprehensive FOAMed blog that covers critical care, emergency medicine, and resuscitation topics. It offers a wealth of educational resources and interactive quizzes.
REBEL EM: REBEL EM is a FOAMed blog that delivers evidence-based reviews and critical appraisals of emergency medicine research.
EM Docs: EM Docs is a FOAMed blog that curates educational content for emergency medicine professionals, including physician assistants.
St. Emlyn's: St. Emlyn's is a FOAMed blog focusing on emergency medicine, critical care, and evidence-based medicine. It offers insightful articles, podcasts, and video content.
b) Example #FOAMed Podcasts
EM:RAP (Emergency Medicine: Reviews and Perspectives): EM:RAP is a widely acclaimed FOAMed podcast that offers in-depth reviews and perspectives on various emergency medicine topics.
FOAMcast: FOAMcast is a FOAMed podcast that critically appraises and discusses the latest research and updates in emergency medicine.
The Curbsiders: The Curbsiders is a FOAMed podcast that covers internal medicine topics through expert interviews and clinical discussions.
Core EM Podcast: Core EM Podcast presents practical and evidence-based information relevant to emergency medicine practice.
The SGEM (Skeptics' Guide to Emergency Medicine): The SGEM is a FOAMed podcast that critically reviews and analyzes the evidence behind emergency medicine topics.
Emergency Medicine Cases (EM Cases): EM Cases is a FOAMed podcast that explores challenging emergency medicine cases with expert guidance.
Peds RAP (Pediatric Emergency Medicine Reviews and Perspectives): Peds RAP is a FOAMed podcast specializing in pediatric emergency medicine, providing updates and reviews on pediatric cases.
Rebel EM: Rebel EM podcast offers evidence-based discussions and critiques of research in emergency medicine.
The Internet Book of Critical Care (IBCC) Podcast: The IBCC Podcast accompanies the Internet Book of Critical Care, delivering valuable insights for critical care medicine.
The Pharm So Hard Podcast: The Pharm So Hard Podcast is a FOAMed resource focusing on pharmacology, clinical guidelines, and drug-related topics.
c) #FOAMed Youtube Channels
MedCram - Medical Lectures Explained Clearly: MedCram provides clear and concise medical lectures on various topics, including cardiology, respiratory, and infectious diseases.
Osmosis: Osmosis offers animated medical videos that explain complex medical concepts in a visually engaging manner.
DxTx: Sahand is a Canadian Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant who covers topics in Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Najeeb Lectures: Dr. Najeeb's lectures cover a wide range of medical subjects, providing detailed explanations and illustrations.
Strong Medicine: Strong Medicine features medical case studies, clinical reasoning, and practical tips for healthcare professionals.
SketchyMedical: SketchyMedical offers visual and memorable mnemonics for various medical topics, making it easier to remember complex information.
Ninja Nerd Science: Ninja Nerd Science provides educational videos on physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
Speed Pharmacology: Speed Pharmacology offers fast-paced and comprehensive explanations of pharmacological concepts.
Final notes
Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) is a game-changer in the realm of medical learning, offering physician assistants and PA students an invaluable resource for continuous growth and development. By embracing FOAMed, you can transcend the limitations of traditional learning and access a vast pool of up-to-date and diverse medical knowledge, tailored to your specific interests and learning preferences.
