The Learning Curve

Welcome to The Learning Curve, a podcast where we celebrate educators in medicine, amplify fresh voices, and explore the unique niches that make teaching as much an art as it is a science.

The Learning Curve is a education podcast hosted by Irtaza Asar, with 40 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Irtaza Asar hosts The Learning Curve, a education show with 40 episodes published.

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  Episode #39

  TSN5: Pediatric Sepsis Just Changed — Meet Phoenix Sepsis Score with Dr. Irtaza Asar

  Sep 3, 20265 min

  Summary: Pediatric sepsis just got a major rewrite. In this episode, Dr. Irtaza explains why the old SIRS-based model fell short and breaks down the 2024 Phoenix Sepsis Score. Learn how the new definition focuses on life-threatening organ dysfunction across four systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, coagulation, and neurologic. Key takeaways include a Phoenix score of 2 or more indicates pediatric sepsis, one cardiovascular point signals septic shock, and Phoenix should not be used as an early screening tool. A clear, practical update for anyone caring for acutely ill children.

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  Episode #38

  Episode 27 - AI in Medical Education: Smarter Training or Dangerous Shortcut? featuring Dr. Jesse Pines

  Aug 18, 202631 min

  Summary: In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Irtaza Asar is joined by Dr. Jesse Pines for a conversation about the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in medical education and how these technologies are beginning to reshape the way clinicians learn, teach, and make decisions. Dr. Pines explores the opportunities AI offers for personalized learning, clinical reasoning, knowledge synthesis, feedback, and curriculum development, while also addressing the limitations and potential risks of relying too heavily on these tools. The discussion highlights practical ways educators and learners can thoughtfully integrate AI into their everyday workflows, from generating educational content and accelerating literature review to supporting clinical decision-making and creating more individualized learning experiences. Ultimately, the conversation moves beyond the hype to examine how AI can be used responsibly—not as a replacement for physicians or educators, but as a powerful tool to augment learning, improve efficiency, enhance teaching, and help shape the future of medical education. Key Takeaways: AI is shifting medical education from memorization to judgment AI works best when used for edge cases, not just routine ones Just-in-time learning is more powerful than after-the-fact studying The biggest risk is not wrong answers, but missing information AI use is already happening, so education must focus on literacy, not prohibition Prompting is becoming a real clinical skill AI can make teaching more adaptive and personalized Dr. Pines podcast: Healthcare AI Pioneers

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  Episode #37

  TSN5 - Structural Bias: When the System Shapes the Outcome with Dr. Ryan McLoughlin

  Jul 20, 20264 min

  Structural bias can shape patient outcomes through barriers such as delayed interpreter access, limited resources, inconsistent protocols, and unequal access to care. In this episode of TSN 5, Dr. Ryan McLoughlin explains how clinicians can recognize these system-level gaps, respond in real time, and use small, intentional actions to create more equitable care.

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  Episode #35

  TSN 5 - Implicit Bias: The Hidden Driver of Clinical Decisions with Dr. Ryan McLoughlin

  Jun 24, 20264 min

  Summary: In this TSN5 episode, Dr. Ryan McLoughlin breaks down a practical, real-time approach to recognizing implicit bias in the ED. He walks through how unconscious assumptions can influence clinical reasoning, pain management, diagnosis, and disposition — especially when we’re busy, stressed, and moving fast. Most importantly, he explains how a simple pause, a second diagnosis, and one key question can help interrupt bias before it impacts patient care.

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  Episode #34

  Episode 26 - Lets Talk About ECMO featuring Dr. Hitesh Gidwani

  Jun 10, 202658 minS0

  <p>Summary:</p> <p>What do you do when the vent is maxed, the pressors are climbing, and your usual resuscitation playbook is no longer enough?</p> <p>In this episode of The Learning Curve, Dr. Irtaza Asar sits down with ECMO expert Dr. Hitesh Gidwani to break down one of critical care’s most powerful rescue tools: ECMO.</p> <p>Together, they unpack when to start thinking about ECMO, how to tell the difference between VV and VA ECMO, and how to recognize the patient who may benefit before it is too late. Dr. Gidwani shares practical decision-making frameworks, co...

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