Staying #Up2Date 🚨

1: Tummy Troubles Tamed? Ondansetron for Pediatric Gastroenteritis in ED 

This RCT looked at whether giving Ondansetron to children presenting to ED with acute gastroenteritis helps to reduce vomiting. In 1K kids between the ages 6 months and 18 years, those given Ondansetron were less likely to develop moderate-to-severe gastroenteritis in the next 7 days when compared to placebo (5.1% vs 12.5%). Additionally, Ondansetron reduced the total number of vomiting episodes in the 48 hours post-visit (RR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.87). The findings support the use of the drug for pediatric gastroenteritis. 

2: GLP-1s Improve Clinical Outcomes in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

This cohort study explored whether GLP-1s improve outcomes in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). After 1 year, those using GLP-1s had better clinical outcomes, including lower use of conventional medication like acetalozamide (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.46-0.61; P < .001) and fewer procedures (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.46-0.61; P < .001). They also reported fewer headaches, visual disturbances, and blindness compared to those on standard therapies. More research is needed, but these early results look promising!

3: Stopping Spills Without Pills — Behavioural Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Bladder Symptoms  

This noninferiority trial compared behavioural therapy (e.g. pelvic floor muscle training) to drug therapy (Solifenacin) for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Among 77 participants, behavioural therapy was just as effective as medication, without the dry mouth or fall risk. These findings support behavioural therapy as a first-line treatment option for urinary symptoms in PD. 

Stethoscope Turns Stress-o-scope

Can doctors actually disconnect… or is that just wishful thinking?

What happened: Summer’s in full swing, and while some doctors are swapping stethoscopes for swimsuits, others are wondering if unplugging is even possible. 

Why it matters: Last week, we asked if readers plan to take a vacation this summer, and it’s no surprise that almost half said they’re planning to take time off — but admitted they’d still be checking in. That constant connection can take a toll. To care for others, doctors have to take care of themselves too, and that means stepping out of scrubs and into flip-flops.

Burnout isn’t just about paperwork or back-to-back surgeries. It’s also the emotional fatigue that comes from caring without an off switch. Physician coach Nicole Perrotte — an advocate for doctors’ well-being — breaks it down in her “Triangle of Exhaustion” framework, which highlights 3 key factors that keep burnout at bay:

• Agency: The ability to make choices and feel a sense of control beyond the clinic,

• Belonging: Support systems and meaningful connections outside of work.

• Competence: Confidence in your skills, with room to grow, learn, and be challenged

When those supports are missing, burnout creeps in. And when doctors are running on empty, it’s harder to do the work that matters.

From missed workouts to medical errors, the signs can be subtle — or loud. Dr. Bill (a Postcall sponsor), breaks down 10 common red flags, such as emotional detachment, unhealthy coping habits, and questioning whether your work still makes a difference.

But: Real recovery takes real effort. The White Coat Investor Podcast spent months investigating ways to help and came up with some useful tips:

• Schedule Vacations: Some docs plan ahead by cutting their shifts once or twice a year. Instead of working 15 shifts in June, they’ll work 10. Their wallet might not thank them, but their joints will. 

• Self-care: 52% of physicians use exercise to manage the effects of burnout. Sleep and social support were the runners-up. Whether it’s venting to a friend, sprinting up the StairMaster, or sneaking in a solid nap, movement and connection help.

• Eliminate pain points: If the same frustrations keep popping up, it might be time to act. Staffing issue? Lack of resources? Rally the team and bring it up the chain to get it fixed. Burnout thrives in silence.

Bottom line: There’s no one-lab-coat-fits-all solution for burnout. But naming the problem and actually pushing back might be the only way to take that fully unplugged break. Take it. You’ve more than earned it.

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Hot Off The Press

1: ✈️ Delta is letting AI take the wheel — at least when it comes to your wallet. It’s testing a machine-learning system that sets airfare based not just on demand, but on you. It analyzes who's booking and tries to guess how much you're willing to pay — then charges you that. It’s part of a growing trend in “personalized” pricing… which might just mean pricier flights. If your ticket seems weirdly high, congrats: the AI thinks you’re loaded.

2: 🏊‍♂️ Over 266,000 above-ground pools sold in Canada are being recalled after reports that 9 children drowned in the pools in the US. The issue? Built-in straps that act like ladders, letting kids climb in unsupervised. The recall includes Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup pools sold by major retailers — as far back as 2002. Health Canada and the US health regulators urge pool owners to reach out for a free repair kit or to drain and block off the pool until fixed.

3: 🛴 E-scooter injuries among kids are climbing fast. Hospitalizations for riders aged 5 to 17 jumped 61% in just one year, according to new Canadian data. Most injuries involve serious head trauma and fractures — and where helmet data was available, 80% of riders weren’t wearing one. ER doctors warn the damage can be severe: facial and dental trauma, fractures needing surgery, and brain injuries requiring intensive care.

4: 🧪 Trump’s proposed science cuts are sparking backlash across agencies, with worries that FDA layoffs could delay dozens of new drug approvals and a NASA staff revolt warning of “catastrophic impacts” on safety and research. The NIH alone faces an $18B slash, a move the CBO says could stall 30 breakthrough drugs from ever reaching patients. Scientists are dissenting loudly — and the consequences might be louder.

5: 🧬 8 healthy babies have been born in the UK through “three-person IVF” — a mitochondrial swap designed to block inherited disease. It’s the first detailed report from a regulated clinical program, and so far, the kids are thriving. The UK and Australia are the only countries with legal frameworks for the procedure — it’s still illegal in Canada and banned or unregulated almost everywhere else.

Notable Numbers 🔢

1 in 2: how many physicians and residents reported high levels of burnout, according to a 2021 CMA survey. 

68%: the burnout rate among doctors with 6–10 years in practice, making early- to mid-career physicians the most likely to be exhausted.

57%: the percentage of physicians who say they frequently feel tired at work or during training.

71%: how many physicians and medical residents regularly engage in physical activity as a form of self-care.

Postcall Picks ✅

📖 Read: this Globe and Mail article exploring how a Canadian-made AI platform is helping reduce clinician burnout by streamlining medical documentation. Early adopters say it's already freeing up time for patients. 

😄 Laugh: because admin’s got it covered.

👂Listen: to The Nocturnists podcast if you do plan on taking a vacation this summer. It’s just what you need to keep you both relaxed and informed as you unplug. 

📲Download: 2025’s best travel apps. This list has tips for planning, organizing, and booking accommodations.

🍽️ Eat: Salsa verde salmon with smashed chickpea salad. Salmon’s omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and can help ease stress and boost mood — perfect for when life feels overwhelming.

Relax

First Question: Most common bacterial cause of neonatal meningitis, for short

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