Critical Care - History and Hopes for the Future

Explore the evolution of pediatric critical care in this 46-minute lecture by Dr. Ann Thompson, Vice Dean and Professor of Critical Care Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Trace the development of Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) from their origins in 1930s polio units to modern-day facilities. Discover how changing roles, technological advancements, and innovative treatments have shaped the field. Learn about key milestones such as early ventilators, management of respiratory failure and septic shock, liver transplantation, and the history of ECMO/ECLS. Examine current priorities in pediatric critical care medicine, including safety and quality initiatives, bundles of care, and the impact of imaging advancements. Gain insights into the importance of prognosis, effective communication, and strategies to address burnout in the field. Reflect on the future of pediatric critical care, exploring leadership roles and institutional actions needed to drive continued progress and innovation.