Leah Anderson, MD

What is your proudest ultrasound moment and/or save?

Recently a patient came in as a “Code Sepsis”' with dyspnea, cough, and hypotension. Initial concern was for septic shock from pneumonia. Fluids and antibiotics were immediately started—but a quick thoracic and cardiac POCUS told a different story: impressive fluid overload and severely reduced ejection fraction. We then completely changed directions, stopping fluids and instead administering diuretics for what was more likely cardiogenic shock. It's a case that sticks with me as a good reminder that ultrasound can be a game changer and why it is so important in the care of hypotensive patients!

Who is your emergency ultrasound hero, and what inspired you to choose them?

Drs. Hani Kuttab and Sara Damewood – they have both been instrumental and fantastic mentors for my career development and my love for emergency ultrasound. They have made learning ultrasound so much fun for all levels of learners, including myself. Clinically, I have seen both utilize ultrasound routinely in their daily practice, anything from a focused MSK ultrasound to diagnose tendon injuries to more invasive TEE during a code. I aspire to have their level of ultrasound skill as well as their dedication to education and mentorship. I’m lucky to work with and learn from these phenomenal people!

What do you predict will be the next significant development in emergency ultrasound?

It’s already here! While already popular, I think regional anesthesia will continue to grow and become the standard as a part of multimodal analgesia from the ED. I foresee this field gaining additional popularity in other applications, including allowing patients to be discharged with pain pumps/catheters in place and/or utilizing regional anesthesia during patient transport on helicopter EMS.

What's your next big career goal or aspiration?

My next career goal is to become AEMUS fellowship trained, followed by a career in academic medicine with a focus in emergency ultrasound. I love teaching and cannot wait to guide the next generation of emergency physicians to demonstrate how ultrasound saves lives! I also hope to continue to further my online ultrasound FOAM education presence so I can continue to share my passion for teaching with a broader audience.

What additional information would you like people to know about you?

When I’m not working shifts in the ED or helping to run an online ultrasound blog, I spend my free time planning my upcoming Fall wedding, being a dog mom to the cutest German Shepherd pup named Indy, attending CrossFit classes, and spending much needed down-time with my family and friends.