I’ve been working hard to get the ten finalists for the 2020 PEMPIx visual diagnosis competition ready to share online. In a non pandemic year I’d be preparing something silly – maybe a ridiculous costume – a silly video – you know, standard PEMPix stuff… Oh well, maybe next year in Philly.

Anyway, here is the plan for 2020:

  • Starting Monday, September 7th I will post one case a day on the 7th through the 11th, and then the final five 14th through the 18th
  • They will be posted here on PEMBlog.com and simultaneously on PEMPix.com
  • Each case will include amazing educational pearls and compelling images
  • There will also be a multiple choice question for each diagnosis – with an answer that you can reveal when you are ready
  • Following the publication of all ten posts there will be a secure private vote for all American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine members – there is a $250 honorarium sponsored by the AAP that requires only members to vote
  • However, my blog can be viewed by anyone so I’m also working on a way to allow the FOAM community and all of my readers a chance to select their favorite – which is only fair.

Most of all, thank you for your patience. Most of all I feel bad for the ten physicians who submitted their cases. In a normal year they’d be able to receive recognition at the AAP National Conference and Exhibition. Hopefully this format will offer a version of that – social distancing style.