Speaker A
Dr. Melissa King, fresh from the VA. Everyone calls me Mel. I'm so happy to be here. Dr. Langdon.
Dr. Melissa King and Dr. Langdon navigate challenges in a busy ER, balancing personal struggles and patient care in Pittsburgh.
Ask about this video. Answers come from its transcript only — with the timestamp, so you can check them.
Generated from the transcript and can be wrong — check the timestamp.
Key Takeaways
- Empathy and personal experience can enhance patient care in emergency settings.
- Effective communication is crucial, especially when treating patients with special needs or autism.
- Addiction and mental health challenges among medical staff require acknowledgment and support.
- Leadership plays a vital role in guiding and mentoring junior doctors under pressure.
- Emergency medicine is emotionally taxing but rewarding, requiring resilience and teamwork.
What the video covers
- Dr. Melissa King, newly arrived from the VA, teams up with Dr. Langdon in a Pittsburgh ER known as 'The Pitt.'
- The video explores the emotional and professional challenges faced by both doctors, including frustrations and personal vulnerabilities.
- Dr. King shares her connection to the community through her sister with special needs, influencing her empathetic approach.
- The doctors handle various emergency cases, including a STEMI and a fight bite, showcasing their medical skills and teamwork.
- Dr. Langdon reveals his autism diagnosis, highlighting the need for tailored communication with patients.
- Tensions arise around medication inconsistencies and a colleague’s struggle with addiction, emphasizing the pressures of ER work.
- The narrative touches on themes of sensitivity, resilience, and the importance of support systems in high-stress medical environments.
- Leadership dynamics are shown as senior staff manage trainee doctors and address professional conduct.
- The video includes moments of humor, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of emergency medicine.
- Overall, it presents a humanizing look at the lives of ER doctors balancing personal issues with demanding work.
Chapters
- 00:00Introduction to Dr. Melissa King and Dr. Langdon
- 01:35Emotional Challenges and Frustrations
- 02:39Handling Emergency Cases and Teamwork
- 03:47Understanding Autism in Patient Care
- 05:07Personal Connections and Patient Goodbyes
- 07:20Workplace Stress and Taking Breaks
- 08:59Medication Issues and Addiction Confession
- 11:11Leadership and Support in the ER
- 11:30Reflections on Sensitivity and Resilience
- 12:37Closing Moments and Personal Growth
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker A
Let's do this. [music] Dr. Langdon? So, uh, how's the VA? Yeah, it's, uh, good, uh, you know, challenging. Maybe it should be mandatory that all doctors [music] spend time there like on a regular basis.
Speaker A
It's a nice thought. How'd you choose the pit? Oh, I have a sister with special [music] needs and she got into this really great facility here in Pittsburgh.
Speaker A
No, Mel will do the crack. You've already had a busy morning. Go love on Mel. You would be doing it, doctor, if it wasn't an odd day. Surgery gets even days, ED gets odd days. You know this, for Christ's sake. [music]
Speaker A
[singing] Does the resident know how to suture or do I need to teach? You're all class, Yoyo. I know. Thanks. That means a lot of nothing coming from you.
Speaker A
Mel, you okay? If you're done fighting. We're not fighting. This is playing. Langdon's too soft to fight. You okay? I am. It's frustrating when I can't do things [music] or at least it looks like it.
Speaker A
Yeah, you and me both. Thanks, but, um, my frustration manifests itself emotionally and then, uh, I get upset and then [music] it looks like I can't handle things and You You just did a perfect crack.
Speaker A
You're doing great. I think this guy's [music] got scurvy. Is he a pirate? No, he's not a house man. No parrot, no peg leg, doesn't reek of sweat and rum?
Speaker A
Well, now that you mention it, there was a smell. Probably a pirate. Tell him to pick up some vitamin [music] C next time he docks at the dollar store. I can't tell if you're joking.
Speaker A
No, Captain Scurvy's got a vitamin C deficiency. The cheapest way to fix it is with a daily supplement. Captain Scurvy's not a joke.
Speaker A
I'd like to think so. It's a good one. You okay? Yeah, for sure. I just hate seeing families [music] torn apart.
Speaker A
Oh, they'll be fine. You sure you're okay? 100%. I'm just going to get some air.
Speaker A
[crying] I can start the stemi with Mel. Sounds good. Stemi with me, Mel. Right behind you. Dana, what's open?
Speaker A
Trauma two. All right, keep it that way. Our target door-to-balloon [music] time for stemis is 51 minutes.
Speaker A
Ambitious. But doable. And you're about to find out. It's nice talking to you, too. You know, I I I really hope we can be friend friends.
Speaker A
Well, why couldn't I open the vial? Because you're an intern. You don't always get to see the best side of people. I guess it just kind of makes me sad.
Speaker A
Have you found a boyfriend yet? Uh, no. Hurry up, Jess. Go find somebody to kiss.
Speaker A
You're right, I do. I noticed you and Langdon have really been hitting it off. Think? Yeah. I just, uh, keep an eye for me.
Speaker A
Is everything okay, Dr. Langdon? Yes. Oh yeah. Yeah, um, he's autistic. Did you Did you see that in his past medical history? His ankle was sprained.
Speaker A
It has nothing to do with the injury. I could talk to him. Great. I can see three other patients while you do.
Speaker A
It's a little bright in here. Sorry, the, uh, ER can be very noisy. I agree.
Speaker A
So, uh, [music] [music] [music] How'd you do that? Do what? Talk to him. I listened?
Speaker A
Funny. No, you you unlocked something. I wasn't getting anywhere with him. Oh, um, my sister is on the spectrum and the ER can be very very overwhelming place for autistic people. So, I um I don't know, it just takes a different
Speaker A
approach. You and your sister close? Yeah, we're best friends. There's this one time we were on the swing I can get that. Let me know when the extra's back.
Speaker A
Is Dr. King around? She might be with another patient. Will you tell her goodbye for me?
Speaker A
She's a very good doctor. Right. Uh sure, sure, yeah. Your ankle guy was looking for you.
Speaker A
Oh, sorry I missed Terrence. You were great with him. I know she's in a good place. I just I really miss her.
Speaker A
You're You're obviously really good at helping people. You're crushing with your patients. You You even taught me a couple things.
Speaker A
Really? For sure. You're making a great first impression. You prescribed 20 Librium. There's only 10 left. See you next time. Where did the other 10 pills go? I don't know.
Speaker A
Maybe, uh, lost, stolen, maybe sold them to buy vodka. Can you, um, Can you just put him on the phone for a second?
Speaker A
There's my guy. Dr. King? I'm sorry. [music] You okay? Yes. Call the OR. Tell them we have a fight bite that needs to be washed out, then go take 20 minutes in the lounge. I'll come find you if I need you. Well, I
Speaker A
don't need a break. Yes, you do. So far today, the only thing you have been successful at is proving repeatedly that you know nothing. Dr. Langdon?
Speaker A
Dr. Langdon, a word, please. I'm I'm the supervisor. Knock it off. Shut the [ __ ] up. I'm I'm sorry. It won't won't happen again.
Speaker A
Where's your other one? Where's Mel? She's taking a break. Yeah, well, maybe go find her and see if you can get her back in the game. You are senior leadership here.
Speaker A
That was my least problematic trainee. Well technically you're all pretty green, but you're growing on me.
Speaker A
Thank you. How you doing? Um good. Better. Yeah? That little girl and her sister's too close to home.
Speaker A
The things we do are hard. Yeah. Been there. We've all been there. Mel, you're a sensitive person.
Speaker A
This This is a a tough place for sensitive people. But we need them [music] badly.
Speaker A
If you're ready, I need you. If I had to have gravel meticulously picked [music] out of my leg, this is the person I'm calling, Dr. Mel King.
Speaker A
I'm such an adrenaline junkie. What'd you call me? There's been some inconsistencies with meds intended for your patients.
Speaker A
What? Brake, have you been helping yourself to benzos from the ER? Yeah, I've been stealing blood, too. I asked you a question.
Speaker A
Are you serious? Whatever the hell she told you is [ __ ] This is insane. This is completely [ __ ] insane.
Speaker A
I need you to open your locker. Yeah, Brake. Open your locker. You're going to You're going to open your [ __ ] locker or I will have security smash it open.
Speaker A
[music] [music] You know me, Robbie. You know me, man. I'm sorry. I [ __ ] up. I just I I was trying to I don't want to steal pills.
Speaker A
No, it's not what you don't understand. I don't [ __ ] understand? like you think. I'm not high. I'm not high. You've seen what I do, Robbie.
Speaker A
Could a drug addict do what I do? Apparently. You are done. Um I Have you seen Dr. Langdon?
Speaker A
Uh he left for the day. Didn't say goodbye. Um I really wanted to tell him about this delivery.
Speaker A
It was really cool. I mean the dads were so happy. For my fours and a last a class tape. You're here.
Speaker A
In the flesh. Good catch you two. Any room in the inn? What's your story?
Speaker A
Good work. Keep it up. Don't even think about it. Robbie thinks I'm a [ __ ] drug addict.
Speaker A
Are you? No. Not for what I What I am is scared, okay? Of what happens next. I [ __ ] up, Dana.
Speaker A
Here's your second chance. 30-day inpatient treatment program followed by random urine tests, 50 to 60 a year, followed by mandatory NA meetings three to four times a week for the first three years of a five-year program. You need
Speaker A
help. You let me down. You let everybody down, especially yourself. Frank. Mel. You should always wear a helmet.
Speaker A
It's nice of you to join us. Hey. Dr. Langdon. So, Dr. Langdon. Hey Mel.
Speaker A
Can you take over a bike fall leg laceration 24 Langdon while he's out of triage? Um, you know, I I can work in triage. I don't want to keep Langdon out of triage. I don't want to keep you back
Speaker A
here. You okay with that? Sure. Great. Makes you think there's something up with me. You're moping around here all day like somebody gunned down your favorite K-pop band.
Speaker A
I'm really sensitive sometimes. Mel. Yes. You talk to yourself again. You need some Did I take a key?
Speaker A
What are my dispositions today? What do you do for fun? I only do what my sister likes. What about you?
Speaker A
Um, I used to like, um, the Renaissance Fair. Really? Yeah. Isn't that kind of dorky though?
Speaker A
Stop. You okay, kid? What's going on? Some A hole parked the golf cart and saw the cops lock the back of the golf cart up the stall. Jesus. Had trauma no LLC.
Speaker A
Okay, you need to get checked out. I'm fine. I've no choice. [music] It's work related. Let's, uh, let's find her room.
Speaker A
What? Oh. I forgot how much you like [music] to joke, Captain Scabby. Who knows Captain Scabby?
Speaker A
It's an inside thing. I'm fine. And that's good. Follow my finger. How's the head?
Speaker A
It's a little sore. Need four. Let me take a look. Yeah, you're going to have a pretty good goose egg.
Speaker A
You know I'm glad you're back. Thanks. Yeah, I'm glad to be back. You know I was gone.
Speaker A
Um no. Not really. I mean I I heard rumors but I don't know what I was doing. That's what I was [music] doing. I was in rehab.
Speaker A
For an addiction to benzos. Oh. Yeah. But I'm I'm clean now and it never affected my work. I just need to get it all out of my system once and for all. But yeah, I I I didn't handle things [music] the way I should
Speaker A
have. I thought I could treat myself and I let a lot of people down.
Speaker A
I'm sorry, Mel. You never let me down. Yeah. Yeah, I did. We should be setting an example, not a cautionary tale.
Speaker A
Hey. You catch him? We will. If we do find him, you may have to testify in court, Dr. King.
Speaker A
Yeah, but I I we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, right? Mel.
Speaker A
Rest here a minute. I'll be right back. You know, I'm I'm fine, really. I should just 10 minutes, please. Doctor's orders.
Speaker A
Yeah, it can be a little bright and noisy. This guy this morning Dr. Dad's a criminal. But yeah, it was a nice distraction from the deposition.
Speaker A
Get Louie 50 milligrams Librium. I'll put in the order. I think I overstepped with Dr. Langdon earlier. Oh.
Speaker A
He was trying to prescribe a patient benzos and I told Langdon that it'd be better if I did it. We expecting a party?
Speaker A
No, not really. Didn't hear from anyone while I was gone. 10 months is a long time to be alone with your thoughts.
Speaker A
Almost lost everything. I know a lot of women who would have taken the kids and left but Abby stayed. Cuz she's a good woman. Cuz she deserves a second chance. I'm not sure everyone agrees with you.
Speaker A
Give it time. It's not bad. You don't have to get so sad. No. Said I'm good.
Speaker A
Your face doesn't look so good. Langdon, can you cover this? No problem. Our student doctors are discussing a rare condition you don't have.
Speaker A
Great plan. Yeah, what is Dr. Langdon's idea? He figured we'd be seeing a lot more patients in this heat. This job's really important to me and and my sister. You know, I support both of us.
Speaker A
It's going to go great. Just tell him what happened. You're not at fault. Your job's not in jeopardy. I'm really glad that you got the help you need.
Speaker A
But I don't know if I want you WORKING IN MY ER. MEL, can we start with a E-fast truck?
Speaker A
Yes, please. Why? To check and make sure there's no pneumothorax, otherwise it could become a tension. Anything else?
Speaker A
What's her HemoQ? Uh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, of course. Am I interrupting something? Is hemo-dynamically stable?
Speaker A
[music] Are we next? We may have had a cyber attack. No, we shut down to prevent a cyber attack.
Speaker A
You think things could get any worse? Hey, today will be an adventure. Think of it like back to the future.
Speaker A
Or possibly Titanic. You have a visitor in chairs. What? Who? Said she's your sister.
Speaker A
Becca? Becca. Mel, hi. I just I I really want this to be done the right way. I'm here to escort you upstairs for your deposition.
Speaker A
Right now? It's going to be fine. I can't go up now because Becca. You probably shouldn't be caring for Becca.
Speaker A
Well, not in our two. Ah, it's the guy we were looking for. Need something? Yes. Uh-huh. Mhm.
Speaker A
Um, this is Dr. Langdon who'll be taking care of you. You have really nice hair, Dr. Langdon.
Speaker A
Thank you. Mel, would you mind turning off the lights on your way out? Of course.
Speaker A
And um, I'll be back as soon as I'm done. And feel free to call me if anything comes up cuz I can come right back.
Speaker A
Don't don't worry. Becca's in good hands. I know. Okay. [screaming] Mel says lots of nice things about you.
Speaker A
Okay. Um, how's it going in there? All good. Langdon's [music] great with her. Langdon.
Speaker A
Mel's sister's been asking for a sheet getting the money is in there. Let Becca know I'll be there soon.
Speaker A
Sorry for taking so long, Becca. But it's definitely been more than a few minutes. You're right. My apologies.
Speaker A
I brought some drink options. Mel's going to be super worried when you tell her.
Speaker A
You are going to be just fine. [music] But um, as far as telling your sister what's going on with you, that is your decision, [music] not mine. So, you're not going to tell Mel?
Speaker A
I can't. Not unless you, my patient, tell me to. Do you know when Mel's going to be done with her important meeting?
Speaker A
Hopefully soon. Dr. Langdon. Becca, I got to go. Bye. I will be Don't say in a few minutes unless you actually mean in a few minutes.
Speaker A
I would never. That was the most [music] unprofessional deposition I've ever witnessed. This won't affect your career.
Speaker A
Hey, how was your deposition? Wait, is Have you seen Dr. Langdon? Uh, no. Why?
Speaker A
Okay. Okay. How How's Becca? Uh, she's fine. Yeah? Okay, I should go see her then. How's your deposition? I'm sure it was stressful.
Speaker A
It uh um what's going on with Becca? [music] What's her diagnosis? I can't tell you.
Speaker A
Why? HIPAA. Seriously? If you want to know what's going on with Becca, you're going to have to ask her yourself.
Speaker A
Hey, you survived your deposition. Hey Becca. Mel. You You doing all right? [music] Um, how are you feeling? A lot better.
Speaker A
Dr. Langdon gave me some medicine and OJ. He's super nice. I see why you like him.
Speaker A
Did he tell you what the medicine was [music] for? Um, did you tell her?
Speaker A
I did not. Do you want to come Do [music] you want to share? Yes.
Speaker A
I have a urinary tract infection. And so what? You're having sex. Yes, I am.
Speaker A
What's What? I'm having sex. With who? My boyfriend. You have a boyfriend? Yes. His name [music] is Adam and we're having sex.
Speaker A
Did Adam ask you [music] if you wanted to have sex? Well, I I don't know if I can tell you.
Speaker A
Of course you can tell me. I'm your sister. Well, it's private. It's just It's really important that I know. Why?
Speaker A
Because. Well, I can tell Dr. Langdon because Dr. Langdon is my doctor, but I don't think I can tell you.
Speaker A
Becca, just tell me. Why are you yelling? I'm not yelling. It's just Look, it's really important that I know.
Speaker A
You're definitely yelling. Becca, um maybe we should step outside for a minute. Why won't you tell me? Dr. King, why don't you get to work?
Speaker A
Sorry. Sorry. Langdon. I was kind of hoping I would never see [music] him again.
Speaker A
How's Becca? She's good. I'm trying to call her living community, but they are not [music] picking up.
Speaker A
Wake on her. Because I don't know anything about this Adam person. I mean, they've been dating for 6 months and and and I don't know anything.
Speaker A
She never said anything about wanting a boyfriend or even liking anyone. That doesn't mean she hasn't thought about it.
Speaker A
I don't I don't want to think about my sister thinking about having sex and I mean, who's to say he didn't take advantage of her? Middle Hill just let it happen.
Speaker A
Are you Becca's legal guardian? No, I have durable power of attorney, but we did the same called supportive decision making where she can make her own decisions.
Speaker A
There you go. But this is different. Why? Because it is. Last time he was just not moving.
Speaker A
[music and singing] [music] I got a hot and unresponsive child. I need a room, Dana. Trauma to the L.
Speaker A
Pupils are sluggish, but reactive. No reaction to pain. [music] Assisting with ventilation. Somebody call respiratory.
Speaker A
I'm sorry I yelled at you. It's just surprised. The nurse said I can leave.
Speaker A
Yeah, um let me just finish our conversation first. About what? When Adam asked you to have sex.
Speaker A
He didn't ask me. I asked him. And a nurse came and pushed it up.
Speaker A
Dr. Langdon already told me. Okay bye Mel. I'll see you uh I'll see you at fireworks. Oh, I was going to watch fireworks with Adam and his parents.
Speaker A
[music] Okay, um do you have Adam's parents' phone number? I want to go now.
Speaker A
Well, I guess I could Bye, Mel. Do you have to talk to me because [music] I'm going to some good friends, family?
Speaker A
Actually, I don't really have Hey, McKay, where have you been? I was wondering if I could get his parents' phone number.
Speaker A
No. That phone is for emergencies only. This is kind of an emergency. Sorry. Bye.
Speaker A
Whatever, I can you write the procedure now? Yeah, I mean, you already filled in the T-sheet.
Speaker A
Well, I'm already here. Yeah, I kind of had it handled. fill out the T-sheet. You should probably finish it.
Speaker A
Well, okay, someone do this. I don't I don't I don't care who. You think she's going to be okay?
Speaker A
What's going on? Deposition my sister coming in and spending our day. And she lied to me and she she lied to my face for 6 months. My sister is a [ __ ] liar.
Speaker A
People got their MDs for keeping secrets. Last time it's got nothing [music] to do with you.
Speaker A
I don't know how to say this. Um I know you don't like me [music] and that's fine. You don't have to. I just want to say I'm sorry for being an [ __ ] on your first day.
Speaker A
That was completely inappropriate and if I could take back what happened, I would, but I can't. She's got everything and I I know she's got a boyfriend and they're going to fall in love and they're going to get
Speaker A
married and I'm going to be completely alone. Everyone thinks you're just an addict who went to rehab and you've convinced [music] everyone here that you've changed and you're owning up to your mistakes and they welcome you back with open arms because you're still the
Speaker A
golden boy and I think it's [ __ ] Did it feel good to say that out loud?
Speaker A
No. The pity party's over. I'm genuinely sorry. And I can promise you I have faced my fair share of punishment for what I did.
Speaker A
You [ __ ] stole drugs from the hospital. Only three people here actually know that. Have you told anyone else what you did? Have you? Look, I'm just trying to get through my first day back.
Speaker A
You shouldn't even be here. I should have reported you to the state medical board. You should have lost your license and gone to prison.
Speaker A
You don't know what I've been through. What you've been through? My wife threatened to divorce me, okay?
Speaker A
I almost lost my kid. Yeah, that's what happens when you [ __ ] up.
Speaker A
You don't have to accept my apology. [music] I just I wanted to say it.
Speaker A
Okay. Tell everyone here you stole drugs and got kicked out of the ED because of it. Until then, stay out of my way.
Speaker A
[music] Santos and Langdon have beef because she's the one who turned him in for taking meds.
Speaker A
I'm sorry, what? Santos is responsible for revealing [music] Langdon's benzo addiction. Is he stealing drugs from this ED? Did I kill my son? No, he's not dead.
Speaker A
He's recovering in pediatric ICU. Has her husband arrived yet? Yeah, but he went straight upstairs.
Speaker A
Really? Are you guys from the Fort Pitt Museum? Yeah, you familiar? Yeah. I love you guys. What's the story?
Speaker A
Doctors King and Langdon were on the case. It's a sad story. She just has her 5-year-old snuck in the backseat of a car to take a nap.
Speaker A
He's stroked. Tymp tight as a drum. 5 minutes since he emptied. Yes, with inline nebs. All right, Grady, shot number two.
Speaker A
I'm sorry, he's not ventilating. We should be ready to intubate. [music] An asthma patient? He was high risk of cardiac arrest.
Speaker A
Dr. Langdon, [music] Grady's worse, much worse. Get him in and rock. It's time to intubate.
Speaker A
Pneumothorax. No need to intubate. [snorts] Dr. Langdon? You okay? [music] Yeah, I'm just kind of uh wondering if I'm really ready to be back here.
Speaker A
Of course you are. I just killed that kid with an intubation. It didn't even occur to me to check [music] for a pneumothorax.
Speaker A
There wasn't any trauma to indicate I should have caught it. You know, I um I had a deposition today and all the lawyer's questions made me feel like I was a really really bad doctor.
Speaker A
We don't always get everything right first time. You would have caught the collapsed lung.
Speaker A
It might may have taken a minute, but you would have saved him. I'm sure Robbie would agree with you.
Speaker A
He's been riding me all [music] day. Well, Robbie's leaving for 3 months and you know, Robbie's gone.
Speaker A
Yeah, I really don't want you to leave either. That which does not kill me makes me stronger.
Speaker A
Dr. McGee. Yeah? Need you. Yeah. [music] Not really a crisis. Hey, day shift, we got this. We're leaving you in good hands.
Speaker A
Thank you. You're very welcome. Did either of you guys work on the Revolutionary War reenactors earlier?
Speaker A
Why, do you think you could pull off a tricorn hat? Maybe. I've always loved history and Colonial Williamsburg is my favorite school trip.
Speaker A
What are you still doing here? I was going to You staying for the fireworks? Yeah.
Speaker A
I was supposed to see them [music] with Becca but she is at her boyfriend Adam's family's house instead.
Speaker A
Your sister seems [music] like she's uh pretty put together. Yeah. Uh a lot more than I realized.
Speaker A
How's your day? I've had better. You? Yeah. Then again, I've had a lot worse.
Speaker A
Hell, I did a closed cervical reduction like an hour ago. Oh, I heard that must have been so intense.
Speaker A
My hands are still shaking. Hey, um do you think you could teach me how to do that sometime?
Speaker A
Uh Yeah. Yeah. Sure. I mean, I hope you [music] never have to use it.
Speaker A
Could have paralyzed that guy. Yeah, but you didn't. No. I didn't. Thank you. By the way, for talking me down earlier.
Speaker A
Sorry I snapped. It's okay.
Topics:Emergency MedicineER DoctorsMelissa KingFrank LangdonAutism in HealthcareMedical DramaAddiction in MedicinePatient CarePittsburgh HospitalVA Doctors
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