Crisis Management: Effective Teamwork in Healthcare

Dr. Vivek K. Moitra, the Allen I. Hyman Professor of Critical Care Anesthesiology at Columbia University Medical Center, is a distinguished leader in critical care medicine. As Chief of the Division of Critical Care in the Department of Anesthesiology and Medical Director of the Cardiothoracic and Surgical Intensive Care Units, Dr. Moitra brings extensive expertise to his roles. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, subspecialty certified in Critical Care Medicine and Neurocritical Care, and a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Moitra's national influence is evident through his positions as an Oral Board Examiner, the American Society of Anesthesiologists' liaison to the American Heart Association, and co-author of the 2015 Advanced Cardiac Life Support guidelines. As Program Director of the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship and instructor of the "Crisis Resource Management" course, he plays a crucial role in educating the next generation of critical care specialists. Dr. Moitra's multifaceted contributions to clinical practice, education, and national guideline development cement his status as a key figure in advancing critical care anesthesiology.

Dr. David O. Kessler is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in Emergency Medicine at Columbia University and serves as the Vice Chair of Innovation & Strategic Initiatives in the Department of Emergency Medicine. With a diverse educational background including a degree from Princeton University, an MD from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and an MSc in Clinical Investigation from New York University, Dr. Kessler brings a wealth of expertise to his roles. His training includes a pediatric residency with a global health focus, as well as fellowships in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Emergency Ultrasound at Bellevue Hospital. At Columbia, Dr. Kessler is instrumental in implementing innovative programs and solutions to complex healthcare systems issues. As an Associate Medical Director for the Mary & Michael Jaharis Simulation Center, he supports the development of safety-driven simulation programs across departments. Dr. Kessler's commitment to advancing pediatric emergency medicine is further exemplified by his role as a founder and co-director of INSPIRE (International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research, and Education), fostering collaboration and mentorship in simulation-based research. He also contributes to medical education by teaching the "Crisis Resource Management" course at Columbia University

Dr. Jessica Spellman, an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, is a distinguished expert in cardiothoracic anesthesiology. As the Director of Clinical Operations for the Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology at the nationally recognized New York-Presbyterian Hospital, she brings extensive expertise in advanced complex cardiac surgery, echocardiography, and mechanical circulatory support. Dr. Spellman's clinical approach emphasizes education, preparedness, and crisis management, reflecting her commitment to achieving high standards of care. Her passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond her role as a clinical educator for trainees to teaching the "Crisis Resource Management" course at Columbia University, allowing her to reach a global audience. Dr. Spellman's combination of clinical excellence, leadership in cardiothoracic anesthesiology, and dedication to education positions her as a key figure in advancing patient care and medical training in her field.

The Columbia University Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is a comprehensive resource dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning across Columbia University. The CTL partners with faculty, students, and colleagues to support excellence and innovation in education through a wide range of programs, services, and resources. Their offerings include teaching consultations, workshops, technology training, and online courses. The CTL promotes inclusive, learner-centered, and research-based pedagogy while supporting the use of new media and emerging technologies in classrooms and online learning environments. Their course offerings on edX cover diverse topics including Crisis Resource Management, a multi-part series on the Civil War and Reconstruction era, Fighting for Equality: 1950-2018, and a series on women's labor history titled "Women Have Always Worked." Through these initiatives, the CTL aims to foster professional development, curricular enhancement, and academic excellence for Columbia's instructors and students.