Richard O’Brien, MD

Richard O’Brien, MD, associate professor of emergency medicine at The Commonwealth Medical College of Pennsylvania in Scranton. Dr. O’Brien, who died in 2015, was also a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians, ACEP.org, and a recipient of the group’s Communications Lifetime Achievement Award.

6 Ways Your Cat Can Make You Sick—or Even Kill You
Pets

6 Ways Your Cat Can Make You Sick—or Even Kill You

Richard O’Brien, MD | April 23, 2018

For me, there are few things in life that can beat the comfort of snuggling with my pet cats—and I’m…

Jewelry That Can Save Your Life
Wellness

Jewelry That Can Save Your Life

Richard O’Brien, MD | November 6, 2015

Medical ID jewelry has evolved. Those simple and basic necklaces and ID bracelets that people used to wear to alert…

A Mystery Car Crash Solved

A Mystery Car Crash Solved

Richard O’Brien, MD | October 14, 2015

It was a sunny day when a healthy 39-year-old woman named Margrette was driving on a familiar road near her…

When Exotic Travel Turns Deadly
Travel

When Exotic Travel Turns Deadly

Richard O’Brien, MD | August 3, 2015

Not long ago, Shannon, an exceptional laboratory tech at the hospital where I work, joined a group of medical professionals…

“It’s Not That Bad” Is Risky

“It’s Not That Bad” Is Risky

Richard O’Brien, MD | May 5, 2015

Donna had just turned 50. Even though her husband and family threw her a big birthday party with lots of…

How an Antibiotic Can Make You Pregnant

How an Antibiotic Can Make You Pregnant

Richard O’Brien, MD | March 10, 2015

One recent morning, a 17-year-old college freshman was brought into the ER by ambulance. He was feeling weak and confused…

When It’s OK to Skip a Test

When It’s OK to Skip a Test

Richard O’Brien, MD | December 2, 2014

One afternoon, we received a call that an ambulance was on its way to the ER with a landscaper who…

5 Holiday Dangers That Send You to the ER

5 Holiday Dangers That Send You to the ER

Richard O’Brien, MD | November 21, 2014

Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like a trip to the ER. Emergency physicians have a jaded view of the holidays. The…

“Sneaker Foot”: The Infection That’s a Greater Risk Than Tetanus

“Sneaker Foot”: The Infection That’s a Greater Risk Than Tetanus

Richard O’Brien, MD | May 9, 2014

When I first spotted Marco, a muscular, middle-aged man who came to the emergency department one recent Sunday morning, he…

Clean Your Ears!

Clean Your Ears!

Richard O’Brien, MD | April 25, 2014

Ever hear the one about the guy who lit a candle and stuck it in his ear? People actually do…

“The Devil’s Grip”: Chest Pain Mystery Solved
Cardiovascular Disease

“The Devil’s Grip”: Chest Pain Mystery Solved

Richard O’Brien, MD | March 17, 2014

When I caught a glimpse of Clara, a local college basketball coach in her mid-30s, clutching her chest as she…

When a Needle Goes Awry
Diseases & Conditions

When a Needle Goes Awry

Richard O’Brien, MD | February 7, 2014

Acupuncture has been used as a form of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and has a reputation for…

Can Obese Patients Get Good Medical Care?

Can Obese Patients Get Good Medical Care?

Richard O’Brien, MD | October 1, 2012

New Health Problem: Obese Patients Require Specialized Medical Services Not that anyone has to search far and wide to find…

When Lightning Strikes

When Lightning Strikes

Richard O’Brien, MD | September 14, 2012

  The weather outside is frightful, inside it’s so delightful... it’s awfully early in the year to sing this song,…

When Kids and Dogs Get Sick First

When Kids and Dogs Get Sick First

Richard O’Brien, MD | August 15, 2012

Early last fall, nine-year-old Beverly called her grandparents to remind them of her visit that weekend. The weather reports warned…