Bio


Ashley C. Rider is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. After completing her training in emergency medicine at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA, she pursued a fellowship at Stanford in Simulation Education while simultaneously working on a Master of Education in the Health Professions (MEHP) at Johns Hopkins School of Education. After fellowship, she has stayed on at Stanford to continue her work as simulation faculty as well as serve as an Assistant Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program. Her academic interests include simulation-based education at the UME/GME levels, interprofessional education, operations data as it relates to learner development, quality improvement, resuscitation team dynamics, and social emergency medicine.

Clinical Focus


  • Emergency Medicine

Academic Appointments


Administrative Appointments


  • Simulation Education Fellow, Department of Emergency Medicine (2019 - Present)

Professional Education


  • Fellowship: Stanford University Emergency Medical Services Fellowship (2021) CA
  • Residency: Alameda Health System Dept of Emergency Medicine (2019) CA
  • Medical Education: Baylor College of Medicine (2015) TX
  • MEHP, Johns Hopkins School of Education, Master of Education in the Health Professions (2021)
  • Fellowship, Stanford University, Simulation Education (2021)
  • Board Certification: American Board of Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medicine (2021)

All Publications


  • A mixed-methods needs assessment to identify pharmacology education objectives for emergency medicine residents. Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open Rider, A. C., Dang, B. T., Caretta-Weyer, H. A., Schertzer, K. A., Gisondi, M. A. 2022; 3 (2): e12682

    Abstract

    Objectives: Medication errors represent a significant threat to patient safety. Pharmacotherapy is one of the 23 Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education milestones for emergency medicine, yet there is minimal understanding of what content should be prioritized during training. The study aim was to develop objectives for a patient-safety focused pharmacology curriculum for emergency medicine residents.Methods: We incorporated data from a de-identified safety event database and survey responses of 30 faculty and clinical pharmacists at a single-site suburban university hospital with 24-hour emergency medicine pharmacists and an annual volume of approximately 70,000. We reviewed the database to quantify types and severity of medication errors over a 5-year period for a total of 370 errors. Anonymous surveys included categorical items that we analyzed with descriptive statistics and short answer questions that underwent thematic analysis by 2 coders. We summarized all data sources to identify curriculum gaps.Results: Common medication errors reported in our database were wrong dose (43%) and computer order entry errors (14%). Knowledge gaps were medication cost (63%), pregnancy risk information (60%), antibiotic stewardship (53%), interactions (47%), and side effects (47%). Qualitative analysis revealed the need to optimize computer order entry, understand the scope of critical medications, use references, and consult pharmacists. Integration of data suggested specific medications should be covered in curricular efforts, including antibiotics, analgesics, sedatives, and insulin.Conclusion: We developed objectives of pharmacology topics to prioritize during emergency medicine training to enhance prescribing safety. This study is limited due to its small sample and single institution source of data. Future studies should investigate the impact of pharmacology curriculum on minimizing clinical errors.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/emp2.12682

    View details for PubMedID 35310405

  • Using a Simulated Model and Mastery Learning Approach to Teach the Ultrasound-guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block to Emergency Medicine Residents: A Pilot Study. AEM education and training Rider, A. C., Miller, D. T., Ashenburg, N., Duanmu, Y., Lobo, V., Schertzer, K., Sebok-Syer, S. S. 2021; 5 (3): e10525

    Abstract

    Background: The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a safe, single-injection alternative for pain control in patients with rib fractures. This pilot study aims to teach the ultrasound-guided SAPB to emergency medicine (EM) residents using a mastery learning approach.Methods: A 19-item checklist was created and mastery was determined to be 17 of 19 items correct. This pass score was established using a Mastery Angoff standard-setting exercise with a group of EM experts. Learners participated in baseline testing on a simulated model and performance was assessed by two raters. Learners then watched an instructional video and participated in an individualized teaching session. Learners underwent deliberate practice followed by posttesting until mastery was achieved. Score differences in baseline testing and posttesting were analyzed using a paired t-test. Pre- and posttesting surveys were also completed by participants.Results: Twenty-eight PGY-1 to -4 residents volunteered to participate in the study. The range of reported SAPBs seen previously was 0 to 5. The mean (±SD) number of items correct on the checklist for initial testing was 8.5 of 19 (±2.7), while the mean (±SD) final score was 18 of 19 (±0.6; p<0.001). All participants met mastery standards after the curriculum intervention. Median self-reported procedural confidence was 2 out of 5 on a 5-point Likert scale before the session and 5 out of 5 after the session (Z=-4.681, p<0.001).Conclusions: Using a mastery learning approach and simulated model, we were able to successfully train EM residents to perform the SAPB at a level of mastery and increase their overall confidence in executing this procedure.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/aet2.10525

    View details for PubMedID 34041432

  • Improving Emergency Department Airway Preparedness in the Era of COVID-19: An Interprofessional, In Situ Simulation. Journal of Education and Teaching in Emergency Medicine Warner, K. J. 2020; 5 (3)

    View details for DOI 10.21980/J8V06M

  • A case of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome and subsequent adrenal insufficiency from a hidden ingredient in the supplement Artri Ajo King. Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open Boncompagni, A. C., Ruiz, E., Rider, A. C. 2023; 4 (4): e13007

    Abstract

    Dietary supplement use is common in the United States. Supplements are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under a separate set of guidelines from typical food and drug products. This case report describes a patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with abdominal pain, vomiting, and generalized weakness. On detailed history, we learned that he had been taking a supplement called Artri Ajo King for 18 months, followed by recent abrupt cessation before his ED presentation. He was subsequently found to have a low serum cortisol level and was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency by a cosyntropin stimulation test. Ultimately, he was started on hydrocortisone with resolution of his symptoms. This case illustrates the consequence of allowing dietary supplements to be sold before FDA evaluation as well as the importance of physicians eliciting history of supplement use and offering a culturally competent discussion with their patients regarding supplement use.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/emp2.13007

    View details for PubMedID 37440790

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10334111

  • The OSSE: Development and validation of an "Objective Structured Supervision Evaluation". AEM education and training Pokrajac, N., Roszczynialski, K. N., Rider, A., Poffenberger, C. M., Williams, S., Eakin, M. K., Sapp, R. W., Jenkins, E., Gisondi, M. A., Schertzer, K. 2022; 6 (4): e10784

    Abstract

    Trainee supervision and teaching are distinct skills that both require faculty physician competence to ensure patient safety. No standard approach exists to teach physician supervisory competence, resulting in variable trainee oversight and safety threats. The Objective Structured Teaching Evaluation (OSTE) does not adequately incorporate the specific skills required for effective supervision. To address this continuing medical education gap, the authors aimed to develop and identify validity evidence for an "Objective Structured Supervision Evaluation" (OSSE) for attending physicians, conceptually modeled on the historic OSTE.An expert panel used an iterative process to create an OSSE instrument, which was a checklist of key supervision items to be evaluated during a simulated endotracheal intubation scenario. Three trained "standardized residents" scored faculty participants' performance using the instrument. Validity testing modeled a contemporary approach using Kane's framework. Participants underwent simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) with deliberate practice until meeting a minimum passing standard (MPS).The final instrument contained 19 items, including three global rating measures. Testing domains included supervision climate, participant control of patient care, trainee evaluation, instructional skills, case-specific measures, and overall supervisor rating. Reliability of the assessment tool was excellent (ICC range 0.84-0.89). The assessment tool had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.813). Out of 24 faculty participants, 17 (70.8%) met the MPS on initial assessment. All met the MPS after SBML and average score increased by 19.5% (95% CI of the difference 10.3%-28.8%, p = 0.002).

    View details for DOI 10.1002/aet2.10784

    View details for PubMedID 35903423

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9305721

  • The OSSE: Development and validation of an "Objective Structured Supervision Evaluation" AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING Pokrajac, N., Roszczynialski, K. N., Rider, A., Poffenberger, C., Williams, S., Eakin, M., Sapp, R. W., Jenkins, E., Gisondi, M. A., Schertzer, K. 2022; 6 (4)

    View details for DOI 10.1002/aet2.10784

    View details for Web of Science ID 000828655600001

  • Virtual Mentoring: Two Adaptive Models for Supporting Early-career Simulation Investigators in the Era of Social Distancing. AEM education and training Stapleton, S. N., Wong, A. H., Ray, J. M., Rider, A. C., Moadel, T., Bentley, S., Cassara, M. 2021; 5 (1): 105–10

    Abstract

    Background: Early-career simulation investigators identify limited mentorship as a common barrier to disseminating scholarship and launching a successful academic career in emergency medicine (EM). Conferences often bridge this gap, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced their indefinite delay. Virtual solutions are needed to capitalize on the breadth of national simulation research experts and grow mentorship in a postpandemic world.Methods: We developed two complementary innovations to facilitate scholarship development and minimize COVID-associated career challenges resulting from social distancing requirements. The e-fellows forum (FF) provides a capstone experience for works-in-progress and the e-consultation service (CS) supports simulation research during the earlier project stages of design and development. In conjunction with the Society for Academic Medicine's Simulation Academy, we applied videoconferencing technology for both of these novel, virtual innovations. We analyzed corresponding chat transcripts and detailed field notes for emerging themes. In addition, we collected quantitative data via participant surveys regarding their experiences and impact on their projects.Results: Nine simulation fellows presented at the FF and seven junior simulation investigators participated in the CS sessions. Most preferred the virtual format (56% FF, 66% CS) and found the sessions to be helpful in project advancement (66% FF, 100% CS). COVID-19 affected most projects (89% FF, 67% CS). We identified three themes via qualitative analysis: design concerns and inquiries, validation or support shown by mentors and peers, and professional cohesion.Conclusions: Participants felt that both virtual mentorship innovations advanced their simulation research projects and fostered a sense of professional cohesion within a greater community of practice. These benefits can be powerful at a time where simulation researchers in EM feel disconnected in an era of social distancing. Our future work will include adaptations to a hybrid model with both virtual and in-person modalities as well as creation of more e-mentorship opportunities, thus broadening the early-career simulation research community of practice.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/aet2.10540

    View details for PubMedID 33521496

  • Mastery learning improves simulated central venous catheter insertion by emergency medicine teaching faculty Academic Emergency Medicine Education & Training Pokrajac, N., Schertzer, K., Rosczcnyialski, K. N., Rider, A., Williams, S. R., Poffenberger, C. M., Gisondi, M. A. 2021

    View details for DOI 10.1002/aet2.10703

  • Image to Fit the Clinical Picture: Point-of-care Ultrasound Assessment of Ebstein's Anomaly in Peru. Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine Rider, A. C., Dreyfuss, A., Inga, R. 2020; 4 (2): 222-224

    Abstract

    Ebstein's anomaly is a congenital heart defect that when left untreated can lead to unique physical exam and ultrasound findings. This case describes a patient who presented with dyspnea and was found to have cyanosis, clubbing, and dilation of right-sided chambers on point-of-care ultrasound. The series of images highlights findings in late-stage Ebstein's anomaly and serves as a springboard for the discussion of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare congenital heart disease.

    View details for DOI 10.5811/cpcem.2019.12.44783

    View details for PubMedID 32426677

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7219992

  • A Structured Curriculum for Interprofessional Training of Emergency Medicine Interns. The western journal of emergency medicine Rider, A. C., Anaebere, T. C., Nomura, M., Duong, D., Wills, C. P. 2019; 21 (1): 149-151

    Abstract

    Interprofessional education (IPE) has been shown to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. IPE is now represented in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's emergency medicine (EM) milestones given the team-based nature of EM. The Highland Allied Health Rotation Program (H-AHRP) was developed by residents to enhance and standardize IPE for EM residents in a single hospital setting. H-AHRP was incorporated into the orientation month for interns starting in the summer of 2016. EM interns were paired with emergency department preceptors in registered nursing (RN), respiratory therapy (RT), pharmacy (PH), laboratory (LAB), and social work (SW) in either a four-hour shadowing experience (RN, RT, PH) or lecture-based overview (LAB, SW). We conducted a survey before and after the program. Overall, the EM interns reported an improved understanding of the scope of practice and day-to-day logistics after working with the preceptors. They found the program helpful to their future as physicians and would recommend it to other residencies. The H-AHRP program allows for the early incorporation of IPE into EM training, enhances interns' understanding of both the scope and logistics of their colleagues, and is a well-received effort at improving team-based care.

    View details for DOI 10.5811/westjem.2019.11.44139

    View details for PubMedID 31913836

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6948681

  • Transition of Care from the Emergency Department to the Outpatient Setting: A Mixed-Methods Analysis. The western journal of emergency medicine Rider, A. C., Kessler, C. S., Schwarz, W. W., Schmitz, G. R., Oh, L., Smith, M. D., Gross, E. A., House, H., Wadman, M. C., Lo, B. M. 2018; 19 (2): 245-253

    Abstract

    The goal of this study was to characterize current practices in the transition of care between the emergency department and primary care setting, with an emphasis on the use of the electronic medical record (EMR).Using literature review and modified Delphi technique, we created and tested a pilot survey to evaluate for face and content validity. The final survey was then administered face-to-face at eight different clinical sites across the country. A total of 52 emergency physicians (EP) and 49 primary care physicians (PCP) were surveyed and analyzed. We performed quantitative analysis using chi-square test. Two independent coders performed a qualitative analysis, classifying answers by pre-defined themes (inter-rater reliability > 80%). Participants' answers could cross several pre-defined themes within a given question.EPs were more likely to prefer telephone communication compared with PCPs (30/52 [57.7%] vs. 3/49 [6.1%] P < 0.0001), whereas PCPs were more likely to prefer using the EMR for discharge communication compared with EPs (33/49 [67.4%] vs. 13/52 [25%] p < 0.0001). EPs were more likely to report not needing to communicate with a PCP when a patient had a benign condition (23/52 [44.2%] vs. 2/49 [4.1%] p < 0.0001), but were more likely to communicate if the patient required urgent follow-up prior to discharge from the ED (33/52 [63.5%] vs. 20/49 [40.8%] p = 0.029). When discussing barriers to effective communication, 51/98 (52%) stated communication logistics, followed by 49/98 (50%) who reported setting/environmental constraints and 32/98 (32%) who stated EMR access was a significant barrier.Significant differences exist between EPs and PCPs in the transition of care process. EPs preferred telephone contact synchronous to the encounter whereas PCPs preferred using the EMR asynchronous to the encounter. Providers believe EP-to-PCP contact is important for improving patient care, but report varied expectations and multiple barriers to effective communication. This study highlights the need to optimize technology for an effective transition of care from the ED to the outpatient setting.

    View details for DOI 10.5811/westjem.2017.9.35138

    View details for PubMedID 29560050

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5851495

  • Community-Acquired Pneumonia. Emergency medicine clinics of North America Rider, A. C., Frazee, B. W. 2018; 36 (4): 665-683

    Abstract

    Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the most common infections seen in emergency department patients. There is a wide spectrum of disease severity and viral pathogens are common. After a careful history and physical examination, chest radiographs may be the only diagnostic test required. The first step in management is risk stratification, using a validated clinical decision rule and serum lactate, followed by early antibiotics and fluid resuscitation when indicated. Antibiotics should be selected with attention to risk factors for multidrug-resistant respiratory pathogens. Broad use of pneumococcal vaccine in adults and children can prevent severe community-acquired pneumonia.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.emc.2018.07.001

    View details for PubMedID 30296998

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7126690

  • Zika Virus Emergency Management of Infectious Diseases 2nd Edition Rider, A. C., Frazee, B. W., Z, C. edited by R, C. L., Frazee, B. W. Cambridge University Press. 2018
  • Mesoamerican nephropathy: a novel case of kidney failure in a US ED. The American journal of emergency medicine Flores, S., Rider, A. C., Alter, H. J. 2016; 34 (7): 1323.e5-6

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajem.2015.11.048

    View details for PubMedID 26742459

  • Acute Pancreatitis: What's the Score? The Journal of emergency medicine Kuo, D. C., Rider, A. C., Estrada, P., Kim, D., Pillow, M. T. 2015; 48 (6): 762-70

    Abstract

    Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common presentation in the emergency department (ED). Severity of pancreatitis is an important consideration for ED clinicians making admission judgments. Validated scoring systems can be a helpful tool in this process.The aim of this review is to give a general outline on the subject of AP and compare different criteria used to predict severity of disease for use in the ED.This review updates the classifications and scoring systems for AP and the relevant parameters of each. This article assesses past and current scoring systems for AP, including Ranson criteria, Glasgow criteria, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), computed tomography imaging scoring systems, Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score, Panc 3, Harmless Acute Pancreatitis Score (HAPS), and the Japanese Severity Score. This article also describes the potential use of single variable predictors. Finally, this article discusses risk factors for early readmission, an outcome pertinent to emergency physicians. These parameters may be used to risk-stratify patients presenting to the ED into mild, moderate, and severe pancreatitis for determination of appropriate disposition.Rapid, reliable, and validated means of predicting patient outcome from rapid clinical assessment are of value to the emergency physician. Scoring systems such as BISAP, HAPS, and single-variable predictors may assist in decision-making due to their simplicity of use and applicability within the first 24 h.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jemermed.2015.02.018

    View details for PubMedID 25843921