Methadone Matters: Treating OUD in the Fentanyl Era

In this episode of EM Pulse, Dr. Daniel Hernandez, an emergency medicine and addiction specialist at UC Davis, joins the team to spotlight methadone—one of the original and still powerful tools for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). While newer medications like buprenorphine often steal the spotlight, methadone remains a critical option, especially in the era of fentanyl. Tune in for a practical conversation on when and how to initiate methadone in the ED, navigating regulatory barriers, arranging follow-up at opioid treatment programs, and managing pain in patients already on methadone. Whether you’re new to methadone or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode offers real-world insights and actionable pearls 

Have you started methadone from the ED? Share your experience with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com

Hosts:

Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis

Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis

Guests:

Dr. Daniel Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Assistant Director of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at UC Davis

Resources:

CA Bridge

ACEP/CA Bridge – Methadone Hospital Quick Start

Liberate Methadone: An Introduction for the Emergency Medicine Physician

By Terence M. Hughes, MD; Joan Chen, MD; and Utsha G. Khatri, MD, MSHP | on April 14, 2025

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Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.