Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria (BD/DNC) - CCEHS
This course aims to equip physicians with comprehensive knowledge and skills regarding the Neurological Determination of Death (NDD). Participants will learn to perform a thorough examination for brain death, which includes mastering the apnea test, understanding UPMC policies, recognizing indications for ancillary testing, and appreciating the nuances of pediatric examinations.
Target Audience
This course is designed for physicians and clinical staff interested in identifying the neurologic determination of brain death.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Execute the steps of the Neurological Determination of Death (NDD) exam
- Identify the differences and requirements for conducting NDD exams in adults and pediatric patients
- Conduct the apnea test for brain death
- Analyze the indications for ancillary testing for brain death
- Develop skills for effective communication with families and staff
Planning Committee:
Jonathan Elmer, MD, MS, FAHA, FNCS
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Neurology
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Attending Emergency Physician and Neurointensivist, UPMC
Attending Physician, University of Pittsburgh Post-Cardiac Arrest Service
Director, UPMC Organ Donor Support Service
Chenell Donadee, MD, MBA
Senior Medical Director, UPMC ICU Service Center
Associate Director, UPMC Pharmacy Service Center
Medical Director, UPMC Respiratory Service Center
Medical Advisor, Supply Chain, UPMC
Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Alexis Steinberg, MD, MS
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology, Critical Care Medicine, and Emergency Medicine
UPMC/ University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Lori Shutter, MD, FNCS, FCCM
Professor of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh
Vice Chair, Education, Department of Critical Care Medicine
Director, Neurocritical Care Fellowship Program
Medical Director, Neurovascular & Neurotrauma ICUs
Course Director:
Stephanie Knoch, MS Ed - Improvement Specialist, Quality and Healthcare Education, Wolff Center at UPMC & Center for Nursing Excellence
No planners, members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Disclaimer Statement
The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh School designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
- 1.00 Attendance
► Technical Tips for Smooth Navigation
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- Avoid using your browser’s navigation buttons (Back, Refresh, etc.).
- Use only the navigation controls within the course interface to move through the training.
These steps help prevent the course from freezing or locking up.

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