This episode is a comprehensive, high-yield guide to ICU basics, designed for medical students, nurses, APCs, interns, residents, emergency medicine physicians, intensivists, and critical care trainees. We walk step-by-step through the core foundations of ICU care, focusing on physiology-driven decision-making and practical bedside management. Topics include mechanical ventilation, shock, vasopressors and inotropes, and renal replacement therapy—all explained in a clear, clinically relevant framework. This episode is intended as a big-picture ICU overview and pairs well with deeper dives on each topic. Whether you’re starting ICU rotations or refining your critical care fundamentals, this guide will help build a strong mental model of ICU physiology and management. 📚 DOWNLOAD MINI COURSES, STUDY GUIDES, PRACTICE QUESTIONS, AD FREE VIDEOS, EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSIONS in our WBM Emergency Critical Care Patreon Community - Join Today!! https://www.patreon.com/c/WhiteBoardMedicine DISCLAIMER THIS PODCAST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information, including but not limited to, audio, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read, watched, or listened to on this video, or any other videos, reports, texts tweets or other sources.