Dr. Barrett Mclaughlin
Emergency Medicine
VA
11 years experience female
About
Bio
I am a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician, with over 7 years of clinical practice, more than 3 of which have been post-residency. I attended medical school at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia, and went on to complete a four year residency at UPMC Hamot in Pennsylvania. My last year of residency I served as Chief Resident. I now work clinically in three Emergency Departments in central Virginia, taking care of both pediatric and adult patients.
I am passionate about patient education, helping patients to navigate some of the barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare, and empowering patients to take ownership of their own health.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Emergency Medicine
Doctor Q&A
37 Answers
20 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Google = Your Friend: A quick online search should lead you to several articles and videos on taping options. You can also look into kinesiology taping methods. Be mindful ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
95 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Dermatitis:: Rashes are variable in presentation & cause. Contact dermatitis happens when the skin has been in contact with an irritant - anything from the met... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
105 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Very Nonspecific: It's difficult in this setting to say what is causing your symptoms. However, think of muscle relaxers as "You-relaxers." They sometimes help, but you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Possible Allergies: You may be suffering from allergies. People can be allergic to many things, like pollen, dust, & animal dander. Try keeping a diary of your sympto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Pregnancy Location: Is your pregnancy in the correct location? If you haven't had an ultrasound to make sure your pregnancy is in the uterus (instead of elsewhere, called... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Could be Many Things: It's impossible to say in this setting what it could be. Lumps inside the mouth are varied in cause. Examples: aphthous ulcer, herpes virus, abscess, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Emergency Room!: If you are having heavy vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, and a missed/late period, you need to go to the Emergency Department NOW. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Dietary or Medical?: It's better to know the cause of your symptoms, if possible. Changes in bowel habits can be dietary, from surgery (like having your gallbladder remove... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
105 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Would need details:: Chronic neck pain can arise from many things, with pain in the back of the neck often coming from muscle spasm, arthritis, or disc or nerve problems. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
106 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Strains and Sprains: If you are otherwise healthy & had no direct injury to your neck, you likely just pulled something! If you have any weakness in either hand or arm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
You need an ear exam: An infection in your ear canal can create discharge, sensation of ear fullness, & hearing loss because of the volume of discharge & the swelli... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Coach Says What?: Have you discussed this with your Coach? They may have an answer, because they are the ones who watch you train and compete. Do you get too nervous be... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Evolving Situation -: The Coronavirus situation is changing daily, and the CDC, WHO, etc. have made travel restrictions/recommendations, but these are expected to change. T... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
95 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Likely a Mild Case:: You are correct. Influenza often comes with a fever & body aches. However, that isn't always the case. The most consistent flu symptoms are what y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
105 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Poop-like a rainbow!: Infant stool can be many different colors & still be completely normal. It depends on what they're drinking (formula/breast milk). Breast milk cha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
102 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 56-year-old member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Worth a Dr. Visit: Even if there isn't a foreign body still in your eye, you may have a scratch or an ulcer because of it, which will need a topical antibiotic. If there... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
107 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Best to see your GP: There are many conditions which could cause a painful bump. Less worrisome causes include things like a blister or an inflamed cyst. A lesion from Her... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Sleep Hygiene First:: First, make sure you optimize your sleep environment! Black-out curtains, a comfortable sleep mask, & ear plugs are a great start. Consider white-... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
105 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Check Your Pharmacy: Best way to manage allergies? Manage the things causing your symptoms. There are several over-the-counter medications too. Anti-histamines: Benadryl (... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 60-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Check with Surgeon: The best course of action is to ask his surgeon. Vaccinations are safe to receive, even before surgery, as long as the person getting them isn't curre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
95 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Very brief overview:: Myasthenia gravis (MG) symptoms: drooping eyelids, double vision, & sometimes trouble speaking or swallowing. Treatment: medications to suppress t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
102 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Breathe Easier!: There are many non-medication options for nasal congestion. Things to look into: breathing in steam (don't burn yourself! Steaming up the bathroom wit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Stuck or Scratch?: Sometimes a sharp object can cause a scratch in the throat, which can make it feel like something is still there. You could have something actually st... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
107 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Internal Sutures Ok: The material and structure of which internal, permanent sutures are made are designed to be essentially neutral within the body. The same goes for you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Please Worry!: Chest pain = alarm. Less scary things can cause it, such as heartburn or muscle pains. HOWEVER, chest pain can also come from a heart attack, a blood ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Ask your Specialist:: Your gastroenterologist (GI doctor) can answer this for you. Treatment will depend on what the lesion is, and what caused the ulcer. If the cause is G... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
105 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
See Orthopedics/PT:: It's possible you injured your shoulders over time/repetition, & now have something like a labral tear. You could have developed arthritis or oth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
105 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Premature Balding?: The first question to consider is whether or not it is normal for you to be losing hair at 26. Did the men in your family start losing their hair in t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
102 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Abnormal Bleeding: It is not typical to have continuous vaginal bleeding for 2 months. Changes in hormone levels, uterine cancer, thyroid problems, and certain medicatio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Vaginal Infection: Your girlfriend may have a vaginal infection. This can cause discharge as well as off-cycle bleeding. Some vaginal infections, like yeast, can be trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Women's Health Visit: You should schedule an appointment for a vaginal exam. If it is on the inner aspect of the labia majora (the more outer and thicker of the labial fold... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
105 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
What is the Query?: Difficulty sleeping can be the result of both medical & psychiatric conditions, from sleep apnea to depression. Other common causes include drinki... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
95 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
No one best way...: There is no single best way to lower blood pressure. The treatment of hypertension is multifaceted, but you can expect better control of your numbers ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
95 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Stool change common-: Many things can cause red coloration of the stool aside from blood, including beets & certain antibiotics. Red particles/foreign bodies in the sto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
95 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Chronic Changes: When an X-ray is read, a Radiologist reviews the images to look for anything abnormal. It sounds as if the Radiologist did not see any ACUTE abnormali... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Related? Maybe.: If the area on your skin has expanding redness, pain, swelling, it may be a bacterial infection of the skin, called cellulitis. More here: https://www... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
107 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:

Dr. Barrett Mclaughlinanswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Fix the Iron First: Low iron levels can cause fatigue. B12 deficiency can too, but not as often in developed countries. Though, you might not be getting enough in your di... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
108 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
11
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thanks very much. Went to the opthomologist. No scratches and although he didn't flip the lid to look under he felt there was nothing there. I appreciate you taking ti...Read More
HealthTap member
Your answer was very helpful, thanks! I have been soaking in warm water and it’s starting to ooze on its own
HealthTap member
Thanks! Nice to see your ‘face’ once more. Your reply helped too!!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, VA
Graduated 2012MD
Residency
UPMC HAMOT
Completed 2016
Affiliations
American College of Emergency Physicians
American Osteopathic Association
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