Wendy C. Coates, MD
Harbor-UCLA Department of Emergency Medicine
Emergency Medicine (EM) is a specialty devoted to initial evaluation, resuscitation and stabilization of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). It is a relatively young specialty, with the oldest residency dating back to 1970. The American Board of Medical Specialties recognized EM as the nation's 23rd medical specialty in 1979.
Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day and require competent, caring physicians at all hours because emergencies cannot wait - time is too valuable. An emergency physician evaluates patients of all ages with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions, and renders life saving treatment in an exciting, fast-paced environment. The high acuity of care delivered in the ED provides an unparalleled educational experience.
Emergency physicians have the privilege of caring for patients of diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. The order in which patients are treated is solely dependent upon the severity of their disease. As the shift draws to a close, it is rewarding to realize how so many lives have been altered in such a meaningful way.
How do I know Emergency Medicine is right for me?
Choosing a medical specialty is an important and complex decision. Ideally, you should have the opportunity to experience life in the ED by taking a month-long rotation. A combination of professional and personal satisfaction is essential. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you enjoy the initial evaluation and stabilization of patients?
- Do you enjoy diversity in your practice?
- Do you like having a flexible schedule?
- Can you handle working nights?
- Do you work well as a cooperative member of a health care team?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, then Emergency Medicine may be right for you.
How do I prepare for a residency in Emergency Medicine?
You should spend a month in a busy ED, preferably one with an emergency medicine residency, where you can experience first-hand the exciting opportunities available within the specialty. There, you will work with board-certified emergency physicians, EM residents or both. Visit the student rotation list on the website. The remainder of your senior year should be spent exploring various medical, surgical, and pediatric electives to strengthen your background. Some students participate in an EM research project, while others become involved in local or national EM organizations.
How do I apply to emergency medicine residencies?
Set up a meeting with an EM Faculty Advisor. If you have no access to an EM Advisor, visit the SAEM Virtual Advisor Program.
At the beginning of your fourth year, you and your advisor should:
- Select a number of programs and visit their websites.
- Prepare a personal statement reflecting your interest in emergency medicine.
- Obtain 3-4 letters of recommendation. (At least one should be from an emergency physician who has worked with you.) Letters by EM Faculty should use the standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR).
- Submit your application using the ERAS system. Information on how this works is available through the student affairs office at your medical school.
- Schedule interviews during the months of November through early February.
Will I have a job when I complete my residency?
There is a wide variety of practice opportunities in EM ranging from rural community hospitals to urban medical centers to academic teaching and research institutions. Emergency physicians currently work as EMS directors, hyperbaric center directors, air ambulance transport directors and flight physicians, sports medicine physicians, medical directors for large corporations, urgent care physicians, on international relief missions, disaster medical teams, and in hundreds of different department settings in every state and around the world. Fellowship training is available in toxicology, pediatric EM, sports medicine, emergency medical services (EMS), international EM, disaster medicine, education, research, and EM administration.
It is estimated that there are more than 25,000 physicians practicing in ED's today. Half are believed to be board certified in EM. Annually, the 1,000 graduating residents replace retiring practitioners. It is expected to take several decades to close the gap of providing 100% coverage by board certified emergency physicians.
Emergency Medicine is waiting for you. Join the thousands of dedicated practitioners who enjoy the clinical challenge of emergency medicine and the personal rewards of providing high quality care to patients in need.
Where do I go for further information?