The following is information provided by the Council of Residency Program Directors in EM (CORD).
Emergency Medicine (EM) is a specialty that addresses not only the acute emergent care of individuals but also the acute unscheduled care of individuals who are affected by social determinants of health and who have otherwise limited resources or access to other care. As a specialty, we pride ourselves on delivering timely care to those in need and serving all individuals who present to our emergency departments.
Students choose our specialty for many reasons. Many enjoy the breadth of care that the specialty affords; prepared to care for any problem in patients of any age and sex at any time, regardless of factors such as immigration status and ability to pay. Many students also enjoy the mix of both cognitive and procedural aspects of the specialty. Students also tell us that they find the social aspects of emergency medicine fulfilling. The emergency department can be the gateway to life-changing services for patients with substance use disorder and people experiencing homelessness. Doing community outreach to help prevent illness, ensure follow up care is obtained, and provide resources to some of the most vulnerable in our communities has become a thriving aspect of our specialty. Our careers include many niche areas of expertise, including fellowship tracks in:
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- Addiction Medicine
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- Palliative Care |
Some common reasons that students choose emergency medicine include:
- Safety net - ability to care for all patients
- Workup of the undifferentiated patient
- Critical care
- Procedures
- Shift work which enables diverse lifestyles and work-life balance
- No prior authorization
