Emergency Medicine Residents' Association

FAQ

Why should I join EMRA?

EMRA is the largest and oldest independent resident group in organized medicine, founded in 1974, currently with over 6,500 members representing over 80% of emergency medicine residents. A recent market analysis estimates the alumni membership at over 18,000 members. EMRA offers a host of benefits for medical students, residents, international and alumni members at a phenomenal price. Browse Member Benefits!

Can I join EMRA without joining ACEP?

The EMRA-ACEP joint membership requirement was brought before the EMRA Representative Council in 1999. Overwhelmingly, the Rep Council decided to continue the joint membership with ACEP. Remember, the Rep Council is composed of resident members from all over the country, who approved this measure. Also, in a recent survey, >90% of EMRA resident members stated they enjoy the discounted rate on both EMRA & ACEP membership. Through joint membership, EMRA members get one free section membership in ACEP, free Annals of Emergency Medicine journal subscription, opportunities for national involvement and representation in the ACEP Council. Also, through membership in ACEP, EMRA can provide a voice for lobbying that it cannot do with the current non-profit 501 status. The joint membership requirement is a mandate from the EMRA membership and Rep Council.

Why do we not have a relationship like this with SAEM, AAEM, etc?

The opportunities for joint membership with AAEM and SAEM are not feasible at this time. If there was a large impetus from the membership and the opportunity became available, this could occur in the future. The bottom-line is that EMRA's membership decides.

What is a shared services agreement? Why are EMRA headquarters the same as ACEP headquarters?

EMRA and ACEP have a shared services agreement. Essentially, this is a contract signed between the two organization which means that ACEP is "hired" to provide services. This relationship is similar to the relationship that CORD and AACEM have with SAEM. Specifically, EMRA contracts with ACEP for 2.5 staff members, for ACEP to do the membership mailings and to keep track of financial information. The shared services agreement does not include joint membership.

So what's the difference between a shared services agreement and joint membership?

The shared services agreement is a business and contractual relationship with ACEP. Through this relationship, ACEP provides EMRA with staff support and other services.

The joint membership agreement requires all EMRA members to also be ACEP members. The joint membership agreement was voted upon by the EMRA Representative Council, who represents all EMRA members nationwide. In the past, it has been debated and scrutinized but has endured through the support of the EMRA membership.

Why doesn't EMRA lobby on behalf of its members in D.C. and on the local level?

Due to the current non-profit 501 status, EMRA has a limited ability to "lobby" for a specific cause. What EMRA does instead is utilize relationships with other bodies (namely ACEP) that do have this power. There are opportunities for political advocacy through the ACEP 911 Network and through the Leadership and Advocacy Conference held each year in Washington , D.C.

What is the AAEM/RSA?

What's the difference between EMRA and the AAEM-RSA?

EMRA believes in fair business practices for all emergency physicians and seeks to educate members to make smart decisions about their career decisions. Indeed, there are business entities that seek to undermine the practice by limiting physicians with no due process, restrictive covenants, and closed books. There have also been democratic groups, hospitals, academic universities and independent contract holders who have taken advantage of emergency physicians, not just corporate entities. EMRA seeks to educate residents and medical students about fair business practices in any setting.

Does EMRA believe in "open books?" What does EMRA do to teach its membership about proper business practices?

EMRA has a long history of educating its members about making smart decisions after residency, whether with job searching, contracts, risk management, or finances. Joe Wood, MD, JD is a past-AAEM President and he wrote the EMRA Contracts Book. He also speaks annually at the Life After Residency Forum, which is a 7-hour seminar held annually at Scientific Assembly. During this seminar, residents are educated on the job search process, contract issues, practice environments and good business practices. In addition, EMRA hasa tremendous repository of articles in the website, publications, EM Resident and What's Up newsletter. Critics charge EMRA with being partial to contract management groups, but clearly history and current efforts speak differently.

Does EMRA have too many sponsorships from contract management groups?

In the past, EMRA's sponsors have included a wide-variety of business entities. Several awards are sponsored each year by contract management groups, and EMRA is very proud of its support of resident recognition. EMP, a contract management group, sponsored the 2005 Antibiotic Guide. However, other recent sponsorships include BoBridgeport Realtors, who sponsored the EMRA Airway Card. The EMRA leadership is acutely aware of this misperception and is striving to pursue a vast array of sponsorships and business relationships.

What is EMRA's position on Moonlighting during residency?

EMRA's current policy states: EMRA firmly believes that emergency medicine is best practiced by an emergency medicine residency-trained ABEM/AOBEM board certified physician.
EMRA recognizes that the current number of such emergency physicians is not adequate to provide full coverage 24-hours a day – 7-days a week – for all emergency departments. For this reason, EMRA supports resident moonlighting by senior EM residents with approval of the residency director under any of the following conditions: in underserved areas, in areas where nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants practice independently, i.e., fast tracks and in double coverage emergency departments.
Some critics of this policy have argued vehemently that our policy is contradictory to our mission. However, because of workforce shortages, the EMRA membership has decided to maintain this stance.
The EMRA Representative Council (i.e. the EMRA membership) voted on several occasions to uphold this position despite opposition from other organizations.
There are many benefits to resident moonlighting aside from the financial aspects. By practicing independently, residents begin to hone their skills and broaden their educational experience. The vast majority of residents who moonlight view it as a positive experience and supplement to their residency training.
Review full policy