You might know Amal Mattu as a social media giant, with 16,600 Twitter followers, countless readers of his popular blog, ECGWeekly, and an army of faithful podcast listeners. He's an oft-published author, a decorated EM educator, and one of the most popular speakers in the specialty. (Be sure to see him at ACEP16 in Las Vegas, where he will share “Secrets from the Princess Bride” during the second of EMRA's resident lunches!)
Medical School? University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency? Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Current position? University of Maryland Department of Emergency Medicine professor, vice chair, and director of the Faculty Development Fellowship and the Emergency Cardiology Fellowship.
Who gave you your best career advice – and what was it?
I think I'd have to give that credit to Dr. Glenn Hamilton, who was the first person I ever heard talk about the concept of and importance of developing an niche in academic EM; this wasn't personal advice, but what I learned listening to him at CORD and SAEM lectures.
If you were just starting your residency now, what would you do differently?
Ask more questions of EVERYONE”¦nurses, EM and off-service faculty, senior residents, etc.; spend time learning to do research, and do tough rotations rather than easy ones on electives.
What keeps you coming to work every day?
Opportunities to teach; colleagues I have fun working with.
How will EM change during the next decade?
Greater emphasis on technology, increased emphasis on facilitated workups, and greater push toward physicians having an “assembly line” mentality about patients; I fear that medicine is moving toward becoming more a job rather than a profession.
Last non-textbook you read?
John Wooden's “Wooden on Leadership”
What goes on your pizza?
Sausage, pepperoni, caramelized onions, sundried tomatoes
How do you get your exercise?
Jogging
Most-used app on your phone?
BY FAR—Tiny Wings is my “crack cocaine””¦I don't know why”¦ it's monotonous and simple, but I can't give it up. Also Angry Birds.
Family?
Wife, 14-year-old son, 11-year-old boy-girl twins.