Emergency Medicine Vitals EMRA

Why Emergency Medicine

You're the only one who knows if EM is right for you. So how do you decide?

Give serious thought to your career goals, write them down. Do you have the personal characteristics to flourish in the fast-paced, high-acuity environment? Many do - dome do not. Take a look in the mirror; think about "you" first.

Next, decide what you need in a career. Flexibility? Family time? Academic environment? Community practice? Consider personal and professional needs - it's the key to choosing a rewarding future.

Last, analyze, analyze, analyze! You're good at that - you do it every day in medical school. Now do it for yourself. What are youre Strengths? What are your Weaknesses? Where are the Opportunities for emergency medicine? What are the Threats or "not-so-great-things" about the specialty? It's call a SWOT analysis. Trust us - this works and it's a good way to decide if emergency medicine is for you.

MSI: Embrace Your First Year

Discovery - It's all about exploring resources this year. Find support systems, keep researching, set goals. Take time for yourself along the way.

Join EMRA (Emergency Medicine Residents' Association). When you join, you are also an ACEP (American College of Emergency Physicians) member. Explore ACEP state chapters. Unearth the incredible resources and networking opportunities. Be part of a growing family.
Seek out mentors. Treasure and nurture relationships. Sign up for an EMRA mentor! Learn from residents who know what it takes to get into a competitive residency.
Immerse yourself in your EMIG (Emergency Medicine Interest Group). Learn about the specialty; network with the like-minded. Run for a leadership position.
Visualize your future. Set professional and personal goals. Don't forget to study!
Shadow in the ED to stay motivated and to remind you orf your dream job; check out research opportunities. It's all about gaining experience and starting to build a name for yourself in the specialty!

MSII: Find Inner Strength

Building Blocks - Make this year all about you. Build an impressive network of colleagues, hone in on your skills, talents, and expertise.

Create your CV. Research what makes a CV stand out, outline how yours will do just that; identify and fill in gaps. Your future calling card deserves attention!
Catch the conferences. Decide what to attend and attend them! Don't underestimate the value of showing up. Meet future friends and colleagues. ACEP's Scientific Assembly is a great place to start and check out EMRA's regional medical symposia, too!
Cultivate relationshipos. Many an EMIG leader has gone on to a leadership position within EMRA, ACEP and a residency program. Join the EMRA Medical Student Council.
Continue to seek out mentors and shadowing opportunities if you haven't already. If you have, do it some more!
Concentrate; don't cram for board prep exam. It's coming, ready or not!

MSIII: Show Your Medical Chops

Practicing Medicine: You've come a long way! Recognize the importance of showing how well-rounded you are - concentrate on rotations, crush Step 2 and keep meeting new colleagues and friends.

Research away rotations and externships now. Apply to VSAS early.
Get your ERAS act together! Allow time to prepare. Request recommendation letters; strengthen your application. It's a challenge to do it right, but worth it in the end!
Spend this year learning the "art of medicine" - developing relationshipos with patients and familiies, interacting with physicians and hospital staff.
Envision yourself in a residency. Find your ideal matches and research everything you can about them. Don't skip the EMRA Residency Fair at ACEP's Scientific Assembly - it's like a perfect "first date."
Keep networking! Attend conferences, including EMRA's regional medical symposia. Look for education and leadership opportunities. Join an EMRA committee!

MSIV - Cross The Finish Line

Strategy - You've run a marathon and you're close to the finish line. Execute your game plan and work toward fulfilling your dream.

Show some leadership! Apply for an EMRA board or committee position. Get published in EM Resident.
Read The 3-minute Emergency Medicine Medical Student Presentation: A Variation on a Theme. Watch the video, Patient Presentations in the Emergency Department and then, rock your H&P presentations.
Think Match! Prepare and practice interviewing skills. Decide the residencies you want and go after them!
Attend conferences, especially ACEP's Scientific Assembly. Make an impression at the specialty's largest residency extravaganza, the EMRA Residency Fair.
Polish up that ERAS application and submit it early.
Explore niches in the specialy; seek out residencies that support your passion.
Reward yourself. Have some fun. You deserve it!