Pros and Cons of being an Emergency Room Physician

From 3arf

Emergency departments are notoriously fast paced, decision making needs to be made quickly and without error, and boredom is never a factor unless you find yourself in a very rural community. Personally I have worked in emergency departments in the south Bronx and extreme southern Illinois. The pace is extremely different, as well as the types of injuries seen. The excitement of the emergency department is partially from the, not knowing. One never knows what will walk in the door next, or what the ambulance will surprise one with.Pros of a doctor in working in the emergency department are many. If one enjoys the challenge of trauma, you will get your fair share. One needs to make quick, accurate decision making and knowing when to consult a specialist, as well as being able to enjoy and work as a team member. There is a large variety of complaints and traumas that make the emergency department very interesting. Some departments have the physician rotate through a fast track, which is similar to urgent care. This also gives the doctor a break from the risk of trauma burn out. If one enjoys communication, there are ample opportunities, with nursing, paramedics, and family members of the patient. One must be a physician, team member, psychologist, detective, grief counselor, and teacher. There is consistent change of hats one must wear.Cons of the emergency department have to deal with an increased rate of burn out, long shifts, fatigue, and the emotional struggle of dealing with death and loss. There are also the patients who are alcoholics, schizophrenics, and narcotic seekers who stress out the physician and team. They take precious time away from the seriously ill patients. Long hours do not bode well for the physician's family life, and that is another balancing act that must be high on the priority list. For me, dealing with pediatric traumas was the most difficult. Consoling parents, calming the injured child and rendering care is an emotional roller coaster ride, which is difficult to stop once your head hits the pillow at night.Emergency rooms are exciting, and can be a wonderful learning experience; however, the intensity, stress and hours lend itself towards a younger man or women's position. As emergency department physicians age, we frequently see them go towards the fast track department or urgent care. The position can be enjoyable, and one can make a difference in one's life. Before going into this field, it is advisable, to look at all variables, as well as the census of the hospital you want to work at.

Emergency departments are notoriously fast paced, decision making needs to be made quickly and without error, and boredom is never a factor unless you find yourself in a very rural community. Personally I have worked in emergency departments in the south Bronx and extreme southern Illinois. The pace is extremely different, as well as the types of injuries seen. The excitement of the emergency department is partially from the, not knowing. One never knows what will walk in the door next, or what the ambulance will surprise one with.

Pros of a doctor in working in the emergency department are many. If one enjoys the challenge of trauma, you will get your fair share. One needs to make quick, accurate decision making and knowing when to consult a specialist, as well as being able to enjoy and work as a team member. There is a large variety of complaints and traumas that make the emergency department very interesting. Some departments have the physician rotate through a fast track, which is similar to urgent care. This also gives the doctor a break from the risk of trauma burn out. If one enjoys communication, there are ample opportunities, with nursing, paramedics, and family members of the patient. One must be a physician, team member, psychologist, detective, grief counselor, and teacher. There is consistent change of hats one must wear.

Cons of the emergency department have to deal with an increased rate of burn out, long shifts, fatigue, and the emotional struggle of dealing with death and loss. There are also the patients who are alcoholics, schizophrenics, and narcotic seekers who stress out the physician and team. They take precious time away from the seriously ill patients. Long hours do not bode well for the physician's family life, and that is another balancing act that must be high on the priority list. For me, dealing with pediatric traumas was the most difficult. Consoling parents, calming the injured child and rendering care is an emotional roller coaster ride, which is difficult to stop once your head hits the pillow at night.

Emergency rooms are exciting, and can be a wonderful learning experience; however, the intensity, stress and hours lend itself towards a younger man or women's position. As emergency department physicians age, we frequently see them go towards the fast track department or urgent care. The position can be enjoyable, and one can make a difference in one's life. Before going into this field, it is advisable, to look at all variables, as well as the census of the hospital you want to work at.



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