Emergency room physicians have high stress lives.
Emergency room physicians evaluate and treat patients with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. These physicians work in high stress environments where one incorrect diagnosis can mean losing the life of a patient. These highly trained individuals must have knowledge in many areas of medicine and be able to make rapid, committed decisions.
Education/Training
Those wishing to pursue a career as an emergency room physician must complete many years of education and intense training. He must first obtain a four-year undergraduate degree in a science-related field, taking those courses required for entry into medical school. After graduation from medical school, a four-year endeavor, the candidate must then be accepted into an emergency medicine residency program. These programs also last four years or more.
Credentials/Licensing
Physicians wishing to complete certification requirement for emergency medicine must first hold an unrestricted license to practice medicine in general. If he is more than one year out of the emergency medicine residency program, he must provide proof of continuing education as well. Those just graduating from the emergency medicine residency program are not required to hold a general license to practice medicine. Once the exam is passed, the physician will be board certified and properly credentialed to practice as an emergency room physician.
Duties
Emergency room physicians use their wide breadth of knowledge to diagnose and treat patients presenting with acute illnesses, moderate to severe injuries, drug overdoses, poisoning and more. They must make competent and accurate decisions under extreme stress. Trauma patients or those presenting with severe illness must be stabilized by the emergency room physician before transferring to an intensive care unit, surgery or other areas.
Sub-specialty Certifications
Many sub-specialties exist for board certified emergency medicine physicians as well. These include pediatric emergency medicine, medical toxicology and trauma certifications. Obtaining these certifications will prevent the physician from having to call for a separate pediatric specialist, for example. This can save valuable time, and save a life.
Considerations
Board-certified emergency room physicians have one of the most rewarding positions in the medical field; however, they often work irregular hours in 12-hour shifts. They sacrifice personal time and time with loved ones helping others. This high stress and emotionally charged environment does not suit everyone pursuing a career as a physician.
Job Outlook/Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for physicians and surgeons of all types werel expected to grow 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. The BLS expected job openings to grow during this period due to the retirement of many physicians. Average salary for physicians with specialties, such as emergency room physicians, were $339,738 in 2008.
Tags: emergency medicine, room physicians, emergency medicine residency, emergency room, emergency room physician, Emergency room physicians, high stress
