EM Books Available

We now have multiple copies of the EMRA* - The Medical Student Survival Guide. We put two copies in the ICM office and two copies in the student lounge for your perusal. Please don't steal them. If you must take one home, please do so for just ONE night and then return it.

The book is all about emergency medicine and will tell you just about all you want to know about EM. I've read it and found it very insightful. If you join ACEP/EMRA* as a student member, I believe you get a hard copy for free. Click on the title to learn more about it.

*EMRA - "Emergency Medicine Residents' Association" is associated with ACEP - "American College of Emergency Physicians"

FYI - EMIG is now official!!

Last week, the Emergency Medicine Interest Group become a registered/recognized student organization at the University of Washington. What does this mean? Well, not a whole lot other than "legitimizing" our interest group and making it easier for us to schedule activities on campus and possibly receive more funding for various events.

Activity Summary - Why Emergency Medicine?

I'd say our first activity was a big success. For a Thursday evening after a long week, we had a good turnout. Dr. Jared Strote shared with us some common reasons why people choose or don't choose EM. Here's a quick synopsis:

Pros about EM:

• Diagnostician
• Energy/Excitement
• Patient Relationships
• Schedule
• See everything
• Public health/safety net
• Procedures
• Cool extras

Cons about EM:

• Generalist
• Patient Relationships
• Schedule
• Intensity/Social ills

Myths:

• Burnout
• Disrespect

As you probably noticed, some of the pros are also cons. It all depends on who you are and what appeals to you. Also, I found the burnout thing interesting. Dr. Strote suggested that although people will tell you about the "burnout" after you've told them you're interested in EM, burnout really isn't seen among EM trained physicians. Much of the myth is perpetuated from surgeons and medicine physicians who left their field and decided to do EM.

The other thing he emphasized is "Don't go into EM for the lifestyle!" Do what's best for you and what fits your personality.

Activity - Thursday Nov. 6 --- "Why EM?"

Our first activity for fall quarter 2008 will be a panel discussion on why people should (or should not) choose emergency medicine as a career choice. Come listen, ask questions, get dinner, etc.

Time - Thursday Nov. 6 @ 5:30 p.m.
Place - T-550 Health Sciences
Food - Pizza