Emergency Medicine Physicians

Physicians who practice emergency medicine are trained to think differently. Emergencies require immediate decision making, as physicians look for the most life-threatening diagnoses first. Emergency department (ED) physicians must be familiar with virtually all fields of medicine and surgery, as patients have diverse and unpredictable needs. The ED physician may encounter various life-threatening and non-life-threatening complaints during his or her shift.

Training and Certification

Because they need to develop such a diverse skill set, emergency medicine residents rotate through other specialties. By the end of their training, emergency physicians have been exposed to situations that enhance skills in a wide range of medical, surgical and psychiatric emergencies.

Being board-certified in emergency medicine helps physicians stay aware of the latest diagnostics and treatment options. To achieve board certification by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, physicians must pass an initial written and oral exam. The certification is valid for 10 years, after which physicians must participate in the Emergency Medicine Continuous Certification program to maintain certification.