Emergency medicine in basic medical education

Julie Welch, Cherri Hobgood

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Key learning points Knowledge of emergency medicine is critical to modern medical practice, and there are many ways to integrate emergency medicine into every stage of basic medical education. Emergency medicine’s broad practice base makes emergency physicians ideal teachers for today’s medical students. Early and consistent exposure to emergency medicine benefits both medical students and the specialty. Introduction Emergency medicine is an essential component of modern medical practice and must be incorporated into basic medical education. Because there is a critical demand for emergency physicians and training worldwide, developing a universally accepted curriculum covering the delivery of high-quality lifesaving interventions in a timely manner is a necessity. Of all specialties, emergency medicine encompasses the broadest spectrum of medical care and patient experience. It serves as the hospital’s primary diagnostic unit for the undifferentiated patient. The door to emergency care is literally open to everyone, and does not discriminate based on age, race, disease process, socioeconomic status, or patient condition. Whether acutely or chronicly ill, critically injured, mentally unstable, or in need of basic medical care, the patient defines the emergency. In response, an emergency physician is trained to approach every patient in the same way and to serve not only as the safety net for many patients without other access to care, but also as the front line for diagnosis, stabilization, and treatment of acute emergent conditions. This creates the perfect environment and faculty for integrating the specialty of emergency medicine into all stages of basic medical education.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEmergency Department Leadership and Management
Subtitle of host publicationBest Principles and Practice
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages324-331
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781139030557
ISBN (Print)9781107007390
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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