ER doctors must be able to quickly assess the severity of patient conditions and then treat them according to priority level. When a person has a sudden medical problem, including life-threatening aliments such as heart attacks or mortal wounds, he typically winds up at the emergency room. When I was a medical student, I was attracted to work in the emergency department (ED). ERs get their name from the word “emergency,” which means unplanned. This means that ER doctors must quickly diagnose and treat a wide number of patients without having the benefit of time-consuming tests and evaluations. And if it also sounds like the role of a point guard on an NBA basketball team, that’s because it is. This is a valued skill set, because it means that ER doctors are some of the most talented and well-rounded doctors available. What are the qualities of a good emergency medicine doctor? They treat patients of all ages and all health conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this task can be even more difficult after working long, irregular hours without a break. The Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And sometimes, you have just minutes to make your decision — or nature will make it for you. Thomas Perera, M.D. Many ER patients arrive at the medical facilities unconscious, so ER doctors must be able to identify the main issue, as well as quickly understand other ongoing health problems, without the benefit of a patient history. What Does an Emergency Room Physician Do? … Unlike specialty doctors, such as cardiologists or oncologists, ER doctors have to be able to switch gears and be open to all types of health conditions and problems. and may be amended from time to time. . Although these qualities aren’t quantifiable, they are evaluated by the candidate’s potential to demonstrate traits that are shared by some of the best physicians working today. EM physicians manage the full spectrum of physical and behavioral emergencies. It’s up to the doctor to make the right call. DEAR DOCTOR K: My son is in medical school and is thinking of specializing in emergency medicine. If you are considering this type of profession, you must have many specific qualities and skill sets. Thomas B. Perera, M.D. So many of the patients were very sick, but if you made the right diagnosis and gave the right treatment, you could save lives — every day. Their patients are usually scared and in some of the most traumatic situations of their lives. Thomas Perera, M.D. . Communication. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider or 911 immediately. And all that is interspersed with people with bad colds, or twisted ankles, to give you a little breather. ERs are found at most hospitals around the world, and ER doctors staff them. He/she normally works in the emergency section (room) of a hospital or any other form of urgent care facility with the job description mainly to attend to patients with grave/critical conditions. Your use of this site is governed by Harvard University and its affiliates Terms of Use located at www.askdoctork.com/privacy-policy
But it is exactly the right choice for the right kind of doctor. That’s a lot to ask from any physician, and it’s why emergency medicine is not for everyone. It was really exciting. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in a public group(s). In the end, the patient will be much healthier and happier, while the physician is rewarded with knowing they are taking care of their patients needs. It was really exciting. An emergency room physician who can also be simply referred to as emergency physician treats patients who need lifesaving measures and care. This means that ER doctors have to remain calm under stress, as well as have a warm personality when talking with patients and their families. The contents displayed within this public group(s), such as text, graphics, and other material ("Content") are intended for educational purposes only. The information you share, including that which might otherwise be Protected Health Information, to this site is by design open to the public and is not a private, secure service. Denise Brandenberg has more than 15 years professional experience as a marketing copywriter, with a focus in public relations. The Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Methods: A questionnaire including the ultra-short version of the Hamburg Personality Inventory (HPA) was distributed to EP, PM, medical doctors not practicing emergency medicine … So far very little is known about personality traits that distinguish paramedics (PM) and emergency physicians (EP) from other medical staff. What are the qualities of a good emergency medicine doctor? Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Harvard Medical School | In Association with Harvard Health Publications. In addition, in most ERs, time is not a luxury. Most ER doctors work in high stress situations. Please discuss any options with your healthcare provider. They must be able to manage a large number of patients at the same time. A physician exhibiting these qualities is sure to build a long and successful doctor-patient relationship. They are under pressure to save lives and often have to break bad news to loved ones. Thomas B. Perera, M.D. An emergency physician, also known as an emergency room (ER) doctor or emergency medicine physician, works in a hospital's emergency care center to provide immediate treatment to … This may play a particular role in emergency medical personnel (EMP) dealing with critical situations. The tempo of emergency medicine makes it especially demanding and stressful, even by the high standards of the medical profession. They must zero in on a problem and make quick, aggressive decisions. I recommend that your son — and you — read an enlightening new book written by my Harvard Medical School colleague Dr. Michael VanRooyen with John Hanc: “Code Blue: The Making of an Emergency Physician.” In the book, Dr. VanRooyen, who is himself an emergency physician, reflects on the traits that characterize a top ED physician.