EM for the long run

[Drop it into MD]

CordMcNally wrote:

 

I’d certainly do EM again. I couldn’t imagine being those guys/gals that go to clinic M-F all day long or that carry around a pager hoping it doesn’t go off.

Click to expand...

We use cell phones now.  :P

 

I really do not understand people who still use pagers.

[CordMcNally]

I wouldn't say that EM is in crisis and I wouldn't call the hours we work crazy. I'm really concerned about you being burned out @snowcanyon. I hope you're able to take some time away from your job and parental situation for some time for yourself. Having EM attendings work banker hours would never fly in the US and I would never support it.

 

I'd certainly do EM again. I couldn't imagine being those guys/gals that go to clinic M-F all day long or that carry around a pager hoping it doesn't go off. It certainly isn't a lifestyle field but it's been good to me and I do enjoy it. Almost no other field can give you the flexibility and the pay that comes along with it.

[snowcanyon]

Important thread. I would not do EM again for these reasons, but I try and remind myself that I just didn't know. Some people really just want to be docs, and there's not a great clinical exit strategy in EM, and I think people need to think twice about picking a field where there needs to be an exit strategy at all. All that training for admin? No thanks.

EM is in crisis. Australia and the UK don't make attendings work crazy hours. We need to follow suit.

[GXA]

Agree!

Manage your expenses so you can work a reasonable hour/patient load.  Maintain your varied interests both in the house of medicine and during your time off.

I would pick EM again as well if starting over.

[EMscout]

There have been a few recent threads on exit strategies from EM and potential EM burnout.

For those of you just starting a career in EM, it can be brutal as the nights and holidays chip away at your sanity.

I love the field but recognize the need to diversify the practice. In my opinion you need to find non clinical FTE in order to preserve your career longevity. Do admin, quality roles, teaching, write a blog about doctors and managing finances... whatever it is try to cut down on the number of clinical shifts. After just a few years on the treadmill you will start to feel the burn.

Would choose EM all over again in a heartbeat but would diversify early.