I've been a community MD for a few months and I recently came across Dr. Rob Orman's ERCast. This is a great podcast that's supremely relevant for community ED docs. One of his recent podcasts had a discussion on academics vs. community medicine (including Drs. Scott Weingart and Rob Rogers). Dr. Orman ends the podcast with these powerful axioms:
1. When first starting out (6-12 months) think of it as doing an EM fellowship in community medicine.
2. Give service to the group. Devote a chunk of time to group practice by adding value, i.e. develop U/S, clinical pathways for PE, A.fib.
3. Remember, proximity to a CT scanner (or MRI) is not a reason to order the test.
4. You can only see ONE patient at a time. The patient in front of you is the only patient you have. If you focus on the waiting room, the last patient, you might end up spinning your wheels.
5. Be nice to the nurses. They can help and teach you or really HURT you.
6. Take an advanced airway course early on. This will reap huge dividends throughout your career.
7. You are always a student FIRST. Keep on learning and staying current, in addition to LLSA/CME. Be the best emergency physician you can be.
8. Be gracious with your consultants and be congenial. These are people you will be working with for a LONG time. “Seek first to understand, then be understood.” ~ Stephen Covey
9. Go to the monthly meeting. Although you may think they are optional, they are not.
10. The silent chief complaint is anxiety. In addition to the chief complaint, alleviate the anxiety of their symptoms.
11. Always advocate for the patient. When in a bind, ask yourself, “Self, what's best for my patient?”
2. Give service to the group. Devote a chunk of time to group practice by adding value, i.e. develop U/S, clinical pathways for PE, A.fib.
3. Remember, proximity to a CT scanner (or MRI) is not a reason to order the test.
4. You can only see ONE patient at a time. The patient in front of you is the only patient you have. If you focus on the waiting room, the last patient, you might end up spinning your wheels.
5. Be nice to the nurses. They can help and teach you or really HURT you.
6. Take an advanced airway course early on. This will reap huge dividends throughout your career.
7. You are always a student FIRST. Keep on learning and staying current, in addition to LLSA/CME. Be the best emergency physician you can be.
8. Be gracious with your consultants and be congenial. These are people you will be working with for a LONG time. “Seek first to understand, then be understood.” ~ Stephen Covey
9. Go to the monthly meeting. Although you may think they are optional, they are not.
10. The silent chief complaint is anxiety. In addition to the chief complaint, alleviate the anxiety of their symptoms.
11. Always advocate for the patient. When in a bind, ask yourself, “Self, what's best for my patient?”
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