What Is an Emergency Medicine Doctor?
Emergency medicine doctors are specialists who provide medical care to people with acute illnesses or injuries. They work in emergency departments (EDs) of hospitals and clinics, where they assess and treat patients who come for immediate medical attention. Emergency medicine doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Traumatic injuries
- Burns
- Poisonings
- Drug overdoses
- Asthma attacks
- Diabetes emergencies
- Seizures
Emergency medicine doctors must be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. They must also have a strong knowledge of medicine and be able to perform a variety of medical procedures, such as suturing wounds, administering IV fluids, and delivering babies.
Emergency medicine is a challenging but rewarding specialty. Emergency medicine doctors have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients, and they play a vital role in the healthcare system.
Education and Training
To become an emergency medicine doctor, you must first complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You must then attend medical school and earn a medical degree (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). After medical school, you must complete a residency in emergency medicine. Residencies typically last for three years and provide hands-on training in emergency medicine.
Once you have completed your residency, you must become board-certified in emergency medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). To become board-certified, you must pass a written exam and an oral exam.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, emergency medicine doctors earn a median annual salary of $261,000. The job outlook for emergency medicine doctors is excellent. The BLS projects that the number of emergency medicine jobs will grow by 13% from 2016 to 2026.
Emergency Medicine Subspecialties
In addition to general emergency medicine, there are several subspecialties that emergency medicine doctors can pursue, including:
- Pediatric emergency medicine
- Disaster medicine
- Sports medicine
- Wilderness medicine
- Toxicology
Emergency medicine doctors who pursue a subspecialty typically complete additional training in their area of interest.