Do ER doctors have to study medicine?

Yes, to become an emergency room physician, one must study medicine. The educational path involves:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Complete a four-year bachelor's degree program, typically in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or physiology.

2. Medical School: Attend a four-year medical school (MD) or osteopathic medical school (DO). These programs involve rigorous classroom education, laboratory sessions, and clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience in various medical settings.

3. Residency: After medical school, ER doctors complete a three-year (or a four-year combined program) residency in emergency medicine. During residency, they work under the supervision of experienced ER physicians, rotating through emergency departments and dealing with a diverse range of medical emergencies.

4. Board Certification: After completing residency, ER doctors take a board examination to become certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBOEM). Certification means meeting specific training and competency standards required for ER doctors.

Throughout their professional career, ER doctors may pursue ongoing education such as continuing medical education (CME) courses, specialized training, and advanced certification to stay updated with medical advancements and enhance their skills.