Christina Powell, OMS-III LECOM-Bradenton In the past, a sentiment existed among some emergency physicians that arriving on time and covering the shift with 100% effort was sufficient for success. However, in the face of increasing competition in the field, changing insurance models, and expanding e [...]
James Chapman, DO Kent Hospital, Warwick, RI Residency is full of tasks that make life busy. Working shifts, studying at home, preparing for weekly lectures, and attending journal club are all part of residency life. On top of this, you are encouraged to do research, travel and present at conference [...]
Welcome back! The fall edition is here with an exciting line up of articles. From acute myocardial infarction to physician burnout to violence in the emergency department, The Fast Track covers a gamut of topics you want to be familiar with as a resident or student in emergency medicine. Hopefully, [...]
Welcome to The Fast Track! This year has been a time of major shift here at ACOEP. As your resident and student leadership, we have been working to provide you with the most exciting and educational emergency medicine experience we can offer. Many of you will be reading this letter from the comfort [...]
Dhimitri Nikolla, DO, PGY-II ACOEP-RC Secretary AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, Erie, PA While many of us spent more time on away rotations than home rotations during medical school, doing an away rotation as a resident may be like learning to ride a bike again. As residents, we work hard every day to n [...]
Alexander Torres, DO, PGY-4 Comanche County Memorial Hospital Transitional career phases are, without a doubt, an emotional rollercoaster filled with anxiety, nervousness, and fear, to name just a few. As an emergency medicine physician, you will be continuously challenged throughout your career, no [...]
This year, ACOEP hosted the annual Spring Seminar at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Hotel in Bonita Springs, Florida, from April 18-22, 2017. Dedicated student events took place on Thursday, April 20th, and included first through fourth year medical students, with 15 different schools in attendance.
Countless tests, endless hours of studying, and bottomless pots of coffee - the first two years of medical school are unlike anything most people will ever experience. As the pressure mounts, so does your stress level. We have compiled 10 tips to not only help you survive the grueling didactic portion of medical school, but to ensure you thrive as you embark on your career in emergency medicine.
A 6-year-old female presented with a two-day history of abdominal pain after being referred by her pediatrician for evaluation of "splenomegaly." The patient had been complaining of constipation for the past six days along with a few episodes of nausea and vomiting. On physical examination, a firm, non-tender mass was palpated extending at least 10 cm below the left costal margin.
Almost immediately, emergency physicians know what to do with most abnormal lab results. If a patient’s hemoglobin is 4.5 g/dL, they need a transfusion. If their troponin is 12.3 ng/ml, they are having cardiac infarction. If their lactic acid is 7.5 mmol/L, something terrible is going on. What if the only abnormality they have on their blood work is bandemia? Does it matter if their bands are 6%, 15%, or 32%? Or, are they all treated equally?
