EMRA controversy

[j-snake]

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At my school we have four 2nd year EMIG coordinators and one 4th year cooridinator. Someone from EMRA wanted our contact information, and I was about to give it, but the fourth year emailed us with this:

"Hey guys, there is a bit of divisive politics going on in the EM world that we should know about before we give all our info to this EMRA representative.

There are two big EM organizations, SAEM and AAEM and they don't really like each other. THey have somewhat different views about what EM should be and what types of policy we should lobby for in washington. I was originally considering running for a leadership role in AAEM, however Dr. *** told me that this could possibly effect my residency application negatively if I applied to a program with a residency director that was a member of the other group. So instead, I've decided to make my application look as good as possible without ever taking sides. Before we go giving all our info to this SAEM representative, we should talk to one of the faculty and possibly, a representative from the other society."

At which I replied:

"think that EMRA is associated with ACEP, not SAEM or AAEM. ACEP is the original and largest group and from what I understand, most EPs are members. Also, I think most EM interest groups have some sort of tie-in with EMRA. Check out this address: http://www.emra.org/index.cfm?page=123 I have also heard that the other groups may have differences of opinions, but I had no idea that it would affect pd's rank list. I haven't sent my info yet, I guess it depends on what you guys think."

And his response was:

"Yeah, ACEP is the big one and AAEM is smaller and younger. Nonetheless both are extremely partisan."

So, I wanted to see what you guys thought about it. Would a PD really not rank you if you belong to a certain group? Is it really that big of a deal to be associated with EMRA? Are the different EM societies as divisive as this?

 

[margaritaboy]

Sounds a little extreme.

In my opinion, what is going to get you ranked are good grades/board scores, excellent LORs, and a great interview that demonstrates your social skills and genuine interest in a program and the field of EM...not membership to organization XYZ vs ABC.

 

[EMRaiden]

Dr. *** told me that this could possibly effect my residency application negatively if I applied to a program with a residency director that was a member of the other group.

As my daughter would say I think this is a load of poo-poo .

You are correct that the two organizations involved are ACEP and AAEM. I was (and still am) a member of both ACEP/EMRA, and AAEM and reported both on my applications. ACEP certainly has the numbers and money, while AAEM acts as a watch dog.

If a PD is so closed minded as to exclude you because you are a member of one or the other groups than you may want to reconsider a residency under him/her.

 

[Sessamoid]

This sounds like a load of carp, though I don't discount the possibility of one or two extremely biased PDs. At my program, at least half of the docs were FAAEM, with a few of them FAAEM and not FACEP. The chairman was FACEP, and though there were some occasional animated discussions, it's not something that would ever make a difference on a residency interview.

 

[Seaglass]

Yeah, it shouldn't matter. Maybe the PD at your school is a big-wig with one or the other and so his/her viewpoint is a little biased.

I am a member of both.

C

 

[j-snake]

Actually, the Dr. he was referring to isn't the PD at my school. From what I can tell, it is not that big of a deal. Both organizations look out for EPs interests. I actually already joined both as well, but I was surprised at what this student was saying. However, I think that I am still going to hold off contacting EMRA, so that I don't seem like d**k going behind this student's back.

 

[Pelivar]

At most places I interviewed at their were members of AAEM and ACEP, so you can't go wrong with either one or both. Even if the PD was big into AAEM or ACEP the fact that you took a strong interest in EM leadership would impress them. Sounds like the fourth year student has his head up his a$$ and you should do what is in your own best interest.

 

[EMRaiden]

However, I think that I am still going to hold off contacting EMRA, so that I don't seem like d**k going behind this student's back.

I think you will miss out on some valuable information if you fail to use all the avaliable resources (i.e. EMRA). If there are concerns give everyone the option of not having their info send to EMRA- I don't think EMRA sells names/addresses/email to telemarketers of spammers 🙂 (back me up on this daddymd). Nor do I think they have anything other than the best interests of members at heart.

Good luck.