EMRA Convention - worth while?

[Roy7]

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Hey there, I had a quick question about the upcoming EMRA convention in New Orleans. I'm a MS2, and really would like to pursue emergency medicine.

I'm wondering if anyone has any experiences with the convention and whether or not it is beneficial for me to attend even though I may not do as well on a test the monday after the convention?

Also, the funding for the convention would come out of my own pocket (200 dollars airfare 70 dollars for a hotel room). While I'm more than willing to pay if it'd help out my career, it's still a lot of money.

Should I wait until next year or do you think that I should take advantage of the convention as soon as possible?

Thanks.

 

[EM_Rebuilder]

First of all, I should address that I am an MSIV who has never attended EMRA.

Here are my takes looking back. As a second year, I really wanted to go, but money and that fact that I felt it was 'too early' kept me from going. I was game third year, but I was on Surgery, had already missed 3 days for a school of medicine recruiting function, and it was the weekend before our board exams. I certainly wish I would/could have went as an MSIII, but MSII would have been the 'easiest' time to go.

Now as an MSIV, I am about 90% certain I am going, yet have not booked anything. Now I am held back by the fact that I am looking at about 700-800 bucks total for the weekend and mixed opinons from EM residents/faculty about going. A few have told me it is priceless to go hear the talks, other say save the money to fund another interview.

I too will be awaiting the response of the more senior on here, but I will say that you being an MSII and only costing ~300 for you to go is certainly a bargain from my standpoint reflecting back to when I was in your shoes....

Good luck!

 

[Hercules]

A few have told me it is priceless to go hear the talks, other say save the money to fund another interview.

I thought it was a valuable experience and definitely more useful than one more interview...

 

[kungfufishing]

If you can afford it, yeah it might be worthwhile. But I would second the opinion of those who mention it is "extra". One more interview might make a difference for you - how will you know if you like a program unless you visit? Remember that you have a lot of clinical and lecture time ahead of you, you'll attend national conferences as a resident. Time spent attending conferences like this as a student certainly could be valuable but if I were choosing between the two I certainly would take the chance to evaluate a training site.
If you can afford to do both, go and learn something.

 

[Roy7]

What about as an MS2? I've got a few extra years to attend the conference, and am wondering if this would help in terms of making "connections" which would be needed 2 years down the line, or if the information and attending would help me be a better residency applicant?

Thanks again.

 

[boo2]

I went to one of the student symposiums and found it very useful(it was driving distance and I stayed with a friend so I saved some money that way). The talks are given by PD's and afterwards I felt I was an informed applicant on manuevering the ropes of away rotations, applying and interviewing. I heard stuff that none of my advisors at my med school told me and I went to a school with a solid EM program. It also was a relief to hear PD's from great programs say its not all about the numbers(except for few programs).

I didn't really use it for networking, but instead just to educate myself. The other good thing is you can put it on your CV as a conference you have attended- it shows an interest in the field and looks good(said at one of the talks by one of the speakers at the conference 🙂)

 

[deleted109597]

Uh, there is a huge picture on the front of the ACEP site.

And yes, yearly meetings are held every year. This year it is in 2 weeks.