for the 1000th time...

[oldManDO2009]

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I realize this question has been asked a 1000 or more times but....I would like an opinion or two about which rotations would be the most beneficial. I just started my 3rd year and began paying attention (damn ADHD) to the process of preparing for EM. It is unlikely I will be interested in any other specialty. I spent the last 2 years working in a community ER and it was awesome. I could not think of anything else I would want to do 24/7.


I was a former nurse and spent 10 years in psych (not as a patient) and 5 plus years in ER and tele. I did a year in the Army on an OB/GYN floor way out in the middle of nowhere and the main entertainment was reproducing (Barstow CA) and got some ob/gyn exposure...henceforth Old Man DO

So anyway, I was thinking anesthesiology (intubation experience) and critical care/pulmonology for the all important ventilator.

Any thoughts, flames or opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

OldManDO

 

[docB]

So anyway, I was thinking anesthesiology (intubation experience) and critical care/pulmonology for the all important ventilator.

Anesthesiology is good. Don't worry as much about the intubation experience. We don't expect you to be able to intubate and you may not even get a chance during your EM rotation. Pay close attention to the paralytic and induction drugs. That's what impresses. Knowing the characteristics of sux vs. the non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers, when to use either, contraindications to sux. Know about etomidate, ketamine, propofol, benzos and so on.

Critiacal care/pulmo is and knowing about vents may help you on some pimp questions but the real value is seeing how sick patients are managed. Sepsis, brain injuries, decompensated CHF, who needs central lines, who needs a swan, etc.

I suggest cardiology. Having a good basic grasp of EKGs is good. Knowing how chest pain gets worked up and how those patients flow through the hospital will be valuable.

 

[Hard24Get]

How come no one ever says Peds elective? It's been 5 years since my Peds200 rotation and I don't know anything about these tots! Was thinking to take a Peds Sub-I or Peds EM to be refereshed - or is that a mistake, since med students typically don't get to do much, anyway?

 

[docB]

How come no one ever says Peds elective? It's been 5 years since my Peds200 rotation and I don't know anything about these tots! Was thinking to take a Peds Sub-I or Peds EM to be refereshed - or is that a mistake, since med students typically don't get to do much, anyway?

I think we're talking about what's most valuable to do before your EM rotation so you can shine and get great LORs, not what will help your practice. As far as helping your practice, sure knowing more peds is really helpful.

 

[oldManDO2009]

docB thanks for the info - qppreciate it

Old Man

 

[lj1230]

I was told radiology, anesth, cardiology, and a unit month are preferred electives to take for 4th year. Unfortunately I won't be able to do any of these before my ER rotation (since it I start ER in July!). We were only allowed to take one elective during third year... and I had derm, so that won't be of too much help!

With that being said... are there other rotations that you would reccommend for 4th years that are applying to EM? Right now I have ER, radiology, Sports Med, Medicine Sub-I, Peds ER, and Anesth.... Thanks!