How to become an emergency medicine physician

How to become an Emergency Medicine Physician

Becoming an emergency medicine physician involves completing several years of education, training, and certification. Here are the general steps to pursue a career in emergency medicine:

• Undergraduate Education: Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for admission to medical school, aspiring emergency medicine physicians typically complete pre-med coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Maintaining a high GPA and gaining relevant extracurricular experiences, such as volunteering in healthcare settings or conducting research, can strengthen your medical school application.
• Medical School: Apply to and attend an accredited medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Medical school typically lasts four years and includes coursework in basic medical sciences, clinical rotations, and hands-on training in various medical specialties. During medical school, students interested in emergency medicine may participate in electives or clerkships in emergency medicine departments to gain exposure to the specialty.
• Residency Training in Emergency Medicine: After graduating from medical school, complete a residency program in emergency medicine accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Emergency medicine residency training typically lasts three to four years and provides comprehensive clinical experience in diagnosing and managing acute medical conditions, trauma, and critical care in emergency department settings. Residents rotate through various clinical areas, including adult and pediatric emergency departments, trauma centers, and intensive care units, and receive training in procedural skills, resuscitation, and emergency medical management.
• Board Certification: Upon completing residency training, become board certified in emergency medicine by passing the examination administered by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBEM). Board certification demonstrates proficiency in emergency medicine practice and is typically required for obtaining state medical licensure and practicing as an emergency medicine physician in the United States (see below).
• State Medical Licensure: Obtain a medical license from the state medical board in the state where you plan to practice as an emergency medicine physician. State licensure requirements vary but typically include passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), completing postgraduate training, and meeting other state-specific requirements.
• Optional Fellowship Training: Some emergency medicine physicians may choose to pursue fellowship training in subspecialty areas within emergency medicine, such as pediatric emergency medicine, medical toxicology, emergency ultrasound, or critical care medicine. Fellowships typically last one to two years and provide additional training and expertise in specific areas of interest.

Board Certification
Emergency medicine physicians can obtain board certification through the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). ABEM is the primary certifying organization for emergency medicine physicians and offers board certification in emergency medicine.

• Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for board certification in emergency medicine, physicians must complete an accredited residency program in emergency medicine. Residency training typically lasts three to four years and provides comprehensive clinical experience in diagnosing and managing acute medical conditions, trauma, and critical care in emergency department settings.
• Examination: The primary requirement for board certification in emergency medicine is passing the certifying examination administered by ABEM. The examination assesses the candidate's knowledge, clinical skills, and competency in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute medical conditions commonly encountered in emergency medicine practice. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering various topics in emergency medicine, including trauma, resuscitation, toxicology, cardiac emergencies, and pediatric emergencies.
• Maintenance of Certification (MOC): After achieving initial board certification, emergency medicine physicians must participate in the ABEM's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to maintain their certification status. The MOC program includes ongoing professional development activities, such as continuing medical education (CME), self-assessment modules, practice improvement projects, and periodic recertification examinations. Participation in the MOC program ensures that emergency medicine physicians stay up-to-date on advances in emergency medicine practice and demonstrate ongoing competency and expertise in the specialty.
• Recertification: Board certification in emergency medicine is valid for a specified period, typically ten years, after which emergency medicine physicians must undergo recertification to maintain their certification status. Recertification involves completing additional CME credits, participating in practice improvement activities, and passing a recertification examination. By successfully completing the recertification process, emergency medicine physicians demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality care and staying current with advancements in emergency medicine practice.

Board certification from ABEM is widely recognized as a mark of excellence and expertise in emergency medicine practice. It provides assurance to patients, colleagues, and healthcare organizations that emergency medicine physicians have undergone rigorous training, passed comprehensive examinations, and continue to engage in lifelong learning to deliver optimal care for patients presenting with acute and life-threatening medical conditions in emergency department settings.