ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
M
Why Should I Continue to be an Emergency Physician? José A. Rubero, MD FAAEM FACEP
aybe you got to that time where you’re grappling with the challenges of being tired, frustrated, overworked, and underpaid as an emergency medicine physician. We all (including myself) had, have, or will have the same question after working for some time. The concerns of burnout, how satisfied are you with your work or where you work, financial responsibilities, and various other factors are some of the reasons that we may think to change careers, retire, or “move on.” There are many articles talking about emergency medicine physicians experiencing some of the highest rates of burnout. Some contributing factors include working on the front line, spending more time documenting/charting instead of taking care of the patient, or using your own unpaid time to document, consistent high intensity and stressful shifts, unpredictability, and irregular circadian rhythm. There’s also a fear of litigation at all times, as well as the patient or family “knowing” more than you because of “web” consulting or their expectations. The decision to continue to be an emergency medicine physician despite these challenges can be influenced by several factors. Here are a few possible reasons that remind me of why I want to continue to be an emergency physician. Passion for Helping Others. Many individuals in emergency medicine are driven by a genuine passion for helping people in critical situations. The fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on someone’s life during a medical emergency can outweigh the challenges of the job. I still remember when I came to one of my shifts and I found my nurses crying tears of happiness. I asked why they were crying and that moment I knew how important our job is. In one of the rooms in the ED there was a birthday cake with a family and their two year old child celebrating his birthday because I saved his life after a drowning accident.
Sense of Purpose. Emergency medicine physicians often find a
deep sense of purpose in their work. The ability to save lives and provide immediate care in critical situations can be a powerful motivator. My sense of purpose is also renewed when I see some of my medical students who were interested in other specialties change their minds to become EM physicians. Adrenaline and Variety. Emergency medicine is known for
its fast-paced and unpredictable nature. Some physicians thrive in this environment, enjoying the adrenaline rush and the variety of cases they encounter. Being a medical detective can be part of that unpredictable nature when often we do not know what is wrong with our patients, and it is our job us to find out, good or bad. Professional Growth. Despite the challenges, working in emer-
gency medicine can offer continuous learning opportunities. The diverse range of cases can contribute to professional growth and development. Every day, when I come to work, I always learn something new. I try to be up-to-date at all times to make sure that I am able to better care my patients. Commitment to Community Health. Some physicians feel
a strong commitment to serving their community’s health needs, especially in emergency situations. This sense of responsibility can drive them to continue working despite the challenges. Being part of a disaster team can be a great example of how you can serve your community or any other community, especially in times of need. Helping victims from a natural disaster or large gathering events exemplifies that commitment. Financial Stability (Long-Term). While the immediate finan-
cial rewards may not be high, some individuals see emergency medicine as a long-term investment. As they gain experience and expertise, there may be opportunities for better compensation or advancement in their careers. Continued on page 59 >>
The fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on someone’s life during a medical emergency can outweigh the challenges of the job.
COMMON SENSE MARCH/APRIL 2024
55