Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Emergency Medicine Residency Program that focuses on developing the next generation of diverse leaders in Emergency Medicine. Central to this program is the commitment to outstanding patient care, cutting-edge research, service advocacy, and the promotion of resident wellness and resiliency techniques. Since its inception in 1974, the program has garnered a reputation for its rigorous training and has grown to accommodate more than 60 residents from diverse backgrounds, providing an inclusive learning environment where residents are exposed to internationally recognized faculty and numerous fellowship opportunities.

With partnerships with major institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Rollins School of Public Health, and Grady EMS, the program creates an exceptional training environment for residents. These affiliations provide unique insights and experiences that are crucial for future success in Emergency Medicine, especially considering the inner-city context of Grady Memorial Hospital, which serves vulnerable populations.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed using a modular format that allows residents to engage actively with the material, thereby maximizing learning and retention. Each week features four hours of didactic conferences led by faculty, residents, and guest lecturers. These conferences include core lectures, case presentations, text reviews, and testing questions aimed to enhance board preparation. Skills training is emphasized through specialty labs, including airway management, palliative care, and advanced simulation sessions.

Residents are also encouraged to pursue independent learning opportunities, which must include yearly requirements for simulation training and specialty conferences. A monthly journal club serves as a platform for residents to discuss recent literature, thereby incorporating research into their educational experience.

Rotations

The residency includes three distinct years of rotations: EM-1, EM-2, and EM-3, each progressively building on the skills and knowledge obtained in previous rotations. The EM-1 year focuses on foundational experiences in Emergency Medicine, clinical assessments, and acute care management. As residents advance to their second and third years, they participate in more specialized areas, such as critical care, trauma, and pediatric emergency medicine, ensuring comprehensive exposure to all aspects of emergency care.

Research Opportunities

Residents who aspire to build a career in academic Emergency Medicine will find numerous research opportunities facilitated by mentorship from faculty members. The program encourages residents to engage in scholarly projects, ranging from case reviews to quality improvement initiatives. The Critical Care Pathway offers specialized training in critical care and guidance for those seeking fellowship opportunities in that domain, while the EMS Pathway provides a wide array of experiences in prehospital care environments.

Unique Aspects

The Emory Emergency Medicine Residency distinguishes itself through the integration of its various pathways that allow residents to tailor their training to specific interests. These include:

• Global Emergency Medicine Pathway: This track gives residents a broad understanding of global health challenges and emphasizes service to underserved communities through both local and international outreach.
• Social Emergency Medicine Pathway: This pathway focuses on understanding and addressing social determinants of health at the bedside and engages residents in community service initiatives.
• Ultrasound Pathway: Residents gain advanced training in point-of-care ultrasound, which is becoming increasingly important in Emergency Medicine practice.
• EMS Pathway: This pathway enables residents to gain hands-on experience with emergency medical services, including ground and air transport operations.

Visa Support

The Emory University Emergency Medicine Residency Program provides comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates. The program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, enabling qualified international candidates to participate fully in the residency training experience.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The residency program is known to be competitive, attracting applicants from various medical schools including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). To enhance their candidacy, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a strong commitment to Emergency Medicine and community service, along with standardized examination scores indicative of their qualifications and readiness for this demanding specialty. Specific requirements may include limits on the number of attempts at licensure examinations, alongside curriculum vitae and personal statements detailing each applicant's motivation for choosing this residency program.