Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
-
Comparative Study
Disagreement between formal and medical record criteria for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.
To measure agreement between formal and medical record criteria for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among patients undergoing an emergency department evaluation for potential acute coronary symptoms. ⋯ In a single-site study, among subjects who have possible ACS as determined by either or both formal and medical record criteria, these two sets of criteria disagree in almost one third of cases. Among discordant cases, even two expert judges frequently disagreed on the final diagnosis. A modified Delphi technique to address these disagreements is described.
-
Disaster planning is a core curriculum requirement for emergency medicine (EM) residency programs. Few comprehensive training opportunities in disaster planning incorporating the appropriate competencies have been reported. ⋯ Emergency medicine residency programs can benefit from participating in high-quality medical disaster exercises coordinated with local disaster response agencies. Residents report high satisfaction and learning from realistic simulations of disasters, and from collaboration with other community services.
-
As the marketplace for academic positions in emergency medicine grows more competitive, it becomes increasingly important for residents who desire academic careers to distinguish themselves during their residency. This report attempts to outline a road map for department and residency program leaders to help their houseofficers become successful candidates for an academic emergency medicine position. Specific ways a resident can enhance his or her "academic marketability" include 1) involvement in research, 2) establishment of a track record of productivity via scholarly writing, 3) awareness of the literature in the specialty, 4) involvement in specialty organizations and hospital committees, 5) competition for national awards, 6) gaining education skills, 7) developing an academic niche, and 8) fellowship training.