Winter 2013: Get Involved – Emergency Medicine in Action

POSTED: September 6th, 2013
POSTED IN: Winter 2013,

Years ago as a medical student, I became involved in organized medicine as a member of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). So going into residency I was looking for an outlet to continue my interests. I found that emergency medicine is perfect for that. At the national and state level, emergency physicians, more so than other specialties, have emerged as a powerful voice in shaping the way medicine is viewed by the public and the future of the U.S. healthcare system. Many of our members, students, residents, and attendings, are actively involved in health policy and advocacy activities that will help advance the interests of practicing emergency physicians and help shape the future of our specialty.

This past May, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. for the annual ACEP Leadership & Advocacy Conference for the first time. Of all the emergency medicine conferences, Leadership & Advocacy Conference is truly the hidden gem. Emergency medicine and health policy issues were discussed in open forums and engaging workshops with national experts. The conference culminates in visits to Capitol Hill.

This past October, I also had the opportunity to attend the ACEP conference in Denver, Colorado. Though, I had attended some pre-conference EMRA events as a medical student, it was my first time staying for the actual ACEP conference events. One of the best experiences I had this year was being able to sit in on the ACEP Council meeting, the policy-making body of the College, as an Alternate Councillor.

There are multiple opportunities for involvement in organized emergency medicine through MoCEP and EMRA. MoCEP offers residents the opportunity to participate as board members, serve as alternate councillors at ACEP meetings, and pays for half of your three year EMRA dues, in addition to networking and mentoring with MoCEP leaders. Residents and medical students interested in emergency medicine are also eligible to apply up to $5,000 in research grants offered annually.

EMRA also offers multiple opportunities for involvement for students and residents, such as residency program representatives, regional representatives, committee memberships, and board of directors’ positions. EMRA also offers travel scholarships for those in need to attend these conferences. If you’re looking to get more involved, I encourage you to visit our brand new website.

It’s an exciting time to be an emergency medicine physician in training. I hope that in this New Year, you too will be inspired to get involved and support the continued growth of your specialty.

Kene Chukwuanu, MD
Membership Coordinator, EMRA Board of Directors’
Resident Member, MoCEP Board of Directors’
Resident Physician
Division of Emergency Medicine
Saint Louis University School of Medicine