Importance of EMIGs in Medical School

Mary Pendleton, OMS-IV,
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
EMRA MSC West Region Coordinator

Emergency Medicine (EM) is a relatively new specialty, only officially gaining recognition in 1979, yet its popularity among medical students continues to increase over the years. In the last decade, the number of applicants for emergency medicine in the NRMP Match has increased by nearly 60%. (1) How are medical students expected to navigate this increasingly competitive climate? The answer may very well come in the form of your local organization and leadership. Emergency Medicine Interest Groups (EMIGs) can offer students support and guidance on their path toward a career in emergency medicine. While some schools have well-established clubs and interest groups, other students are building EMIGs from the ground up. This can be a big challenge, and one that may seem daunting while balancing the rigors of medical school. However, even seemingly small EMIGs can have enormous benefits for its members.

Exposure to the Field of Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine is a field to which many students aren’t exposed until fourth year, unfortunately after audition rotations have already been scheduled. Most schools don’t have an EM program and many don’t even offer EM as a core rotation. This can lead to much uncertainty for students without previous experience in the emergency room. Participating in EMIG events can be a great way to gain exposure to the field of Emergency Medicine. Many EMIGs provide opportunities to talk to EM doctors through guest speakers, panels, webinars, and shadowing opportunities. Gaining insight into the life of an emergency physician is a vital first step, particularly due to the high rate of burnout seen in this specialty.

Information and Resources

EMIGs provide information and resources for students interested in going into emergency medicine. Having a faculty or upperclassman mentor can allow students to comfortably ask questions and discover if EM is the right fit for them. Additionally, EMIGs often provide information on the most current updates in emergency medicine, especially when associated with a national group (like EMRA)! This year in particular, with the recent change to ResidencyCAS, EMIGs can provide direction while preparing to apply to residency, attend sub-internships, and navigate interviews.

Hands-on Experience and Skill Development

EMIGs provide opportunities to practice hands-on skills and simulations during their pre-clinical years. Having those extra opportunities to practice skills in a more relaxed setting is extremely beneficial and can make students really stand out on their rotations. Simulations are an excellent way to gain experience communicating and thinking critically in a low-stakes environment. Students who participate in these skills labs and exercises can increase confidence before going into real-life scenarios.

Benefits for Community

EMIGs benefit the school and local community through outreach projects, fundraisers, drives, and charity events. EMIGs can also promote advocacy in national issues in the field of EM by raising awareness among its members. Furthermore, holding social gatherings promotes community and wellness among EMIG members, which is especially important in a field where burnout is so prevalent. By nurturing these habits early, students will be able to enter residency, knowing the importance of community involvement and well-being.

While it can be challenging to find time to participate in EMIG events while also balancing the demands of a rigorous curriculum, participation in your local EMIG can greatly improve your prospects, whether by providing networking opportunities, preparing you for clinical rotations and residency, or enhancing your socialization skills, being an active member of your EMIG will serve you well and prepare you more adequately for a fulfilling career in emergency medicine!

Sources

1. NRMP. (2015). Charting outcomes in the match: The 2015 main residency match (Report). National Resident Matching Program. Retrieved from https://www.nrmp.org