Post by Eileen on Jul 18, 2006 12:32:21 GMT -5
I choose to do an ED rotation at the Cincinnati program based on a tip from a surgery resident that went to medical school in Cincinnati. It's the oldest program in emergency medicine in the nation. The residency is 4 years and each year has a distinct role. As far as the rotation goes, the people are amazing on all levels (faculty, residents, students), and I was very impressed with the program. The emergency department really "holds their own", and things I was sure would be consulted were instead addressed by the emergency medicine staff. They run their own traumas. When they do consult, the services have great respect for the emergency department. Everyone seems to get along and really enjoy what they are doing. Also, as a student, you have some serious autonomy. For example, they may say, "Can you go suture room 8...let me know if you need me." You get the supplies and are on your own unless you request help. You get to do a lot if you are interested. I've sutured a ton, did a central line, a couple ultrasounds, many I&D's, many pelvic exams... The faculty actually come and get you when there is something interesting. They seek out to teach. There are a ton of students in the emergency department (even 3rd years on their first clinical rotation). So you actually get an opportunity to do some teaching as a fourth year. For example, an attending asked me to do a pelvic exam on a patient and teach the third year how to do it. Although there is a large volume of students, there is also a large volume of patients--so no worries there. They sometimes run up to 9 traumas at a time (it's crazy!). Due to the large volume of students, they have some serious round robin pimping sessions which I thought were fun--the faculty is outstanding with the teaching. Alright, they had me flying over the city in the life flight helicopter on my first shift...isn't that kinda hard to top?!?!? Their visiting student slots fill up fast--register early... Expect them to be totally organized. And don't let the fact that you don't know anyone in Cincinnati hold you back (I didn't), they have a furnished student apartment you can rent out...and the people here totally take care of you... I absolutely LOVED this rotation.