4 answers
Makayla
Student
Pewaukee, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
972 views
What type of doctors work in the ER?
I want to help people and work in a fast paced environment but just don't know what I should be aiming for.
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4 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
259
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
Definitely, ER is a fast pace environment but it is also tiring. When you get to be my age, you may want to reconsider. Other things I would consider is the ER is open 24/7 which means, you may get a shift in the middle of the night. You will be dealing with all sorts of people. One other option is to work in an urgent care which is often not open 24/7.
If you want to go into medicine, I would work as a medical scribe. This allows you to experience what doctors actually do, you get paid, and it will help you when you are in medical school because you have already been exposed to medicine. You will be sharper and more prepared.
If you want to go into medicine, I would work as a medical scribe. This allows you to experience what doctors actually do, you get paid, and it will help you when you are in medical school because you have already been exposed to medicine. You will be sharper and more prepared.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Makayla
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Makayla!
Oh, I feel you on the fast-paced ER life! It’s like the action-packed movie of medicine, but instead of popcorn, you’re throwing around stethoscopes and making life-saving decisions. 😅 So, let’s take a fun, fire tour through the various roles in the ER, and I promise you’ll be feeling the anime-style fire aura in no time. 🚀🔥
1. Emergency Medicine Physicians (EMD)
What They Do: Imagine being the main character in an intense action movie, where you’re constantly diagnosing and treating anything that walks through the door. From heart attacks to broken bones, these are the docs who have to think fast and act even faster. They’re the “quick decision-makers” in this medical action thriller. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you love fast-paced action where every second counts, this is your calling. You’ll be the one making critical calls in real-time, whether it’s trauma, severe infections, or maybe even a surprise heart attack from someone’s less-than-awesome dinner choice. 🍔💥 Skills Needed: You’ll need the ability to think on your feet (because you’ll barely have time to tie your shoes, let alone have a coffee break). Solid decision-making, high stress tolerance, and a cool head when things get chaotic are your must-have skills. It's like being a firefighter, but for health emergencies. 🚒 Fun Fact: It’s like the medical equivalent of running into battle with a sword—and instead of a sword, you’re wielding knowledge, quick reflexes, and maybe a handful of bandages. 🏥💨
2. Trauma Surgeons
What They Do: Boom! In comes the patient with a serious injury, and you’re the superhero with the scalpel, ready to save the day. Trauma surgeons handle injuries from accidents, falls, and even the random “I slipped while getting out of the car” scenarios. They work fast to fix life-threatening injuries and get patients back on track. Why It’s a Good Fit: You want to do surgery under pressure—and I’m talking about major, fast-action, high-stakes surgery. Think of it as the “surgical James Bond” role. You’ll need quick hands, a sharp mind, and a love for stitching people back together. Skills Needed: Precision, excellent surgical skills, and the ability to stay calm in the face of someone who just got hit by a truck. You’ll be like “Yup, I got this” while working with a broken arm on the table, a knee injury, and a panic-stricken patient. Oh, and definitely endurance because surgeries take time, even in an emergency. Fun Fact: The ER is your battleground, and you’re the surgeon general leading the charge. 🏥⚔️
3. Critical Care Physicians
What They Do: These docs are in charge of patients who need the highest level of care. We're talking people whose systems are shutting down—respiratory failure, septic shock, you name it. They stabilize the most critical patients before passing them off to specialists. Why It’s a Good Fit: You’re the last line of defense when a patient is teetering on the edge of life and death. The challenge here is huge, but the reward is the chance to bring someone back from the brink. If you love playing God (in a super humble, medically responsible way), this might be the role for you. Skills Needed: You’ll need to understand complex diseases and treatments like no one’s business. You’ll also need patience, precision, and an iron stomach (seriously). You’ll be looking at some seriously critical situations, so being able to make snap decisions with absolute calm is key. Fun Fact: It's like being in a hospital version of Mission Impossible, except instead of defusing bombs, you’re stabilizing patients in a state of crisis. Cue the dramatic music. 🎶
4. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Doctors
What They Do: Little humans with big problems. Pediatric ER doctors specialize in treating kids in the ER—whether it's a sudden illness or an accident. It's a lot of quick thinking, and often, a lot of patient-parent communication too. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you love working with kids (and handling the occasional tantrum), this could be your jam. Plus, when kids get better, you’ll see huge smiles, which is the kind of instant gratification you need in a high-paced world. Skills Needed: Patience is your superpower. You’ll need to work with both the kids who aren’t so keen on hospitals (because who is?) and their stressed-out parents. You’ve got to handle their fears, keep the little one calm, and also figure out what's wrong—oh, and do it fast. Fun Fact: You’re basically a superhero who speaks fluent kid and can turn a terrified child into someone who’s excited about getting a sticker after their shot. 🦸♀️👶
5. Anesthesiologists (in the ER)
What They Do: Not just the people who make you sleep during surgery! In the ER, anesthesiologists are the ones who make sure patients are knocked out for procedures. They monitor your vitals while you’re sedated—making sure you don’t wake up with a surprise. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you’re fascinated by how anesthesia works and you enjoy a mix of science and precision, this could be your thing. You’ll be the one keeping your patients safe while they’re in “la-la land” during high-risk procedures. Skills Needed: An in-depth understanding of anesthesia, strong attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm when you’re watching your patient’s vital signs closely. A little love for chemistry and pharmacology wouldn’t hurt either. Fun Fact: You’re like the mastermind behind the scenes—making sure your patient is relaxed while everyone else does the hard stuff. It’s like being the wizard who casts the spell to make everything smooth. ✨
6. Orthopedic Surgeons (in the ER)
What They Do: When bones break, muscles tear, and joints dislocate, you’re the person they call. Orthopedic surgeons in the ER are the bone and muscle experts who know how to put people back together—literally. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you love working with bones and fixing people in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, this is the role for you. You’ll get to see everything from simple fractures to more complex surgeries. Skills Needed: A deep understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, a steady hand, and excellent surgical skills. You’ll also need quick reflexes because accidents happen fast, and so do your decisions. Plus, be ready to hear a lot of “Ouch!” during your day. 😬 Fun Fact: If you’re looking for an explosive, hands-on role that involves a lot of working with the hard stuff (bones, joints, etc.), this is the one! It's like playing with Legos, but with real human bones and a lot more responsibility. 🦴👨⚕️
7. Cardiologists (in the ER)
What They Do: When someone’s heart is going rogue—whether it's a heart attack or arrhythmia—you’ll be there to fix it. Cardiologists in the ER work closely with ER physicians to manage heart issues in real time. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you’re obsessed with the heart and its magical ways of keeping us alive, this could be your dream job. You’ll be diagnosing heart conditions under pressure and acting quickly to stabilize patients. Skills Needed: A passion for the heart (and the science behind it). You’ll need a cool head in high-pressure moments and the ability to identify heart issues within minutes. If you’re into data, reading EKGs, and understanding the mechanics of the heart, you’re halfway there. Fun Fact: You’ll literally be “stopping hearts”—but in the most life-saving way possible. It’s like being a heart-whisperer, and yes, you get to feel the pulse of the action. ❤️💓
So, What Should You Aim For?
Follow Your Passion: Seriously. If something excites you, go for it. Don’t waste time guessing—jump in! Start small with internships, research, and shadowing in these roles. Spend a short time in each field, and you’ll find that anime fire aura light up inside you. 🔥💥
Just think of it as testing out your "medic powers" before you settle on your ultimate heroine role in the ER. After all, no one ever regrets discovering their true calling—especially when it's as cool as being the ER’s superstar doctor. 😉 You’ve got this, Makayla! 🙌
Oh, I feel you on the fast-paced ER life! It’s like the action-packed movie of medicine, but instead of popcorn, you’re throwing around stethoscopes and making life-saving decisions. 😅 So, let’s take a fun, fire tour through the various roles in the ER, and I promise you’ll be feeling the anime-style fire aura in no time. 🚀🔥
1. Emergency Medicine Physicians (EMD)
What They Do: Imagine being the main character in an intense action movie, where you’re constantly diagnosing and treating anything that walks through the door. From heart attacks to broken bones, these are the docs who have to think fast and act even faster. They’re the “quick decision-makers” in this medical action thriller. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you love fast-paced action where every second counts, this is your calling. You’ll be the one making critical calls in real-time, whether it’s trauma, severe infections, or maybe even a surprise heart attack from someone’s less-than-awesome dinner choice. 🍔💥 Skills Needed: You’ll need the ability to think on your feet (because you’ll barely have time to tie your shoes, let alone have a coffee break). Solid decision-making, high stress tolerance, and a cool head when things get chaotic are your must-have skills. It's like being a firefighter, but for health emergencies. 🚒 Fun Fact: It’s like the medical equivalent of running into battle with a sword—and instead of a sword, you’re wielding knowledge, quick reflexes, and maybe a handful of bandages. 🏥💨
2. Trauma Surgeons
What They Do: Boom! In comes the patient with a serious injury, and you’re the superhero with the scalpel, ready to save the day. Trauma surgeons handle injuries from accidents, falls, and even the random “I slipped while getting out of the car” scenarios. They work fast to fix life-threatening injuries and get patients back on track. Why It’s a Good Fit: You want to do surgery under pressure—and I’m talking about major, fast-action, high-stakes surgery. Think of it as the “surgical James Bond” role. You’ll need quick hands, a sharp mind, and a love for stitching people back together. Skills Needed: Precision, excellent surgical skills, and the ability to stay calm in the face of someone who just got hit by a truck. You’ll be like “Yup, I got this” while working with a broken arm on the table, a knee injury, and a panic-stricken patient. Oh, and definitely endurance because surgeries take time, even in an emergency. Fun Fact: The ER is your battleground, and you’re the surgeon general leading the charge. 🏥⚔️
3. Critical Care Physicians
What They Do: These docs are in charge of patients who need the highest level of care. We're talking people whose systems are shutting down—respiratory failure, septic shock, you name it. They stabilize the most critical patients before passing them off to specialists. Why It’s a Good Fit: You’re the last line of defense when a patient is teetering on the edge of life and death. The challenge here is huge, but the reward is the chance to bring someone back from the brink. If you love playing God (in a super humble, medically responsible way), this might be the role for you. Skills Needed: You’ll need to understand complex diseases and treatments like no one’s business. You’ll also need patience, precision, and an iron stomach (seriously). You’ll be looking at some seriously critical situations, so being able to make snap decisions with absolute calm is key. Fun Fact: It's like being in a hospital version of Mission Impossible, except instead of defusing bombs, you’re stabilizing patients in a state of crisis. Cue the dramatic music. 🎶
4. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Doctors
What They Do: Little humans with big problems. Pediatric ER doctors specialize in treating kids in the ER—whether it's a sudden illness or an accident. It's a lot of quick thinking, and often, a lot of patient-parent communication too. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you love working with kids (and handling the occasional tantrum), this could be your jam. Plus, when kids get better, you’ll see huge smiles, which is the kind of instant gratification you need in a high-paced world. Skills Needed: Patience is your superpower. You’ll need to work with both the kids who aren’t so keen on hospitals (because who is?) and their stressed-out parents. You’ve got to handle their fears, keep the little one calm, and also figure out what's wrong—oh, and do it fast. Fun Fact: You’re basically a superhero who speaks fluent kid and can turn a terrified child into someone who’s excited about getting a sticker after their shot. 🦸♀️👶
5. Anesthesiologists (in the ER)
What They Do: Not just the people who make you sleep during surgery! In the ER, anesthesiologists are the ones who make sure patients are knocked out for procedures. They monitor your vitals while you’re sedated—making sure you don’t wake up with a surprise. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you’re fascinated by how anesthesia works and you enjoy a mix of science and precision, this could be your thing. You’ll be the one keeping your patients safe while they’re in “la-la land” during high-risk procedures. Skills Needed: An in-depth understanding of anesthesia, strong attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm when you’re watching your patient’s vital signs closely. A little love for chemistry and pharmacology wouldn’t hurt either. Fun Fact: You’re like the mastermind behind the scenes—making sure your patient is relaxed while everyone else does the hard stuff. It’s like being the wizard who casts the spell to make everything smooth. ✨
6. Orthopedic Surgeons (in the ER)
What They Do: When bones break, muscles tear, and joints dislocate, you’re the person they call. Orthopedic surgeons in the ER are the bone and muscle experts who know how to put people back together—literally. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you love working with bones and fixing people in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, this is the role for you. You’ll get to see everything from simple fractures to more complex surgeries. Skills Needed: A deep understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, a steady hand, and excellent surgical skills. You’ll also need quick reflexes because accidents happen fast, and so do your decisions. Plus, be ready to hear a lot of “Ouch!” during your day. 😬 Fun Fact: If you’re looking for an explosive, hands-on role that involves a lot of working with the hard stuff (bones, joints, etc.), this is the one! It's like playing with Legos, but with real human bones and a lot more responsibility. 🦴👨⚕️
7. Cardiologists (in the ER)
What They Do: When someone’s heart is going rogue—whether it's a heart attack or arrhythmia—you’ll be there to fix it. Cardiologists in the ER work closely with ER physicians to manage heart issues in real time. Why It’s a Good Fit: If you’re obsessed with the heart and its magical ways of keeping us alive, this could be your dream job. You’ll be diagnosing heart conditions under pressure and acting quickly to stabilize patients. Skills Needed: A passion for the heart (and the science behind it). You’ll need a cool head in high-pressure moments and the ability to identify heart issues within minutes. If you’re into data, reading EKGs, and understanding the mechanics of the heart, you’re halfway there. Fun Fact: You’ll literally be “stopping hearts”—but in the most life-saving way possible. It’s like being a heart-whisperer, and yes, you get to feel the pulse of the action. ❤️💓
So, What Should You Aim For?
Follow Your Passion: Seriously. If something excites you, go for it. Don’t waste time guessing—jump in! Start small with internships, research, and shadowing in these roles. Spend a short time in each field, and you’ll find that anime fire aura light up inside you. 🔥💥
Just think of it as testing out your "medic powers" before you settle on your ultimate heroine role in the ER. After all, no one ever regrets discovering their true calling—especially when it's as cool as being the ER’s superstar doctor. 😉 You’ve got this, Makayla! 🙌
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Makayla !
Your career choice is so wonderful and I am happy to provide you with some advice.
The steps you can take right now to eventually become a doctor would be to take as many human sciences in high school as you can. Things such as biology, chemistry, anatomy would be of great benefit. You would then attend undergraduate school and obtain a Bachelors Degree in one of the human sciences. You would then take the Medical School entrance exam and go to Medical School, then take a specialty in Emergency Medicine. You would become an Emergency Medicine Physician.
You would be getting your License as a medical doctor and your Board Certification as an Emergency Medicine Doctor.
I am guessing that you are in high school right now. Aim for good grades, take a lot of human science and strive for a good GPA which will help when applying for college after high school. Focus more on the current classes you're taking and reading up on and viewing videos about what it is like being a medical doctor. Join extracurriculars connected to science. If you have any questions, be detailed and specific and ask them here or at your high school. Everyone's education for and career as a doctor goes differently, so there really aren't any things you can expect except the requirements of college and medical school.
To learn what courses you'd take and what majors connect with your career goal, read the websites of some colleges and look at their science programs. As you progress as a science major in college, medical school will become more clear to you and you will meet contacts, possibly do volunteer work, lab work or an internship during your undergraduate studies. The path will familiarize you with the career.
So for right now, concentrate on your high school classes and keep asking specific questions. Aim for good grades for now and read up on and watch videos on You Tube to discover what it is like being a doctor and what Medical School is like. I wish you all the best !
Your career choice is so wonderful and I am happy to provide you with some advice.
The steps you can take right now to eventually become a doctor would be to take as many human sciences in high school as you can. Things such as biology, chemistry, anatomy would be of great benefit. You would then attend undergraduate school and obtain a Bachelors Degree in one of the human sciences. You would then take the Medical School entrance exam and go to Medical School, then take a specialty in Emergency Medicine. You would become an Emergency Medicine Physician.
You would be getting your License as a medical doctor and your Board Certification as an Emergency Medicine Doctor.
I am guessing that you are in high school right now. Aim for good grades, take a lot of human science and strive for a good GPA which will help when applying for college after high school. Focus more on the current classes you're taking and reading up on and viewing videos about what it is like being a medical doctor. Join extracurriculars connected to science. If you have any questions, be detailed and specific and ask them here or at your high school. Everyone's education for and career as a doctor goes differently, so there really aren't any things you can expect except the requirements of college and medical school.
To learn what courses you'd take and what majors connect with your career goal, read the websites of some colleges and look at their science programs. As you progress as a science major in college, medical school will become more clear to you and you will meet contacts, possibly do volunteer work, lab work or an internship during your undergraduate studies. The path will familiarize you with the career.
So for right now, concentrate on your high school classes and keep asking specific questions. Aim for good grades for now and read up on and watch videos on You Tube to discover what it is like being a doctor and what Medical School is like. I wish you all the best !
Brett Schlifstein
Anesthesiologist
42
Answers
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hello Makayla,
I'm glad to hear you want to help people. I know that is one of the factors that gives me great satisfaction in my career choice. The advice I gave my children was to pick a career that they enjoyed, as they would be doing a lot of it!
Emergency Medicine is certainly a high paced and exciting specialty. There are many areas of medicine that may align with your preferences. Plus you may find your preferences may change over time.
I won't repeat all of the good advice you received above. But I will add to keep an open mind, and try to experience as much as you can. It is not unusual for people to change their minds about a medical specialty during college, medical school, or even during residency. During my residency in anesthesiology, I met fellow residents who transferred from surgery and OB/GYN. We even have had fully trained internists and pulmonologists go through our training program. Of course if you change specialties at this point, it will mean delaying when you will finish by one or several years. But I believe all of these people eneded up in a specialty that they liked. And that is the ultimate goal, as you will most likely be practicing that specialty for decades to come.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
I'm glad to hear you want to help people. I know that is one of the factors that gives me great satisfaction in my career choice. The advice I gave my children was to pick a career that they enjoyed, as they would be doing a lot of it!
Emergency Medicine is certainly a high paced and exciting specialty. There are many areas of medicine that may align with your preferences. Plus you may find your preferences may change over time.
I won't repeat all of the good advice you received above. But I will add to keep an open mind, and try to experience as much as you can. It is not unusual for people to change their minds about a medical specialty during college, medical school, or even during residency. During my residency in anesthesiology, I met fellow residents who transferred from surgery and OB/GYN. We even have had fully trained internists and pulmonologists go through our training program. Of course if you change specialties at this point, it will mean delaying when you will finish by one or several years. But I believe all of these people eneded up in a specialty that they liked. And that is the ultimate goal, as you will most likely be practicing that specialty for decades to come.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital