Critt Johnson 2B 2/9/12 EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN (ER DOC)

JOB DESCRIPTION ER doctors have to evaluate histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses; prescribe medicines and interpret diagnostic tests; and work long hours, especially nights, holidays and weekends.

EDUCATION NEEDED To become an ER doctor, you will need up to 12 years of education AFTER high school: four years of undergraduate study; four years of medical school; and 3-4 years of internship and residency are required (Bureau of Labor Statistics – “Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement”). Then you have to undergo written and oral testing to become board certified in emergency medicine.

SCHOOLS There are many schools throughout the United States, England, and Australia that provide emergency medicine education. However, there are very few other countries that offer this type of training. Some of the top programs in the United States include Duke and Tulane University (Top Medical Schools in the U.S.A. – Medical School Rankings)

EARNINGS Nationally, ER doctors earn near $186,000 and average $ here in Virginia. Locally, they earn slightly over $163,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics – “Employment”).

CAREER OUTLOOK Employment for ER doctors is expected to rise 22% from due to the federal health care bill and the “graying” of America (Bureau of Labor Statistics – “Job Outlook”). “In states like Massachusetts, where a similar health care plan has already been put in place, ER visits have increased 13% due to a lack of primary care physicians”(Johnson - interview). Although the number of emergency rooms has decreased over the past 10 years, the number of emergency room visits has increased (Sklar 490).

WEBSITE WORKS CITED Johnson, Andrew. Personal interview. 12 February Sklar, David P., et al.”The Future of Emergency Medicine: An Evolutionary Perspecitive.” Academic Medicine. Mar. 2010: U.S. Bureaus of Labor Statistics. “Physicians and Surgeons.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. 03 February “Top Medical Schools in U.S.” Top Medical Schools in the U.S.A. 07 February

PHOTOS WORKS CITED cageradio.com cityofhope.org fashionjewelryforeveryone.com fox8live.com illustrationsof.com laminatedvisuals.com