ER Doctor

ER Doctor

Emergency medicine, although relatively new as a specialty, is swiftly emerging as one of the most crucial fields in healthcare. Emergency room physicians, often referred to as ER doctors, require quick thinking and comprehensive medical knowledge as they encounter diverse cases during their shifts.

Emergency medicine practitioners can be found in urgent care facilities and emergency departments across hospitals in Malaysia. They specialize in promptly managing acute illnesses and injuries, dealing with a wide range of patients daily, which is an appealing aspect of this field.

Responsibilities

ER physicians care for both adults and children, addressing sudden illnesses like flu, food poisoning, and fever, as well as injuries from accidents. They handle severe injuries such as head trauma, fractures, and gunshot wounds, alongside managing critical conditions like heart attacks and strokes. The ability to make rapid decisions in life-threatening situations is essential, although the stress of this work can lead to burnout, prompting some to switch specialties.

Work Hours

Emergency rooms operate around the clock, every day of the week, irrespective of holidays or severe weather conditions. Therefore, those considering a career in emergency medicine must be prepared for variable shift schedules, including nights and days, which can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Despite longer shifts averaging 12 hours, ER physicians typically do not have on-call duties, providing more predictability in their schedules.

Training

Specializing in emergency medicine involves three to four years of residency training after medical school, with most residencies lasting three years. Training programs aim to limit residents to 12-hour days and 60-hour weeks, ensuring hands-on experience to develop independent practice skills.