Frequently Asked Questions

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• How have the residents done on their boards and in-training examinations?
• What kind of housing is there in Temple?
• Is there ultrasonography training?
• What is the Emergency Medicine resident's role in trauma?
• What is the average number of shifts and hours the residents work?
• Do the residents have the opportunity to go on EMS ride-outs and fly?
• Do you allow the residents to moonlight?
• What are you looking for in an applicant?
• Is there a research requirement?
• Do attendings cover for conferences?

How have the residents done on their boards and in-training examinations?

We rarely have a graduate fail any portion of the board certification process. We also have an outstanding performance on the in-training examination.

What kind of housing is there in Temple?

Affordable housing is plentiful in the area for buyers and renters. Your money will go a long way here compared to many other areas of the country.

Is there ultrasonography training?

Yes. We have Emergency Medicine Directed Ultrasound training sessions led by our departmental ultrasound coordinator. In addition, residents get a great deal of experience while working shifts and on the Ob/Gyn rotation. We have two portable ultrasound machines available in the Emergency Department.

What is the Emergency Medicine resident's role in trauma?

Our residents participate in a unique trauma protocol. Our third-year residents are the primary trauma physicians on all trauma resuscitations. Our second-year residents obtain the airway. Our first-year residents do lines and tubes while on trauma service.

What is the average number of shifts and hours the residents work?

We have a tiered system, with the first-year residents working more hours, about 204 per block. The second-year residents work 180 hours, and the third-year residents work 168 hours. We allow the residents in each year group to decide on their shift length. Most have decided on a 12-hour shift length.

Do the residents have the opportunity to go on EMS ride-outs and fly?

Yes, residents have the opportunity to fly, provided they tell us in advance. Residents are assigned to an EMS service in their intern year and serve as associate medical directors for that service. Residents attend and teach at Run Reviews. We place an emphasis on learning to manage a pre-hospital system.

Do you allow the residents to moonlight?

We allow moonlighting with monitoring. The most important regulation that we place on moonlighting is that it must not interfere with residency.

What are you looking for in an applicant?

We want commitment, dedication, a motivation to succeed, and above all, an applicant who will fit in our program. However, because we are so competitive, we must first "triage" the applicant by examining school and board performance. Scholastic performance does count in the end, but it's the interview, and maybe working with us, that will matter the most.

Is there a research requirement?

Yes. Residents must participate in research. We encourage original research. Lesser scholarly activities may also count towards fulfillment of the research requirement. Our institution has many excellent research nurses who greatly add to the research program. We also have dedicated biostatistical, library, grant application and publication assistance available.

Do attendings cover for conferences?

Attendings cover in the Emergency Department for Thursday conferences. Residents are excused from all clinical duties to attend conference.

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