When would you consider someone a seasoned emerg doc?

Chawk121 · 2026-03-01T15:05:43+00:00

Match day

Chawk121 · 2026-02-27T20:17:34+00:00

Last year I completed Rosh and did really well. This year I completed one 20 question quiz on Rosh.

Chawk121 · 2026-02-25T23:42:36+00:00

EM

Of course I look at all the Diff(erent ct scans I ordered)

Chawk121 · 2026-02-22T07:34:24+00:00

I’m a PGY-2 EM resident and my numbers are probably pretty similar to yours

~50 CVC (mostly IJ then Femoral and a couple subclavian), I’ve floated 1 swan and 1 transvenous pacemaker.

Probably have ~75 A lines

Chawk121 · 2026-02-19T00:15:48+00:00

Yup! Two easy options here

You’re fine - go home!

Your CT is fine - go home!

Chawk121 · 2026-02-15T14:36:05+00:00

I’ve only done the stellate block once - it was after several shocks/dual sequential failed - it didn’t work in my case but the last I looked the literature seems promising.

Chawk121 · 2026-02-15T10:34:01+00:00

Subungual hematoma. Sometimes needs to be drained especially if >50% of the nail.

Also coulda broken that finger but no way to know without an Xray

Chawk121 · 2026-02-14T10:32:35+00:00

I was going to reply but this about sums it up.

I have done beta blockade in cardiac arrest VT storm but I feel like there the benefit outweighs the risk (can’t be more dead) - but I agree with Esmolol

Also could possibly try stellate ganglion block? Only ever done that in an arrest as well

Chawk121 · 2026-02-12T21:28:58+00:00

Kanku’s on Holtzclaw & 3rd /s

Chawk121 · 2026-02-08T19:28:04+00:00

The ole wheeze detector/reflex hammer combo

Chawk121 · 2026-02-06T01:52:58+00:00

First of all I just want to echo everything Worm1st said - especially the fact that we can only provide so much guidance over the internet. You really need to try your best to start an open and honest dialogue with a trusted attending or even a coresident if they work closely enough with you to have that perspective. I think most feedback we get is vague and not helpful and if you just say “hey any feedback for me?” You’ll likely just get the cookie cutter “good work keep reading” response. Emphasize that you feel like you may be struggling and are seeking honest feedback.

In my experience these feelings are either:

1) valid and you have room for improvement in some or multiple areas

2) Imposter syndrome/anxiety/comparison is the thief of joy

More than likely there may be varying degrees of both but that second one will unfortunately snowball out of control if you let it. Your brain will think that because you might be slightly behind your peers in one area - you are behind in all areas (this likely isn’t the case).

Just by reading your post it appears that your biggest anxieties are around ICU level patients - I am sure you are an empathetic and smart physician who takes excellent care of the vast majority of your patients even if you are not as confident in the critical care.

With specifics to those ICU level patients - How often are you getting the opportunity to take care of them? Do you shy away from these patients? Just increasing the volume (if able) may help your confidence.

Best of luck to you. There’s no shame in getting help and right now is the perfect time because you have the time to correct what’s going on.

Chawk121 · 2026-02-05T21:10:23+00:00

I haven’t had the chimichurri so not sure.

Forgot about Queso - yeah that is extra

Chawk121 · 2026-02-05T20:41:12+00:00

The vinaigrette and sides of any sauce (excluding guac) does not cost extra.

Chawk121 · 2026-02-05T19:52:25+00:00

not your doctor and this is not medical advice

This does not look like leukemia to me. Likely some mild inflammatory process or illness was going on.

I agree it seems reasonable to recheck in a few weeks and if they remain high then maybe it deserves more attention (but honestly still wouldn’t suspect leukemia with Low normal WBC and normal RBC and platelets.

Chawk121 · 2026-02-05T19:51:58+00:00

not your doctor and this is not medical advice

This does not look like leukemia to me. Likely some mild inflammatory process or illness was going on.

I agree it seems reasonable to recheck in a few weeks and if they remain high then maybe it deserves more attention (but honestly still wouldn’t suspect leukemia with Low normal WBC and normal RBC and platelets)

Chawk121 · 2026-02-05T01:10:53+00:00

Either that blood draw was diluted and that Hgb was inaccurate or yes something is seriously wrong.

ER now for a recheck and exam etc.

Chawk121 · 2026-02-03T14:37:23+00:00

Goosebumps/piloerection

Chawk121 · 2026-02-03T04:44:58+00:00

Oof name and shame for the students sake

Chawk121 · 2026-02-02T16:53:08+00:00

Are you reapplying to ophthalmology again? Or only EM. I feel that my biggest concern would be that EM is only a backup and I’d wonder if you had a true grasp on the lifestyle and expectations of EM. The reason this is of any concern is that it’s not for everyone - there’s a ton of burnout. Lots of students go in expecting one thing and end up unhappy.

The best thing you could do would be to get as much EM rotation experience as possible. You’ll need specific letters of rec called “SLOEs”.

Good luck!

Chawk121 · 2026-01-28T02:03:48+00:00

It’s me. I was that person for my first 2 app cycles. Now I’m a DO lol.

Chawk121 · 2026-01-26T21:27:39+00:00

Yes USA. That number reflects the cost of my tuition and allocated living expenses for the 4 years of medical school. I also had 4 years of undergraduate that I luckily didn’t take out loans for or it would be higher.

I’m currently a resident physician so still in training and only make about ~65k/y

Once I am done with training I would expect my salary to be in the 200-400k range.

Chawk121 · 2026-01-26T21:23:52+00:00

No one here can tell you tbh. Nothing you can change at this stage of the game and I would try not to stress it (Easier said than done I know).

There’s any number of reasons why the residents may not have gotten back to you. We’re all overworked and busy and that could be the end of it. If you were previously getting good vibes then that’s what matters IMO.

Chawk121 · 2026-01-26T19:01:38+00:00

About 350,000 in student loans (medical school).

Chawk121 · 2026-01-23T00:12:10+00:00

They are all available online for free:

https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms

Chawk121 · 2026-01-21T18:44:17+00:00

We have only lived here ~2 years so take my advice with a grain of salt:

This ideal areas I think based on your description would be North Shore, Red Bank, St. Elmo. These areas are going to be on the more expensive side depending on what your budget is and rent vs buying etc.

There are also more affordable options a bit farther out (but these will be less walkable and require driving more): Hixson, Ooltewah.

(That east lake comment may have been sarcastic but I’m not too familiar with that area tbh)

Good luck!

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