Congratulations on your choice to contribute to our future by your choice to begin to serve as an emergency medicine faculty physician.  Whether you are just finishing your own GME or completing a period of successful community practice, you will be rewarded by your residents who benefit from your wisdom, experience, and knowledge in clinical practice, education, and research. It is something more than you can get in any other practice setting.

Given that the Spanish Flu pandemic predated GME, the start of this academic year will be like no other.  We are all adjusting to the new realities and adapting new lessons and old practices to provide the best experiences for our residents and the patients who depend on us.

We know that emergency medicine faculty are some of the most ambitious, driven and accomplished academic and medical professionals anywhere.  As you begin this new chapter of your life, commit to constantly grow, advance and evolve. This commitment is critical not only for your own professional satisfaction but also to your ability to deliver state-of-the-art, compassionate care and an innovative learning environment where your residents and students thrive.

As you begin also remember that you are not alone.  In addition to your home institution, ACOEP and our community are here for you to help you be successful and satisfied in your new role. We can help you be better prepared to highlight pressing issues, and assist anyone in need of help by connecting you  with peers or mentors who have faced similar challenges. We hope that you will continue to help us do so by sharing your experiences, wisdom and feedback.

Again congratulations on your choice to enter academic emergency medicine and your commitment to creating a fantastic future for our residents and students!

Robert E. Suter, DO, MHA, FACOEP-D
ACOEP President