Emergency departments across the U.S. are facing an unprecedented “perfect storm” of rising patient volumes and acuity, shrinking payments, and growing workforce burnout. In the latest episode of the RAND “Policy Minded” podcast, ER physician–policy-researcher Mahshid Abir joins to explore why our emergency rooms are under siege—and what must happen if they are to remain the cornerstone of acute care. Relevant for osteopathic emergency physicians, this episode dives into the financial, operational and workforce challenges that are putting the safety-net function of the ER at risk. Tune in and consider how this national crisis aligns with what many of you are seeing on the ground.
