King/Drew Closure
So apparently it's official now and King/Drew failed their CMS inspection. This means no federal funds to see Medicare patients. Which basically means no money to see anyone and more especially no residencies as this is the money that funds almost all of the GME in the US. So for those looking to head to LA and wanted to get the great experience that comes from King/Drew, looks like you will not have your chance for quite some time if at all.
So alas, unless someone has a rich uncle who's looking to fund higher education and needs one hell of a major tax write off, the death knell tolls for King/Drew.
UK continued
Just a few more words about UK.
After some recent chaos in the attending realm, it appears that things will soon settle down and UK will have a full amount of attendings soon.
Also, after a recent talk with the PD (Program Director); UK is impressed with ETSU QCOM students' knowledge base and work ethic. So it could bode well for future classes seeking places to do aways and match time.
All in all it was a very positive experience. For more details please contact me (Travis) directly and I'm happy to discuss it further.
Away Rotations: UK
So Jeremy spent a month here prior to mine (Travis). I'm sure he'd be happy to let you know how he felt about things, but here's my feelings.
ProsLexington, KY - very cool place to live, affordable, people are friendly
Attendings are very knowledgable, friendly, and helpful (with very few exceptions)
Residents are cool to hang out with
You do (11) 8 hour shifts as a student
You get to see a good amount of variety and a good number of PEDS
Procedures abound
Get to be involved in Traumas (the good, the bad, and the ugly)
It's a required 4th yr rotation for UK, so very few people want to do EM, so you get to stand out and are involved more by the faculty/residents
You get to follow your patients through to disposition (not just be an H&P machine)
Radiology is at a reasonable pace with readings
The nursing staff is nice and helpful. Things usually get done at a reasonable rate
ConsThe ED has 3 EM residents, 2 off service residents, and then possibly another med student. So you can have to fight for patients
The end of rotation exam is a nightmare, but was recently changed and is undergoing changes to make it reasonable
Parking can be a nightmare
The hospital is old
The ED makes a dorm room look like the Biltmore Estate (Quarters are very tight, with a ED expansion under way now and a new ED coming in the future)
The computer system come over with the Mayflower. It is severely outdated and has only the most bare minimum of functions
The order forms are confusing and take some time to get used to
You only get to "tag along" with the sicker patients and not actually see them (unless you're agressive and take over the patient as the resident moves on to other patients)
The department has made a choice to go with Macs. (Two words for you: Beta Max)
The UK ED is a major dumping ground for most of Kentucky. The patients get accepted and then have to be reworked up by the ED before being dispoed.
UAB continued
A little more info from me (Travis) about UAB EM rotation.
ProsElectronic Medical Records
Computerized ED Tracking Board with plenty of computers (usually)
Very friendly EM residents who are cool to hang out with
You get to see some sick patients as well as the acuity level 5's
You get to participate in the Resident lectures (which are relevant)
Nursing/ancillary staff cool and friendly
ConsIt's Birmingham (hence hot, muggy, Deep South concrete jungle)
Almost no codes/MIs that you get involved with
Very few intubations/lines
Radiology moves at a pace rivaling Vermont Maple Syrup in January (particularly reads)
It can turn into a bit of an H&P marathon rather than getting to be involved with the disposition of patients.
The schedule can be a bit hectic (bounced back and forth from days,evenings, nights, with no real pattern)
Nursing was hit and miss about getting things done timely
Away Rotation-UAB
Travis and I (Justin) spent the month in Birmingham doing an away rotation. This post is to note the Pros and Cons of the place.
Pros8 hour shifts
Brand new ED
Lots of procedures
Very friendly faculty
You get to place consults
You can also to a Toxicology month, which gives you less ED shifts, and other experiences as well.
Cons4 year program (unless you are into that)
Low acuity for the most part, no trauma experience
Very little peds experience (children's is down the street, and they go there, you don't)
The inn is always full, you get to hold on to a lot of admitted patients
If anyone has any specific questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.
