August 22, 2009
Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine
Chicago, IL

Thank you to all who contributed to another successful Midwest Medical Student Symposium. 

3rd Annual AAEM/RSA Midwest Medical Student Symposium a Success
Jeff Pinnow MD
AAEM/RSA Board of Directors
AAEM/RSA Education Committee Chair

The 3rd Annual Midwest Medical Student symposium at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine on August 22nd was once again a huge success. Medical students from across the upper midwest region attended the AAEM/RSA conference to gain knowledge about the emergency medicine residency process, as well as learn some valuable skills for use during their ED rotations.

Dr. Tom Scaletta, AAEM immediate past president, gave an entertaining and educational talk about what makes Emergency Medicine a unique specialty, also explaining the role that AAEM plays in the lives of emergency physicians. Dr. Scaletta discussed the unique attributes that emergency physicians must possess to be successful in the ED, and what types of opportunities exist for them once they finish training and enter the workforce. He also described the role AAEM plays in advocating for fair contracts and proper board certification amongst emergency physicians and within EM groups.

Dr. Edward Callahan, Program Director and Education Fellowship Director at the Medical College of Wisconsin, gave the second lecture of the morning. Dr. Callahan outlined the process of applying to a residency program, describing how his program evaluates the ERAS application. Two brave medical students volunteered to have their applications reviewed and scored by Dr. Callahan, for all to witness. This demonstration provided the students with a perspective they normally would not realize, and proved to be a valuable experience for those who were able to attend.

Following the lectures, the students had the chance to have their questions answered during the resident and program director panels. The residency panel consisted of Dr. Alicia Pilarski, AAEM/RSA vice president and Chief resident at University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Dr. Dan Bartgen, 1st year resident from Advocate Christ Medical Canter; Dr. Daniel Gromis , 1st year resident at Advocate Christ Medical Center; and Dr. Jeff Pinnow, AAEM board member and Chief Resident at York Hospital, York, PA. During the resident panel, students inquired about resident lifestyles, personal strategies used in applying for positions, and how competitive each resident felt he/she was when using Dr. Callahan’s scoring system. This gave the attendees an opportunity to compare themselves with those who have successfully navigated the Match.

The program director panel was, once again, the highlight of the morning. Students eagerly asked questions of those on the panel. This year’s panel consisted of Dr. David Overton, Program Director from the
Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies; Dr Robert Harwood, Program Director from Advocate Christ Medical Center; Dr. Nicole Colucci, faculty from Resurrection Medical Center; and Dr. Edward Callahan, Program Director from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Discussions ranged from board scores to ways of handling difficult questions during the interview process. The students took full advantage of having four leaders in Emergency Medicine answer their questions to help them better prepare for obtaining a highly competitive EM residency spot.

During lunch, medical students were able to personally solicit advice from the program directors and residents. Program directors, faculty and residents provided the medical students with business cards, email addresses and phone numbers for further questions and potential mentoring. The relaxed nature of the lunch allowed the medical students to be themselves and have a good time getting to know some of the amazing people who have shaped our field. It helped match faces with the names that the program directors will be seeing on applications in years to come, giving those in attendance an advantage when application season approaches.

New to this year’s symposium were workshops aimed at helping students become more successful and productive during their EM rotations. An ultrasound workshop was conducted by Dr. Brent Becker, 3rd year and chief resident at the York Hospital Program in York, PA. During his workshops, students received hands-on training in performing FAST exams on one another, as well as performing ultrasounds of the aorta looking for possible aortic aneurysms. These skills have become indispensible for EM physicians, and this early training, along with additional practice during their rotations, will help the students to make a positive impression on those residents and attendings working with them.

A suturing workshop was also conducted by Drs. Bartgen and Gromis. This workshop included teaching the 1st and 2nd year students the basics of suturing, including proper anesthetizing techniques. For the 3rd and 4th year students, complex lacerations were addressed and students were taught more complex techniques such as purse string sutures and mattress sutures. Knowledge of these techniques will help students shine on their future EM rotations.

Dr. Pilarski also gave a workshop to the 3rd and 4th years students covering ways of maximizing their experience on their EM rotations and giving valuable tips on the application process. Dr. Pinnow spoke with the 1st and 2nd year students, providing pearls on what they should do during their pre-clinical years to help them obtain experience and exposure to emergency medicine, in preparation for the years to come.

Overall the day proved be a huge success, and participants had nothing but positive things to say, expressing their thanks to AAEM/RSA for organizing such a high-quality educational event. Of course, the day could only be considered a success because of the hard work and dedication of the people involved. AAEM/RSA would once again like to thank all of our speakers who took time out of their lives to help enrich the experience for those medical students who were able to attend. Our resident members who attended despite the rigors of residency training also deserve special thanks for finding the time to educate those who will follow in the coming years.

Our gratitude is also extended to Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine for allowing AAEM/RSA to use their outstanding venue for the event. Additionally, many thanks are owed to Jody Bath, AAEM/RSA Program Manager, and Lauren Pandolfe, AAEM/RSA Midwest Regional Representative, for their critical roles in planning and executing the event.

We look forward to another great Midwest Medical Student Symposium next year. If you would like to be involved with this event or any other AAEM/RSA activity, please contact jbath@aaem.org.