Ground Rules

1) Check with your site's policy regarding seeing patients (some may allow more responsibility, some may want to supervise more closely).

2) After your H&P, present the case PRIOR to ordering studies.

3) Be prompt for the beginning of all shifts and conferences.

4) If a patient you are managing deteriorates or appears to be in distress, notify the senior Emergency Medicine resident or attending to the location immediately.

5) Professional working attire is required (clean scrubs acceptable).

6) You MUST follow UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS AT ALL TIMES.

7) Ask, ask, ask. There are no (well, ok, there may be a few) stupid questions. If you do not know something (paperwork, procedures, location of materials, how do I manage this overdose patient?), just ask.

8) Consultants should be addressing specific questions about a patient and should not be called to see patients that should be managed by the Emergency Department. Allow residents or attendings to discuss the case with consultants to avoid conflicts.

9) Have fun working, but be professional.

10) Read, read, read.

11) Participate actively at grand rounds, conferences and review sessions.

12) Document procedures performed on shift summaries, as well as on the chart.

13) Attempt to get follow-up on interesting or difficult patients who you have admitted. This will enhance your education and appreciation of medicine overall.