Pre-requisite: Open to EM, FM, or IM at the PGY2 level or above
Duration for Elective: 2 or 4 weeks
Rotation Director: David Sugerman, MD
Educational Objective
To provide the GME learner with the unique experience of practicing emergency medicine in a critical access hospital in rural Maine. ED physicians in this setting manage a wide spectrum of patients presenting with both common and uncommon diagnoses, varying in acuity from stable to critically ill, without immediate access to specialty consultation on site. In addition, as a tourist destination, patients cared for at MDIH come from a diverse set of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, requiring appropriate sensitivity by the Emergency Physician.
Experiences and Procedures
- Perform a thorough, yet targeted history and physical examination on the emergency patient resulting in a prioritized assessment of the immediately acute and potentially life-threatening problems for the patient.
- Develop an initial plan for the stabilization and workup of acute problems, including labs, imaging, as well as obtaining input from the appropriate consulting services.
- Appropriately interpret laboratory and imaging studies.
- Develop a plan for appropriate disposition of patients to various settings including creation of clear and complete discharge instructions.
- Demonstrate technical skills required for management of common emergency conditions.
- Effectively communicate and coordinate care with other health care professionals as required for patient needs.
Housing
Mount Desert Island Hospital has recently built the Kogod Center, a new on-site housing facility. The building provides an extended learning experience with living and eating spaces alongside organized seminars in the evening. Learners each have their own bedroom and bathroom with shared cooking and living spaces. MERGE learners are billed a discounted rate of $375/week for lodging. Reimbursement may be available through the MERGE Collaborative per the MERGE Housing Reimbursement Policy.
