Long time, no Blog. The World's Oldest ER Doc just got a year older. I am now 62. 34 years since I completed my Emergency Medicine residency. I have recertified 3 times. My current job will most likely be my last before retirement. I am working as a 0.6 FTE (fulltime equivalent). This means 8 shifts per month. I hope to power down to 6 shifts per month in January 2015. The Valley is a nice little community hospital. 16,000 visits per year with low acuity. The nights are 10 PM to 7 AM. I have had 1 patient nights and 16 patient nights. I work with a great nursing, ancillary and secretarial staff. The other docs in the group are smart, collegial and cooperative. My director is a peach. He is hard working, supportive and actually listens.
The Mega General has undergone many changes since my forced departure in 2011. It has absorbed the Apostle's Medical Center, Mega General's former rival. The patient census for the 2 campuses is 90,000 +. Mega General's main campus opened a new ER organized into pods. Closing pediatrics, OB, and the cardiac cath lab at Apostle's has spiked the census at the main campus and left Apostle's with fewer patients and a lower acuity. My friend Ajax still works for my former group. The Weasel has taken over the physician group as the sole owner. Promises of a partnership were squashed by the Great Rat and his butt boy, the Weasel.
I am employed by a for-profit corporation. This is my first job working for a for-profit since I was in college working for United Plywood as a sales/inventory/clerk. My initial skepticism has been replaced with admiration. Promises are made and kept. Compliance issues are clear and easily followed. Compensation is based on actual targets and incentives.
Many of my current patients would have treated by the Physician Assistants at Mega General. I have to do my own suturing. Minor injuries and illnesses are my bread and butter. Thanks to the low census, I see my patients shortly after their arrival. The slow pace allows me to truly listen and make a connection with the patients and their families.
I don't arrive to find a 3-4 hour wait. My stress levels are very low. The Valley's ER may be low volume but it is still an ER. I have treated traumatic, cardiac, pulmonary, surgical and even OB emergencies. We delivering a baby when the mother presented with back pain and didn't know she was pregnant. Emergencies Happen!
The future is finite. My board certification will expire when I am 67. I hope to retire before then. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to continue my career with good people, a supportive employer and mental and physical health intact.
