What It Takes to Be an Altus ER Physician

2 male doctors

What It Takes to Be an Altus ER Physician

Back in June 2019, Altus Emergency Centers added its own in-house physicians’ group. This means we directly employ every doctor working in our facilities. Only the cream of the crop qualifies to be an Altus ER Physician.

Working in an emergency room is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. The demands are both physical and mental, after all, people’s lives are at stake, and not everyone is up to the task.

From the first day since we opened our doors, our first and most important goal has been to offer the highest standard of emergency care to our patients.

Our commitment to our patient’s wellbeing is the reason why we have gone to extremes to ensure our doctors are the most qualified for the job.

doctors with folded arms

What is an ER Doctor?

Before we discuss what it takes to be an Altus ER Physician, let’s get to know the role of an ER doctor. An emergency room doctor is one who knows about every aspect of the human body because their job is to diagnose, stabilize, and provide treatment to any patient who comes into the ER.

ER physicians are trained to handle acute (severe or critical) medical problems. They are also trained to use various medical devices to stabilize and save the lives of their patients.

These are some of the tasks ER doctors routinely perform:

  • Evaluate and examine patients
  • Order tests and blood work to help diagnose the patient’s condition
  • Order or administer medications to treat the patient’s injury or illness
  • Consult with other doctors, nursing staff and support staff to decide on the best treatment course for the patient
  • Explain procedures, diagnoses, tests, and available treatments to patients and their families
  • Work closely with specialists who will care for the patient once they leave the emergency r
table of doctors discussing something

What Training Do ER Physicians at Altus ER Have?

At Altus Emergency Centers, we hold our staff to very high standards, especially our doctors and nurses. When it comes to selecting the right person to work at any of our facilities, we, of course, take into consideration the preparation and experience of each physician.

Training to become an emergency room physician is not easy; it takes time and a lot of hard work. To become an ER doctor, a person must:

1. Earn a College Degree

Aspiring doctors need a bachelor’s degree to apply to medical school. Although there is no specific major required, its vital that they complete science-related courses in their bachelor’s degree program

2. Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Medical schools use the scores from this exam to determine if the applicant has the critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills necessary to succeed in the field of medicine.

3. Earn a Medical Degree

Medical degrees involve four more years of studies. The first two years focus on theory and laboratory experiences. While the last two years include clinical rotations in different fields. During this time, students will begin working with patients, taking medical histories, and completing necessary procedures under the supervision of experienced physicians.

college graduates

4. Obtain a Medical License

Before they can practice medicine, medical doctors need to obtain a license from the state of Texas. To do this, doctors must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The examination tests applicants on their ability to care for patients and work in a medical and emergency setting.

5. Complete a Residency

An emergency medicine residency lasts three years and consists of:

  • Conferences: These conferences cover specific areas of emergency medicine, like cardiovascular or pulmonary treatment.
  • Lab Work: During lab work, ER doctors are trained in specific skills like airway management, repairing of wounds, and orthopedics.
  • Clinical Simulations: Working with mannequins’ students are placed into simulated situations that they might face on a day-to-day basis in a healthcare setting.

Additionally, emergency medicine residency also includes:

  • Peer reviews
  • Seminars
  • Supervised clinical training in a real-world environment.

6. Complete a Fellowship

Emergency room physicians who wish to specialize in a subspecialty must complete a fellowship program. Subspecialties include:

  • Pediatric emergency medicine
  • Pain management
  • Disaster medicine
  • Toxicology
group of medical professionals

Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.

What Makes Altus ER Physicians Outstanding?

As we mentioned before, we hold our doctors to higher standards than those established by the state board.

There is more to a good doctor than just their academic accomplishments. Our doctors stand out because, in addition to being gifted physicians, they are extraordinary human beings.

Here are just a few of the qualities that are expected from an Altus ER Physician:

  • Confidence
  • Humility
  • Great Communication Skills
  • Professionalism
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Compassion
  • Empathy
  • Honesty
  • Courage
  • Respect
  • Optimism
  • Passion

At Altus Emergency Centers, we are always looking for great talent. If you believe you have what it takes to become part of our family, we invite you to apply at ERjobs@altusemergency.com.

smiling doctor
Altus Emergency Room Baytown

More Similar Posts