Interested in Joining SAEM?

Are you thinking about a career in academic emergency medicine? Need help navigating this complex path in residency? Here's a primer to get you started.

What is academic emergency medicine?

A career in academic emergency medicine means that you work primarily within an academic/ teaching institution. In addition to focusing on clinical practice, you will also be responsible for education, research or administration. To make room for these additional activities, clinical hours are often reduced. Academic EM physicians tend to have an "academic niche" or a specific area of interest in which they strive for leadership and advancement. This is in contrast to working within a community or non-teaching institution, where physicians focus primarily on clinical practice (seeing patients).

How Does SAEM differ from other professional emergency medicine groups, such as ACEP or CORD?

SAEM has a specific mission to advance academic emergency medicine. Because of this, we have a stronger research focus than the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), which has a broader mission to advocate for all of emergency medicine in general. While SAEM has a similar teaching/education focus as the Council of Emergency Medicine Directors (CORD), the academic mission is not limited to residents, and extends to medical students as well as fellows, junior faculty, and any physician in pursuit of career development.

How can SAEM help me in residency?

SAEM provides a national stage. Participation in SAEM's Annual Meeting can disseminate your research nationwide. You may not feel that you qualify as an expert at this point in your training, but your voice as a resident is critical for issues affecting physicians nationwide including burnout, wellness, medical education, professionalism, career development, and many others. SAEM also offers numerous opportunities to meet leaders in academic emergency medicine from around the country, as well as opportunities to connect with residents from other institutions that share your concerns and interests.

SAEM can help you become a leader in academic emergency medicine. It's never too early to get involved! SAEM offers opportunities to participate in SAEM committees, assist in the organization and execution of SAEM's Annual Meeting, work directly with current leaders in academic emergency medicine, and advocate for your fellow residents.

SAEM offers many outstanding educational resources and networking opportunities to explore your interests in academia. These include participation in SAEM Interest Groups and Academies that focus on specific niches in academic emergency medicine, access to SAEM didactics and workshops specifically tailored to resident interests, and vital resources such as the SAEM Fellowship Directory.

I'm in. How do I sign up?

First, check with your residency director or program coordinator to see if your institution offers discounted membership or automatic enrollment during your residency. To become an SAEM member, register here.

How To Get Involved in SAEM During Residency

It's never too early or late to participate in SAEM! While most residents are only familiar with SAEM by presenting abstracts or attending workshops at the Annual Meeting, there is actually ample opportunity for residents to become involved in the SAEM leadership, contribute to Annual Meeting organization and content, generate educational resources for residents around the country, and give a voice to your peers.  

What leadership opportunities are available for residents?

SAEM Committee Appointments

SAEM welcomes and appreciates resident participation in our many SAEM Committees and Task Forces. Projects range in everything from member recruitment to research to organization of the SAEM Annual Meeting. Participation in an SAEM Committee provides a unique opportunity to work with leading academicians from around the country. The SAEM Committee appointment process for residents takes place each winter, and all appointments last for one year. Check out the objectives and activities of each SAEM Committee here.

SAEM Interest Groups in Academic Emergency Medicine

SAEM has multiple Academic Emergency Medicine Interest Groups that welcome active resident participation. These include Critical Care, Disaster Medicine, Operations, Ultrasound, and many more. By joining an interest group, you will have the opportunity to network with academic leaders and educators in your area of interest. When you join SAEM as a resident, you have the option of selecting interest groups to join for free.

Resident Member of the SAEM Board of Directors

There is a rare opportunity for one resident to serve as a full voting member of the SAEM Board of Directors for a one-year term. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to academic emergency medicine and must be a resident during their entire anticipated term on the Board. The resident Board member attends three SAEM Board meetings and participates in monthly Board conference calls. Nominations for the Resident Member of the Board of Directors are accepted in January each year. Candidates submit a statement of interest and a CV. Typically, two candidates are selected by the Nominating Committee to stand for election. The election is held during the spring with the appointee to begin duties at the SAEM Annual Meeting in May of the same year.

What other opportunities are available for residents?

The Resident & Fellowship Fair at the SAEM Annual Meeting

This event is organized every year at the SAEM Annual Meeting. It is available to all residents and students at any level of training, and provides trainees with the opportunity to meet with representatives from residency and fellowship programs throughout the country. To attend the Resident and Fellowship Fair, please register for the event as part of the SAEM Annual Meeting.  

The Chief Resident Forum at the SAEM Annual Meeting

This program at the SAEM Annual Meeting is intended for resident leaders in academic emergency medicine, including emerging junior leaders, chief residents, and those interested in leadership in EMS/HEMS, EM research, EM education, and EM administration. The Chief Resident Forum is designed to enable the emerging junior EM leadership in our field to engage with the established senior leadership. Residents attending this event will have the opportunity to discuss a roadmap to leadership in EM, develop leadership and communication skills, and learn to overcome leadership challenges while maintaining wellness. To attend the Chief Resident Forum as a resident leader, please register for the event as part of the SAEM Annual Meeting. To assist in the planning and organization of the Chief Resident Forum, please contact the SAEM Program Committee.

Resident Authors for the SAEM PULSE, the SAEM Newsletter

SAEM is always looking for new resident authors to offer fresh perspectives on academic emergency medicine in our bimonthly magazine, SAEM Pulse. Any topic regarding resident life, medical education, or clinical pearls and advice are welcome. You can see previous issues of SAEM Pulse here. Explore the SAEM Pulse Submission Instruction and Writer Guidelines to learn more about contributing to SAEM Pulse.