Senior Medical Student

As a Medical Student, focus on learning the role of Tactical Emergency Medicine Support (TEMS) within the field of emergency medicine (EM). There may be opportunities to express one's interest in TEM through participation in Tactical Casualty Combat Care courses, TEMS courses, or tactical medicine drills or exercises if offered by your institution. Furthermore, as you prepare your application on VSLO and ERAS, read the list of residencies that offer a TEM component as published in the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Tactical Emergency Medicine Section.

Will Academic or Community Programs Offer More Opportunities for Participation in Tactical EM?

Academic EM programs will likely have established relationships with law enforcement agencies. In addition, academic programs may have established relationships not just with local law enforcement, but with state and federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshall Service, U.S. Border Patrol, and more. In comparison, community programs may also employ tactical emergency physicians as these tactical responsibilities and duties may be negotiated outside a physician's place of employment.

Choosing Between Three- and Four-Year Residency Programs

There are no definitive answers or determined benefits on whether to choose a three- or four-year EM residency in regards to a career in TEM. A four-year program does allow for more elective rotations in residency to further explore TEM opportunities. Additionally, there are a number of EM residency programs that provide components of TEM training. These programs either offer EM electives or have devoted faculty who serve in law enforcement positions or lead TEM-related research.