Six Questions for James R. Roberts, MD
Dr. Roberts writes “InFocus” for EMN, and is a professor of emergency medicine and toxicology at the Drexel
University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Read his past columns at http://bit.ly/EMN-InFocus.
1. What is the most challenging part of emergency medicine?
Keeping up your enthusiasm and vigor shift after shift, especially when some patients are demanding, impossible to satisfy, or just plain entitled and rude.
2. What sound do you love to hear in the ED?
A sick patient laughing.
3. What profession other than yours would you like to try?
Fishing guide.
4. What advice do you wish you had received?
Take more time with family, and never miss your kid's soccer game. Also, go fishing with your son more often.
5. Tell us about your most memorable patient.
I resuscitated a 4-year-old boy who had drowned and arrived asystolic, and he made a full recovery. He and his parents came to the ED to thank me.
6. What one thing should potential residents know about emergency medicine?
Emergency medicine is a great specialty but one that will often frustrate and exhaust you and routinely make you feel stupid.
