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What Organized Medicine Has Done For Me , And Can Do For You
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quick Google search will show the many different ways that people define organized medicine . The idea of organized medicine is not one that is often taught in medical schools or residency programs , making it an unclear term for most students and physicians . Organized medicine is when a group of medical professionals gather to promote the interests and well-being of physicians and patients . This could include activities such as political engagement , writing standard of care policies or promoting niche interests within a specialty .
Organized Medicine for a Medical Student
As an OMS-III , I attended a presentation hosted by the Emergency Medicine Residents Association ( EMRA ) about how to stand out when applying for residency . I didn ’ t realize it at the time , but this was my introduction to organized medicine and would shape the next several years of my medical career . I soon found myself getting involved in interest groups and by the following year , held a national role within EMRA .
Many people would not think of organized medicine as being important to medical students . I would argue that getting involved in medical school allows you to reap the most benefits . Being involved in organized medicine provides students with extracurricular activities and opportunities to demonstrate commitment to
by MATTHEW LYONS , DO
a particular specialty , which will boost their applications for the Match . However , there were other benefits that I found even more impactful . As a member of the EMRA Medical Student Council , I gained insight into the inner workings of and current issues within emergency medicine . This provided me with further confirmation for the specialty I was going to practice . I also felt that I had a larger impact on the Match process , being part of the group that was looked at as the liaison between medical students and residency director organizations . Many national organizations have an organized group of medical student leaders , and being a part of a group like this can help jumpstart a successful Match and residency .
Personal Growth
Through my involvement in EMRA , I found a number of personal benefits from medical school through residency . One of the primary goals of organized medicine is to connect people . Through committees , presentations and national conferences I have been able to connect with future and current leaders across many facets of emergency medicine . I have gained many mentors and friends from across the country . I talk with many of them regularly . Networking has been the core of the success I have found within organized medicine . It has opened doors for me and helped me explore my own interests to develop what I want my future career to look like .
There are many organized medicine groups focusing on things from the general practice of medicine to niches within a particular specialty . I have a particular interest in prehospital and disaster
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