Opportunities and Challenges Facing the Integrated Physician Workforce of Emergency Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
BACKGROUND
The American Board of Emergency Medicine joined nine other American Board of Medical Specialties member boards to sponsor the subspecialty of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; the first subspecialty examination was administered in 2008. Since then an increasing number of emergency physicians has sought this certification and entered the workforce. There has been limited discussion regarding the experiences and challenges facing this new workforce.


CONCLUSIONS
We use excerpts from conversations with emergency physicians to highlight the challenges in hospice and palliative medicine training and practice that are commonly being identified by these physicians, at varying phases of their careers. The lessons learned from this initial dual-certified physician cohort in real practice fills a current literature gap. Practical guidance is offered for the increasing number of trainees and mid-career emergency physicians who may have an interest in the subspecialty pathway but are seeking answers to what a future integrated practice will look like in order to make informed career decisions.


CONCLUSIONS
The Emergency and Hospice and Palliative Medicine integrated workforce is facing novel challenges, opportunities, and growth. The first few years have seen a growing interest in the field among emergency medicine resident trainees. As the dual certified workforce matures, it is expected to impact the clinical practice, research, and education related to emergency palliative care.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey.
Sangeeta
S
Lamba
Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Emory Palliative Care Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
Paul L
PL
DeSandre
Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Emory Palliative Care Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
Tammie E
TE
Quest
D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D002568:Certification; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D065126:Palliative Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D013038:Specialization; D000078329:Workforce
career pathway; challenges; emergency medicine; hospice and palliative medicine; integrated workforce