I recently completed my emergency medicine rotation, and it was an eye-opening experience. One of the most surprising aspects was the significant presence of physician assistants (PAs) integrated into the emergency department. Working alongside them was invaluable, as it deepened my appreciation for the collaborative nature of emergency medicine and the pivotal role PAs play in patient care.

A highlight of this rotation was my time with the emergency medicine critical care team. During these shifts, I worked closely with residents and attendings, and I was particularly impressed by how well the team operated during critical situations. The teamwork among nurses, PAs, residents, and attendings was remarkable, especially when patients required immediate intervention. Everyone acted swiftly and efficiently, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Interestingly, Wednesdays were designated as mental health days for the residents, so on those days, the critical care team consisted solely of PAs and attendings. I was inspired by the level of trust the attendings placed in the PAs and how competently they managed the department. Witnessing the respect PAs commanded in this setting was motivating, and it reinforced my desire to become an effective and valuable member of a healthcare team in the future.

One area I need to improve on is developing treatment plans. I often feel uncertain about which tests to order or how to begin ruling out differential diagnoses. I know this skill comes with experience, but it’s something I’m eager to focus on. Throughout the rotation, I was fortunate to learn from the PAs and residents, gaining insights into patient management that I’ll carry forward. Seeing PAs excel in the emergency department motivates me to continue working hard so I can contribute meaningfully to a healthcare team as well.