One way to refocus on the joy of medicine is by emphasizing the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship. This core aspect of EM can bring fulfillment to emergency physicians and remind us of the meaningful impact we have on patients‘ lives. By nurturing this relationship, we can reignite the passion and sense of purpose of why we chose this specialty.

Advocacy efforts should continue to address issues like the No Surprises Act (NSA) and other regulatory barriers that affect emergency medicine, ensuring that we continue to highlight workplace violence, boarding, and behavioral health resource constraints. By actively engaging in advocacy, we can influence policy decisions that positively impact our specialty and create a more favorable working environment.

While projecting the future workforce is important, it is crucial that we acknowledge the uncertainties associated with such predictions. It is essential to adapt recommendations to the current situation, considering factors such as changing demographics, COVID effects, technological advancements, and evolving health care delivery models. By remaining flexible and open to change, we can better address the needs of our colleagues and patients and ensure the specialty remains attractive.

ACEP should rededicate itself to the well-being and development of emergency physicians. This can be achieved through expanding the ongoing efforts, such as consultation services and providing support at each career stage—residency, early practice, mid-career, and exploring retirement. By offering guidance and resources, ACEP can help emergency physicians navigate our professional journeys, enhancing job satisfaction and retention.

As health care delivery evolves, it is important to emphasize the core of emergency medicine, which is acute and unscheduled care. No one else does this better than we do! Collaborating with thought leaders in areas such as telehealth, clinical decision support, and emergency preparedness can provide new opportunities for emergency physicians. By actively participating in these emerging fields, emergency medicine can continue to grow and remain relevant in the changing health care landscape.

Ultimately, our focus should be on what is best for both emergency physicians and the specialty itself. ACEP should prioritize initiatives that support the well-being and satisfaction of emergency physicians and physician-led teams. Students and residents need to see the enthusiasm and enjoyment within the specialty, which can help attract the next generation of emergency physicians. By showcasing the rewards and fulfillment of emergency medicine, we can ensure its attractiveness as a specialty for years to come.