The ACEP Section of Careers in Emergency Medicine is a resource for emergency physicians interested in career development, longevity, and the history and evolution of emergency medicine.

This section is ideal for members in practice longer than 10 years who wish to share and develop a knowledge base for emergency medicine by promoting interest in career development, longevity, and retention of career emergency medicine specialists, thus providing a source of advice based on wisdom and experience to the College leadership on policy relative to career development and longevity.

One valued function of the Section is to recognize longevity in the field of emergency medicine.

Every year, awards are given to the emergency physicians with the longest active career in emergency medicine and with the longest tenure in the same emergency department. Certificates of recognition are also given to physicians with more than 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of experience. It is gratifying to hear the stories of these “veterans of the pit” and see how emergency medicine has changed over the years.

The Section has begun some exciting new initiatives, including creating an online mentor discussion forum to pair seasoned emergency physicians with younger ones (or older members) who are seeking information not readily available on the ACEP website, or who may simply be looking for a way to advance their careers or their participation within the College.

This initiative is in line with the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan recently adopted by the ACEP Board of Directors, specifically, Goal 4 – Increase membership value and member engagement; Objective 23: Provide opportunities for leadership development; and Objective 24: Provide career resources for members throughout the various stages of their careers from beginning of practice until retirement. The Section is uniquely positioned to lead on these strategic objectives of ACEP.

Monthly stories from veteran emergency physicians are published on ACEP’s blog site, The Central Line (thecentralline.org), under the heading “In All My Career.” These stories may be humorous or inspirational, or demonstrate the value of emergency medicine to our various communities. You simply never know how your story may influence another member who may be at a point of questioning his or her career choice. Your story could make a difference.

This Section was recognized at the last ACEP Scientific Assembly with The Promoting Section Membership Award of Distinction in recognition of the highest percentage of complementary Section members from October 2009 through October 2010.