Instagram: @amc_emergency_residents

Location:  Albany, New York 

Year founded:  1988 

A number of residents: 12 

Program length: Three years

What kind of training will residents get that they can’t get anywhere else?

We spend a significant amount of time in the emergency department, with more than 30 four-week blocks throughout residency. We operate as the medical command physician for the Regional Emergency Medical Organization, the emergency medical service system of the six counties in eastern upstate New York. In addition to our shift responsibilities, we provide prehospital health care workers with medical instruction in both emergent and nonemergent situations. 

We are the only designated level I trauma center in the northeastern New York region and the busiest level I trauma center in New York state. We see both blunt and penetrating injuries as a consequence of where we’re located: high-speed motor vehicle collisions in the city of Albany, agricultural injuries from surrounding rural areas, and injuries related to summer and winter sports from the recreational sites. 

Why is your city a great place to live? 

The Capital District offers an incomparably low cost of living, easy commuting, and robust public and private school systems.

What do residents do for fun? 

We run and bike the trails along the Hudson and Mohawk rivers. There are countless lakes, including the gorgeous Lake George, for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating. The nearby Adirondack and Berkshire mountains are stunning. Our favorite activities are exploring the breathtaking scenery while hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Montreal, Boston, and New York City are 2.5 hours away by car or public transport, making for easily accessible weekend getaways. 

Recent publications: 

• Chang AK, Bijur PE, Esses D, et al. Effect of a single dose of oral opioid and nonopioid analgesics on acute extremity pain in the emergency department: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;318(17):1661-1667. 
• Lord S, Brodell J, Lenhardt H, et al. Implementation of a prehospital patella dislocation reduction protocol. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2020;24(6):800-803.

–Rachel Le, MD, chief resident