We must do better, and it starts with identifying the opportunities that present themselves to us on a daily basis. We owe it to ourselves, our patients, and our colleagues to create a safe and supportive work environment first, so we can give our vulnerable patients our very best. A recent Association of American Medical Colleges article suggested that “physicians have a vital role in combating gun violence, which is a major public health issue in the United States.”⁵ It is time for us to address workplace violence in emergency medicine. We must work together to create a culture of safety and support, where everyone feels comfortable asking for help when they need it. This starts with a safe workplace. Just as the barista who served you your coffee this morning is entitled to a safe workplace, so are we.

Many thanks for additional contributions made in the formulation of this article by Gus M. Garmel, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, and Moises Gallegos, MD, MPH. 

Dr. Taylor is a proud father, USAF veteran and graduate of the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Currently, he is a PGY-3 Stanford Emergency Medicine Resident.

References

1. McGuire S, Finley J, Gazley B, et al. 18 Workplace violence reporting behaviors in emergency departments across a healthcare system. Ann Emerg Med, 2021;78(4):S8.
2. Richtel, M. Emergency room visits have risen sharply for young people in mental distress, study finds. New York Times website. Published May 1, 2023. Accessed December 11, 2023.
3. Rodriguez RM, Montoy JCCM, Hoth KF, et al. Symptoms of anxiety, burnout, and PTSD and the mitigation effect of serologic testing in emergency department personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ann Emerg Med. 2021;78(1):35-43.
4. Kielman R, Mercer R. Stabbed. Kicked. Spit on. Violence in American hospitals is out of control. New York Times website. Published October 24, 2023. Accessed December 11, 2023.
5. Weiner S. Physicians can — and must — help prevent gun deaths, trauma surgeons insist. AAMC News website. Published November 4, 2023. Accessed December 11, 2023.