Family Medicine Emergency Medicine (FMEM) Fellowship Program 2024

Family Medicine Emergency Medicine (FMEM) Fellowship: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a family medicine physician and an emergency medicine physician at the same time? If you are a family medicine or emergency medicine graduate who wants to expand your scope of practice and enhance your skills in both specialties, you might be interested in the new Family Medicine Emergency Medicine (FMEM) Fellowship Program, a joint initiative of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). The FMEM Fellowship Program is designed to provide dual certification in both specialties for qualified candidates who have completed either an ACGME-accredited family medicine or emergency medicine residency program.

In this article, we will explain what the FMEM Fellowship Program is, how it works, why you should consider it, how you can apply for it, and where you can find more information about it.

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What is the FMEM Fellowship Program?

Family medicine and emergency medicine are two specialties that share many common skills and competencies, such as managing acute and chronic conditions, providing comprehensive and patient-centered care, and working in diverse and dynamic settings. However, until recently, there was no formal pathway for family medicine graduates to pursue additional training in emergency medicine, or vice versa.

That is about to change in 2024, when the first cohort of residents will start the new Family Medicine Emergency Medicine (FMEM) Fellowship Program, a joint initiative of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). The FMEM Fellowship Program is designed to provide dual certification in both specialties for qualified candidates who have completed either an ACGME-accredited family medicine or emergency medicine residency program.

How does the FMEM Fellowship Program work?

The FMEM Fellowship Program will be a two-year program that will consist of 12 months of core emergency medicine rotations, six months of family medicine electives, and six months of individualized curriculum. The program will also include longitudinal experiences in research, quality improvement, and leadership. The program will be offered at selected sites across the country that have established academic affiliations and clinical excellence in both specialties.

Why should you consider the FMEM Fellowship Program?

The FMEM Fellowship Program aims to address the growing demand for physicians who can provide high-quality care in both urban and rural emergency departments, as well as in primary care and urgent care settings. The program also hopes to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation among family medicine and emergency medicine physicians, and to create new opportunities for research and education in the field of acute care.

How can you apply for the FMEM Fellowship Program?

The FMEM Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2026 cycle, with a deadline of October 1, 2024. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of both ABFM and ABEM, and must submit a personal statement, a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and a letter of support from their residency program director. Applicants must also register for the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for the FMEM Fellowship Match.

Where can you find more information about the FMEM Fellowship Program?

The FMEM Fellowship Program is an exciting and unique opportunity for family medicine and emergency medicine graduates who want to expand their scope of practice and enhance their skills in both specialties. For more information, please visit the [FMEM Fellowship Program website] or contact the program coordinator at fmem@abfm.org.

What is the difference between family medicine and emergency medicine?

Family medicine and emergency medicine are both crucial fields in healthcare, but they differ in several ways:

Family Medicine Doctors:

They are primary care physicians who have completed a three-year residency program specialized in family medicine.
They treat common illnesses and injuries, and also help you stay healthy.
They often have a long-term relationship with their patients and can offer care for the whole family.
They typically focus more on preventive health measures.

Emergency Medicine Doctors:

They are specialists who have completed a three- or four-year residency program specialized in emergency medicine.
They are trained to treat more serious acute illnesses and injuries.
They work in hospitals and see patients who have been referred to them by other doctors.
They usually do not have a long-term relationship with their patients, and they usually only see them once.

What are the categories of emergency medicine?

Emergency medicine is a broad field that encompasses many categories. Here are some of the main categories:

Disaster Medicine: This involves the diagnosis and management of conditions related to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or man-made disasters such as chemical spills or nuclear accidents.

Medical Toxicology: This deals with the diagnosis, management, and prevention of poisoning and other adverse health effects due to medications, occupational and environmental toxins, and biological agents.

Point-of-Care Ultrasonography: This involves the use of portable ultrasonography at the patient’s bedside for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Critical Care Medicine: This involves the diagnosis and management of life-threatening conditions requiring sophisticated organ support and invasive monitoring.

Emergency Medical Services: This involves providing pre-hospital emergency medical care, including initial patient stabilization, treatment, and transport to hospitals.

Hyperbaric Medicine: This involves the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure to treat conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and certain types of wounds.

Sports Medicine: This involves the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise.

Palliative Care: This involves the care of patients with serious, complex illnesses, focusing on relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness.

Aerospace Medicine: This involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with aviation and space travel.

What is the best course for emergency medicine?

There are several highly-rated courses for emergency medicine:

Lecturio’s All-in-One Online Emergency Medicine Course: This course is taught by Dr. Julianna Jung and Dr. Sharon Bord from Johns Hopkins University. It provides an in-depth overview of different emergencies that can occur, from cardiovascular emergencies and shock, to trauma, neurologic, and environmental emergencies. The course uses clinical example cases to give clear guidance on the steps needed to stabilize critical patients and manage emergency conditions.
iEM/Lecturio Emergency Medicine Core Content Course: This is a free open online emergency medicine course provided by the International Emergency Medicine Project. It is designed for medical students and covers a wide range of topics in emergency medicine..
BMJ Careers Guide to Becoming an Emergency Medicine Doctor: This guide provides information on the route to a career in emergency medicine, including the entry requirements for the start of emergency medicine training.