Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What recommendations do Residents or Programme Director have for students keen on Emergency Medicine to learn more before applying e.g. elective options?

Whilst it is important for the potential residents to be inspired with what Emergency Physicians (EPs) can do together with the excitement plus the satisfaction of running a resus room and being able to handle time sensitive and life-threatening conditions; it is equally important that they know what are the less exciting, more mundane aspects of being an EP.  This will provide an accurate picture of the eventual life as an EP.

In the shorter term, having an understanding of what life is as an EM resident which includes the training rotations, learning goals, administrative needs, elective objectives, assessment requirements (both formative and summative), etc.

Having both long and short term views of what being an EP is about and considering the exciting and mundane aspects of being an EP will help you decide if being an EP is truly for you.

2. How important are research and publications?

As you can see part of our mission is to pursue research, therefore achievements in research (together with the other qualities mentioned in our mission) are considered when we select our Residents.

3. How competitive is it?

We had approximately about 3-4 residents competing for each residency vacancy over the last few years.

4. Recommendations on when to take M.Med (Emergency Medicine) Part A examination.

To have a better selection chance, it would be preferable for you to successfully pass your M.Med (Emergency Medicine) Part A Examination at the point of your application.

5. What is the culture like in SingHealth Emergency Medicine?

Our mission and vision will give a hint of what we emphasise on and what values we hold important. We believe strongly in collaborative teamwork and nurturing each other to help achieve our potential through a rich experiential training environment.

6. What is the recommended MO rotation pathway? e.g. how many postings, which EDs are “preferred”, if at all

At least 1 and preferably 2 different Singhealth ED postings will allow more than 1 of the Head of Departments to know your performance and your personal qualities.

7. What is residency training like?

A good description of the training programme can be found here.

For a more personal account, you are most welcome to have a chat with us during our Open House and both the faculty and residents can give you different perspectives.

8. Subspecialisation options / future focus areas in EM?

The future focus areas depend on the needs of the nation and cluster. Currently we have broadly categories which fall under the pillars of clinical service, research, care transformation and innovation and education. This is in line with the organisation of SingHealth Duke-NUS Emergency Medicine Academic Clinical Program (ACP). You can find out more regarding this on the Emergency Medicine ACP website.

More specifically some of the current areas of specialities include

• Emergency Medicine Services
• Disaster Medicine
• Observation Medicine
• Geriatric Emergency Care
• Cardiac Care
• Trauma and Injury
• Medical Toxicology
• Emergency Airway
• Critical Care
• Emergency Ultrasonography