Before we look at what’s required for board certification, let’s consider what is required to obtain a license to practice emergency medicine. Physicians must earn their bachelor’s degree (4 years) and then attend medical school (3 years) to earn their MD or DO degree, and then complete a full-time emergency medicine residency (typically three or
Read MoreWhy Do We Get Sick in the Winter?
Germs Have Seasons Too The common cold is more common in the fall and the spring; and the flu is more common in the winter. That is because the viruses, which cause the common cold—rhinoviruses—peak in the spring and fall months, and influenza viruses peak in the winter. Because the weather during fall and
Read MoreCan You Get the Flu from the Flu Shot?
Each year the strains of flu that affect humans are different. However, one thing that is not different is that the flu is a very contagious and dangerous illness, causing hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousand of deaths each year. This is why scientists monitor the strains of flu that move through
Read MoreDiarrhea: When to Head to an Urgent Care
What Causes Diarrhea in Adults If you are having 3 or more loose or watery stools daily, you have diarrhea. Many of the causes of diarrhea in adults will resolve in a few days, so in most instances you can take care of yourself at home. The following are a number of potential reasons
Read MoreWays to Treat Salmonella
Have you or someone you know ever had food poisoning? If the answer is yes, there is a possibility that it was caused by a salmonella infection. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is found in the gastrointestinal tracts of domestic and wild animals, including insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. It is estimated that
Read MoreWhy Would a Tick Cause Meat Allergies?
When you think of tick bites, you think of Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, right? On the other hand, you probably know more than one person with food allergies. So what could these two things possibly have in common? Surprisingly, there is growing evidence that the bite of a lone star tick can
Read More5 Tips for Healthy Joints
The joints of your body are the place where bones meet, creating the possibility of movement. Our hips, knees, shoulders, wrists, and fingers are examples of movable joints where healthy cartilage allows the bones to slide back and forth, creating smooth movement. Ligaments are the strong bands that hold the bones together. Injury and pain
Read MoreWhat are DOT Physicals and Why Do You Need One?
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a federally mandated physical exam conducted by a certified health care provider, to verify that a driver of a commercial motor vehicle is healthy and physically qualified to perform his or her duties. It essentially verifies that, as an operator of a commercial vehicle, you are “fit for
Read MoreAre You Concerned about Dry Drowning?
Drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death in the United States, and children are particularly vulnerable. As would be expected, the rate of drownings increases in the summer months when more people are spending their leisure time near the water. However, parents should be vigilant all the time, because children left unattended
Read MoreWaterborne Dangers to Talk to Your Pediatrician About
Summer fun is here! Temperatures are rising and the kids are out of school, which means families will be heading to the water for cool and refreshing fun. Before you pack the towels and sunscreen, and head off to your favorite destinations, there are a few things you should consider. Talking to your pediatrician about
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