Emergency department (ED) shift hours vary slightly, depending on the assigned area.
PGY-1
Interns work an average of 21 shifts per month. The primary goal of the intern year is to develop a strong foundation in emergency medicine through exposure to patients across the full spectrum of acuity and complexity. From the beginning of residency, interns evaluate and manage patients with both routine and life-threatening conditions and participate in the full range of emergency medicine procedures under appropriate supervision. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical reasoning, procedural skills, efficiency, and confidence in managing patients in the emergency department.
PGY-2
Second-year residents work an average of 20 shifts per month. Building upon the foundation established during intern year, PGY-2 residents focus on increasing their clinical independence, efficiency, and ability to manage multiple patients simultaneously. Residents continue to care for patients of all acuity levels, including critically ill and injured patients, while refining their resuscitation and procedural skills. Greater emphasis is placed on managing complex presentations, prioritizing competing clinical demands, and developing leadership skills during resuscitations.
PGY-3
Third-year residents work an average of 19 shifts per month. As senior residents, PGY-3s focus on developing the clinical expertise, efficiency, and leadership skills necessary for independent emergency medicine practice. Senior residents take an active role in managing patient flow within their assigned area of the emergency department, supervising and teaching junior residents, and coordinating care for multiple patients. They continue to refine their clinical decision-making, resuscitation leadership, and procedural expertise while preparing for the transition to attending physician practice.
