“We didn’t know each other’s names or even speak to each other until we landed,” Dr. Patel said.

Watching earlier episodes gave Dr. Patel a baseline for game strategy when it was his turn to compete. He also knew the calm-under-pressure skills he picked up from training in the ED would be a huge asset.

“The moment we hit the island we were thrown into a challenge. No introductions, no idea of each other’s strengths or weaknesses-just go,” Dr. Patel said.

“It’s kind of like the ED. In both environments, you adapt quickly, form strategies, and build trust with your team, often under immense pressure.”

ACEP member Kishan Patel, MD, second from left, prepares for a challenge with his tribe in “Survivor” Season 47. (Click to enlarge.)

But trying to win on “Survivor” adds a layer of emotional complexity because you’re playing a game where trust is such an important currency, he said. Dr. Patel’s strategy was to stay under the radar.

The problem was, Dr. Patel also had teammates-called tribe members on the show-who figuratively stabbed him in the back. In the fourth episode, titled “Is That Blood in Your Hair,” his Lavo tribe finished last in an immunity challenge; that meant that someone had to be voted off. That night, it was Dr. Patel, who was voted off in what fans call a blindside.

New Perspective

Dr. Patel returned to San Francisco with a huge appreciation for the chance to live out a dream. On an overnight shift immediately after the show’s premiere, a patient’s partner asked him, “Wait, are you that guy from ‘Survivor?'”

From there, Dr. Patel said he was recognized by patients pretty much on every shift.

“It was so much fun, and everybody at work was so supportive,” Dr. Patel said. “We would have watching parties when new episodes came on, and everybody kind of got into it. It was weird being recognized all the time, but that’s not why I’m so appreciative of this opportunity. I love adventure, and I love a good challenge.”

Now back in the ED, Dr. Patel approaches his role with renewed perspective.

“It’s a reminder,” he said, “to keep chasing experiences that push me.”

Mr. Scheid is ACEP’s Communications Director.