From Ski Patrol to Emergency Medicine

Sara A. Hanneman, MS4: “I came into medical school with the intent of specializing in emergency medicine after working on and off as an EMT for six years prior to matriculation. Working on ski patrol was particularly impactful in this decision. On patrol, I was surrounded by other EMTs, paramedics, and flight nurses who I really looked up to. Their mentorship allowed me to develop more confidence in my own medical skills and recognize that I was capable of pursuing medical school. Being on scene with a group of providers who work together seamlessly to collectively help a patient is an incredible display of teamwork that I love being a part of. Though I kept my mind open to other specialties throughout medical school, I ultimately decided that EM was still what aligned most with my personal values and career goals.”

Real-time Decisions Shape Patient Care

Hannah A. Miller, MS4: “My interest in emergency medicine started prior to medical school while working as a scribe in the ED during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watching health care workers’ dedication and resilience during such challenging times reinforced my admiration for the field. During my third-year rotations, I started to home in on what excited me most about medicine. Completing rotations in various specialties affirmed that I was most energized in the hospital setting where acuity and real-time decision making shape patient care. This excitement carried into my emergency medicine rotation where, after one shift, I knew this was where I fit best. Whether it was reassuring a worried parent, counseling on smoking cessation, or participating in a successful resuscitation of a critical patient, each moment felt like I was making a meaningful difference in my community.” 

A Day Well Spent

Cameron Shonnard, MS4: “I came to emergency medicine during my third-year clinical rotations after realizing that I genuinely enjoyed every rotation I had been on. What stood out to me was how the ED brought all of those areas of medicine together in one place. I also found that I really loved the trauma side of medicine and the opportunity to be involved in the initial management of critically ill patients. Just as importantly, I was drawn to the collaborative environment of the emergency department. The teamwork between physicians, nurses, techs, consultants, and EMS creates a culture where everyone is working together toward the same goal. That environment made work feel like a day well spent with people I enjoy being around rather than a solo show, which really resonated with me and ultimately solidified my decision to pursue emergency medicine.”