Emergency Medicine

Master of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare medical professionals for the fast-paced and demanding field of emergency care. This program provides in-depth knowledge of emergency medical conditions, advanced clinical skills, and the latest research developments in emergency medicine. Students will engage in hands-on training through clinical rotations, simulations, and case-based learning, allowing them to develop critical decision-making skills essential for managing acute health crises effectively. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring graduates are equipped to work seamlessly with paramedics, nurses, and other healthcare providers in high-stakes environments. Through a combination of didactic lectures, practical workshops, and research opportunities, students will gain a thorough understanding of trauma management, cardiac emergencies, pediatric emergencies, toxicology, and disaster response. The curriculum is designed to foster innovative thinking and evidence-based practice, encouraging students to contribute to advancements in emergency medicine. Career pathways after graduation include roles as emergency physicians, trauma directors, research scientists, and educators. The program is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, providing a supportive learning environment for students from varied backgrounds. Alumni of the program have gone on to hold prominent positions in hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare policy organizations. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, the University of Pittsburgh's Master of Emergency Medicine prepares its graduates to become leaders and innovators in emergency healthcare, tackling the most critical health crises with confidence and expertise.

• EM 1111 Foundations of Emergency Care | 3 units
• EM 1112 Pathophysiology | 3 units
• EM 1113 Pharmacology | 3 units
• EM 1114 Medication Administration | 1 unit
• EM 1115 Intro to Physical Assessment | 3 units
• EM 1116 Physical Exam Lab | 1 unit
• EM 1117 EMS Operations | 3 units
• EM 1122 Cardiology and Respiratory  | 3 units
• EM 1123 Cardiology Lab | 1 unit
• EM 1124 Medical 1 | 3 units
• EM 1125 Medical 2  | 3 units
• EM 1126 Assessment Based Management | 1 unit
• EM 1131 Clinical 1 | 4 units
• EM 1132 Clinical 2 | 4 units
• EM 1152 Issues in Health Care | 2 units
• EM 1153 Issues in Health Care Education | 2 units
• EM 1154 Health Care Research | 2 units
• EM 1155 Legal Issues in Health Care | 2 units
• EM 1158 Finance and Accounting in Health Care | 2 units
• EM 1160 Professional Issues  | 3 units
• EM 1166 Senior Internship | 1 unit
• EM 1168 Leadership in Health Care | 3 units
• EM 1169 Critical Care Management | 4 units
• EM 1177 Senior Seminar | 1 unit
• EM 1180 Health Care Management | 2 units
• EM 1199 Independent Study | 1 unit min / 6 units max
• EM 1172 Issues in Health Care - Web | 2 units
• EM 1173 Issues in Health Care Education - Web | 2 units
• EM 1174 Health Care Research - Web | 2 units
• EM 1175 Legal Issues in Health Care - Web | 2 units
• EM 1183 Finance and Accounting in Health Care - Web | 2 units
• EM 1181 Professional Issues - Web | 3 units
• EM 1176 Senior Internship - Web | 1 unit
• EM 1178 Leadership in Health Care - Web | 3 units
• EM 1182 Critical Care Management - Web | 4 units
• EM 1177 Senior Seminar - Web | 1 unit
• EM 1179 Health Care Management - Web | 2 units
• EM 1185 Beyond the Body: An Introduction to Hidden Factors that Influence Health | 3 units
• EM 1187 Organizational Theory | 3 units
• EM 1185 Beyond the Body: An Introduction to Hidden Factors that Influence Health | 3 units
• EM 1187 Organizational Theory | 3 units
• EM 1186 Certified Ambulance Coder | 1 unit
• EM 1250 Introduction to Community Health | 2 units
• EM 1251 Mobile Integrated Health Care| 2 units

Requirements

• Complete the ApplyYourself application
• Personal essay: 1-2 pages discussing how you became interested in the field, any work or volunteer experience you have that will demonstrate your awareness of the field, and your long-term professional goals. Also include other areas of interest, extracurricular activities and leadership experiences.
• One letter of recommendation: College instructor or supervisor preferred.
• Minimum cumulative QPA of 2.5 (based on 4.0).
• Minimum prerequisite QPA of 2.5.
• A minimum grade of C or better for all credits transferred into Pitt. A minimum grade of C- or better for EM prerequisite courses and a grade of D or better for additional course work taken at Pitt.
• Please note that admission to the program is competitive. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.

Tuition and fees for the Emergency Medicine residency program at the University of Pittsburgh are structured to be competitive and provide comprehensive training. The program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and matches through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). For the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated resident tuition is approximately $61,816 per year, with additional fees for registration, health insurance, and other institutional costs. The University of Pittsburgh offers various financial support options, including stipends, scholarships, and loan programs, to assist residents in managing educational expenses. Residents receive a stipend that supports living expenses; for the 2023-2024 academic year, this stipend is approximately $60,000 annually, which is adjusted periodically to account for inflation and cost-of-living changes.

The university also facilitates loan options for residents who need additional financial assistance. Federal loan programs such as the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and Graduate PLUS Loans are available to eligible students. Furthermore, the university's Office of Financial Aid provides counseling and resources to help residents navigate repayment options and optimize their financial planning. Some residents may qualify for grants or subsidies based on their financial need, which can reduce the overall cost of the program.

In addition to direct financial aid, the University of Pittsburgh occasionally offers departmental or institutional fellowships and research stipends that can supplement income, especially for residents involved in scholarly activities or research projects. It is important for applicants and current residents to regularly check the university's official financial aid webpage for updated information on tuition rates, stipend amounts, deadlines, and application procedures.

The cost of living in Pittsburgh is relatively lower compared to other major cities, which helps mitigate the overall financial burden associated with training. Residents typically rent apartments or share housing, with average monthly rent in the nearby area being approximately $800–$1,200, depending on the neighborhood and type of accommodation. Utilities, transportation, food, and personal expenses should also be budgeted accordingly.

The university strives to make emergency medicine training accessible by providing transparent information regarding costs and available assistance programs. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office directly for personalized guidance and to explore all available options for funding their residency studies. Overall, while the costs associated with the program are significant, the combination of stipends, financial aid, and manageable living expenses helps support residents through their training period.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive Emergency Medicine program designed to prepare physicians for acute care practice in diverse clinical settings. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach that integrates advanced clinical skills, leadership, and research to improve patient outcomes. It provides extensive hands-on training through state-of-the-art simulation labs, supervised clinical rotations across a variety of hospital settings, and exposure to a broad spectrum of emergency cases including trauma, cardiac emergencies, pediatric emergencies, and toxicology.

Residents in the program benefit from a curriculum that combines didactic lectures, case-based learning, and opportunities for scholarly research. Faculty members are experienced clinicians and researchers dedicated to mentoring trainees through innovative educational methods and scholarly activities. The program fosters development in areas such as pre-hospital care, disaster response, and critical care medicine, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for both clinical practice and academic careers.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Emergency Medicine also collaborates closely with other departments and programs, offering interprofessional education experiences that enhance team-based care. The program supports participation in quality improvement initiatives and encourages resident involvement in ongoing research projects that aim to advance the field of emergency medicine. Moreover, residents have access to a rich network of professional development resources, including conferences, workshops, and national society memberships.

Graduates of the program are highly sought after for their clinical expertise, leadership qualities, and research contributions. They are prepared to work in diverse environments such as academic medical centers, community hospitals, and emergency medical services. The program's commitment to excellence, innovation, and comprehensive training ensures that residents are equipped to meet the demands of today's fast-paced emergency medical landscape.