Personal and literary experiences in the development of an emergency physician

The development of Emergency Medicine in the United States has evolved in diverse manners, depending particularly on the societal needs and academic support available in each city and institution. Significant personal and literary experiences are described with regard to the author's role in the development of Emergency Medicine at Bellevue Hospital Center and the New York City Poison Center in New York City. Critical quotations of literary and philosophic importance for the author are utilized to demonstrate the importance of literature in the development of a philosophy of life, a residency program in Emergency Medicine, a residency program in Medical Toxicology and an academic Department of Emergency Medicine. Critical societal events during the last quarter of the 20(th) century are related to this personal formative literature and the development of Emergency Medicine.