A Web-Based Curricular Inventory of Emergency Medicine Clerkships in the United States

Since rotation data were last cataloged in 2013 by Khandelwal et al., there have been significant events that impacted emergency medicine (EM). Investigators sought to determine characteristics of EM experiences offered at US medical schools. We anticipated that, compared to data collected in 2013, there would be more required clinical rotations, but variability in timing and length.

We conducted an internet search of publicly available EM curricula for 224 accredited, degree-granting (158 MD, 66 DO) US medical schools. We examined if an EM clinical experience was required, when it occurred, rotation length, and the number and length of shifts.

We identified that 61.2% (137/224) of schools had a required EM clerkship, most frequently occurring after core clinical rotations. Advanced electives (sub-internships/acting internships) were offered at 110/224 schools (49.1%). These experiences were typically 4 weeks in length. Additional information regarding the number of shifts, shift length, and preceptorship, was limited and variable.

Most US medical schools require EM rotations, an increase over the prior decade. The Structure and timing of rotations vary, and many curricular details are not publicly available. A direct survey of clerkship directors and continued maintenance of existing repositories are needed to completely assess national trends.