Pediatric emergency medicine

Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) is a medical subspecialty of both pediatrics and emergency medicine. It involves the care of undifferentiated, unscheduled children with acute illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention. While not usually providing long-term or continuing care, pediatric emergency doctors undertake the necessary investigations and interventions to diagnose patients in the acute phase, to liaise with physicians from other specialties, and to resuscitate and stabilize children who are seriously ill or injured.

History

The field of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) has grown rapidly since its inception in the 1980s. The first PEM fellowship program was established at the University of Pittsburgh in 1981. The American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Emergency Medicine jointly established certification for PEM in 1992.

Scope of the field

Pediatric emergency physicians are trained to care for a wide range of problems and conditions, from common pediatric illnesses like asthma and diabetes, to surgical emergencies such as appendicitis or fractures, and critical situations like sepsis, trauma, and cardiac arrest. They are also trained in the management of child abuse, sexual assault, mental health emergencies, and neonatal emergencies.

Training

In the United States, pediatric emergency medicine physicians must first complete a residency in either pediatrics or emergency medicine (or both) and then complete a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine. The fellowship typically lasts three years and includes both clinical and research components.

See also

• Emergency medicine
• Pediatrics
• Pediatric trauma
• Pediatric critical care