a28
Subj : Re: Working in a (real) ER
To   : alt.tv.er
From : npardue
Date : Sat Sep 24 2005 08:39:14

From Newsgroup: alt.tv.er


Nicole Floyd wrote:
> You bring up a valid point which I think the writers miss.  First I don't
> thing Crichton has anything to do with the show anymore.
>
> Trauma hospitals such as the one shown on ER is a leader in Emergency
> medicine.  Thousands of doctors/interns/residents would die to have a chance
> to work in a trauma hospital in a major city such as New York/CHICAGO/Los
> Angeles.  That crappy stapling Abbey did would get her kicked out on her
> ass.  These hospitals have funding.
>
> What sickens me is that show this hospital as struggling with the bottom of
> the barrel.  If they gave any time and thought they could make them all
> leadind doctors which interesting cases and side stories.

Do keep in mind that this IS supposed to be a public hospital.  While
they do have money, they also have to treat vast numbers of uninsured
patients who use the County ER as a replacement for a primary care
doctor. So that aspect of it is pretty realistic. (And I'm sure many
Emergency Medicine residents would not choose to work in  a hospital
like that, but would prefer a different urban trauma center with a
slightly more upmarket clientele...)

But the other thing is that, in the early years, County WAS shown as
being a leader.  It drew top doctors -- Mark and Susan were clearly
VERY capable residents.  We were told time and again that the surgical
program anyway was one of the top ones in the country. (When Carter was
applying for his surgical residency, I think they said there were 6
applicants for 200? 500? slots.) When Abby Keaton joined them they got
one of the best pediatric surgeons in the country. The OR does numerous
cutting edge, advanced procedures, ranging from LVAD implantations to
heart-lung transplants.  Even as late as S7 when Benton was helping
interview students for admission to the the attached medical school
they were turning down dozens of VERY bright and qualified applicants.


But then suddenly, by around S9, we're told that County is a crappy
place where nobody REALLY wants to work ... Pratt is thrilled to get a
resident slot at Northwestern, and Luka can't understand why Gallant
would choose to here. They get stuck with
below-the-bottom-of-the-barrel residents like Morris and Howard
because, apparently, they can't find anyone better. They have trouble
finding new attendings  to replace those who've left, leaving the ER
horribly understaffed.

Naomi

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