Part I: Maintaining Joy and Career Satisfaction Across the Decades in Our Challenging Specialty

CHANNEL:

EMergent Journeys

EMergent Journeys is a new podcast collaboration between the AAEM Aging Well in EM Interest Group and the AAEM Resident and Student Association. Join us as we bring together the next generation of emergency physicians with seasoned attendings in our field to share stories, insights, and the wisdom that comes from decades on the front lines of emergency medicine.

The AAEM Aging Well in Emergency Medicine Interest Group is proud to present a two-part podcast series: “Maintaining Joy and Career Satisfaction Across the Decades in Our Challenging Specialty.”

In this thoughtful conversation, AAEM President Dr. Robert Frolichstein and Board Member Dr. Kevin Reed reflect on how they’ve stayed engaged, fulfilled, and resilient throughout their emergency medicine careers. The discussion is guided by questions from Thien An Nguyen, a member of AAEM/RSA.

Burnout is a well-recognized challenge in our specialty—but it doesn’t have to define your career. Drs. Frolichstein and Reed share personal strategies and lessons learned that have helped them sustain a sense of joy and purpose in the face of decades of clinical demands.

On behalf of Interest Group Co-Chairs Dr. Marianne Haughey and Dr. Gary Gaddis, we invite you to tune in. Whether you’re early in your journey or decades in, this series offers practical “anti-burnout” takeaways to support a thriving, meaningful career in EM.