Lessons from the Frontline: Personal Stories of Recovery Sparked in the ED
The ED as a Turning Point Working in a rural emergency department, I’ve seen moments of crisis that stay with you long after the patient leaves. For many individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, the ED is more than just a place to treat a medical emergency—it is a crossroads. Some arrive after an overdose, […]
Beyond the ED: Community-Based Strategies to Support Patients After MAT Initiation
The Emergency Department as a Starting Point The emergency department is often the first—and sometimes only—point of contact for patients struggling with opioid use disorder, particularly in rural communities. When a patient arrives in crisis, experiencing withdrawal, or recovering from an overdose, initiating Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can stabilize their condition and provide a bridge to […]
The Rural Emergency Department as a Lifeline: Meeting Patients at the Crossroads of Addiction and Recovery
The Unique Role of Rural Emergency Departments Working in emergency medicine has shown me that the emergency department is far more than a place for broken bones, chest pain, or sudden illness. In rural communities especially, the ED is often the only lifeline for people facing addiction. Many of these patients don’t have a primary […]
From Stabilization to Recovery: Redefining Success in Rural Emergency Medicine with MAT
Seeing the Patient Beyond the Crisis As an emergency physician practicing in rural communities, I’ve learned to recognize both the urgency of the moment and the broader story each patient carries with them. Many people come to the emergency department during their lowest point—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And when it comes to substance use, especially […]
Quiet Revolutions: How Rural Emergency Departments Are Leading the Way in Addiction Treatment
A New Chapter in Emergency Medicine Working in rural emergency departments has shaped me—not just as a physician, but as a person. Over the years, I’ve come to see that medicine in these settings demands more than clinical skill. It asks for adaptability, resourcefulness, and above all, compassion. One area where this has become particularly […]