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 […]