Getting Involved in Your Community

Abstract

Community involvement for the practicing emergency physician is vital to the development of individual personal and professional growth. Engaging with others, establishing key role models, and connecting with a diverse network of community leaders allow for a much richer purpose in the practice of medicine. The benefits of community engagement extend far beyond the walls of the emergency department, and identifying the pathways, adventures, and opportunities that exist offers the practicing emergency physician the opportunity to learn and grow while giving back to the community. Reaching out and offering to serve, developing collegial relationships, talking with others and asking to be involved, and wanting to give back are all mechanisms individuals can use to begin this engagement within their community.