EM 1 Rotations
Foundations of Emergency Medicine: Your First Year
Kickstarting your residency with hands-on clinical experience and core skill development.
The first year of residency at UTHealth Houston immerses EM-1 residents in a dynamic blend of clinical rotations, procedural training, and foundational education.
With structured shifts in both Memorial Hermann TMC and LBJ General Hospital, residents gain exposure to a wide range of emergency scenarios, from trauma and critical care to pediatrics and obstetrics. This robust curriculum ensures residents develop the essential skills and confidence needed to excel in emergency medicine.
Shifts in the ED each month for residents are divided approximately:
- 45% Trauma / Medicine shifts
- 45% General Medicine shifts
- 10% Pediatric shifts
EM 1
| Orientation (MHH and LBJ) |
ED (MHH) |
ED (MHH) |
ED (MHH) |
ED (MHH) |
ED (MHH) |
ED (LBJ) |
ED (LBJ) |
MICU (MHH or LBJ) |
Ortho (MHH) |
US (MHH and LBJ) |
OB (LBJ) |
| Pedi ED (MHH) |
Radiol (MHH) |
Anes (LBJ) |
| Orientation | (1 month) | This first month of residency incorporates many high-yield experiences to orient the EM1 resident to emergency medicine residency. Included are lectures, procedure and cadaver labs, ATLS, PALS, and practice shifts in the ED. |
| Orthopedics | (1 month) | The EM resident participates in ED call, clinic, and gains extensive experience with the acute diagnosis and management of orthopedic injuries, including: splinting, fracture reduction, ED fluoroscopy, and other procedures. Supervision is via dedicated ED Orthopedic faculty and Orthopedic residents. |
| MICU | (1 month) | This rotation involves four weeks acquiring the experience, technical skills, and knowledge needed to care for critically ill medical patients. Residents rotate in the in the MHH MICU. |
| OB/GYN | (2 weeks) | The resident spends two weeks with the Obstetrics team at LBJ Hospital gaining experience in deliveries and the management of late term pregnancy presentations. |
| Anesthesia | (2 weeks) | The resident will practice intubations and airway management techniques for adults and children in the OR setting with direct faculty supervision. |
| Ultrasound | (1 month) | The resident is introduced to the basic physics of ultrasonography and receives hands-on training in performing emergency ultrasound (e.g., eFAST, abdominal, pelvic, cardiac, and procedural studies). |
| MHH ED | (4 months) | 4 months |
| LBJ ED | (2 months) | 2 months |
| MHH Pedi ED | (1 month) | This is one month of shifts solely in our Level I Pediatric ED working under the supervision of Pediatric EM faculty. The focus is on recognition and management of pediatric emergent and ambulatory patient presentations. |
During the EM-1 year, residents rotate through Memorial Hermann–TMC, LBJ General Hospital, and key specialty services such as MICU, Orthopedics, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Anesthesia, and Ultrasound.
Building Your Base: EM 1 at a Glance
- ED Shift Breakdown: ~45% trauma/medicine, ~45% general medicine, ~10% pediatric
- Hospital Sites: Rotations at Memorial Hermann–TMC and LBJ General to expose you to diverse patient populations
- Core Rotations Include: Orientation, Orthopedics, MICU, OB/GYN, Anesthesia, Ultrasound, Pediatric ED
- Procedural & Didactic Training: Cadaver labs, ATLS, PALS, lecture series, simulation sessions
- Progressive Exposure: Start with foundational skills and build toward autonomy in managing emergencies
This diverse experience builds a strong clinical foundation, balancing high-acuity training with essential procedural skills to prepare residents for greater responsibility in the years ahead.