The Identity and Value of USACS PEM Physicians
At USACS, we don’t simply hire healthcare professionals—we empower lifelong careers. This is especially true for our team of Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) Physicians. While they invest in the health of our pediatric patients, we commit to their perpetual success. We strive to build an environment where they can thrive, guided by a clear and purposeful identity.
Few understand this more than Sujit Iyer, MD, National Director of Pediatric Services. In his words, “It all begins with the freedom to chart your own course. When speaking to Physicians, I like to ask: What aspects of PEM make you happiest? Perhaps you want to be a clinical expert or educator. Maybe you have a passion for simulation. No matter the answer, our goal is for you to do what you love in a place that fits your needs.”
In this regard, we have a wealth of options to choose from. Our traditional academic sites include Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, and Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children. Plus, we have seven community hospitals across several states. While each location aligns with unique interests, one constant remains: our PEM Physicians are valued as specialists, not just on paper but in action.
As Dr. Iyer explains, “Our EM teams are primarily adult trained, which makes pediatric skills critical. Our peers and Executive Leadership Team look to us as decision makers. Some believe community jobs don’t afford the same platform. Within USACS, they do. 85% of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits occur in the community. It is here that our voices are amplified. Our PEM Physicians work hand-in-hand with colleagues who want to take better care of children. Their knowledge is essential to advancing services in these settings.”
In addition to delivering excellent care, our PEM Physicians can play an active role in our teaching, quality improvement, child advocacy, and research efforts. Naturally, they often assume key leadership and administrative positions. The ability to engage in these core missions at any of our EDs distinguishes USACS in today’s landscape.
Illustrating this point, Dr. Iyer notes, “When it comes to teaching, most of our sites have affiliated appointments with medical schools. This is the case at Dell Children’s, where we work closely with The University of Texas at Austin. I also serve as the PEM Fellowship Director. We have a high retention rate for those who train with us and for us. Likewise, Inova Fairfax has a highly regarded fellowship and association with the University of Virginia School of Medicine.”
Adrienne Suggs, MD, Pediatric Medical Director at Sinai Hospital offers further insight. She adds, “Outside of traditional academic centers, we have similar avenues to shape the clinical workforce. Sinai, for instance, has a Pediatric Residency Program. Our PEM Physicians craft lecture content and procedure workshops. Medical students from George Washington University complete rotations with us as well. When they come to our department, we are at the forefront of their instruction.”
Notably, these contributions are not limited to the confines of the hospital. Our PEM Physicians are equipped to expand their impact locally and nationally. They participate in practice-wide programs, publish in a variety of domains, and present at conferences from coast to coast. In doing so, they leave a lasting impact on the 1 million pediatric patients we see annually.
To quote Dr. Iyer, “These offerings don’t exist elsewhere. Of course, it is rewarding to heal a child in front of you. However, it feels immensely gratifying when we can influence the care of children we will never meet. Our colleagues who span 400+ programs want to hear what we have to say. Fortunately, we have the robust database and network to respond.”
A prime example comes from Sara Kirby, MD, Pediatric Medical Director at AdventHealth Tampa. She shares, “One way to get involved is through our Pediatric Readiness Initiative. I use my experience as an EM/PEM Physician to work with EDs in the USCAS Florida Region on Pediatric Readiness. I partner with Pediatric Champions at our EDs to prepare them for children that come by private vehicle or EMS. Our sites now score an 88 or higher on the national assessment, which is proven to decrease pediatric mortality and injury risk.”
While not exhaustive, these outcomes shed light on the opportunities we facilitate. Not to mention, the ways that they benefit our team members and communities alike. As owners, our PEM Physicians have the capacity to foster a fulfilling and collaborative atmosphere. They are at the helm of ensuring our pediatric patients are expertly treated, regardless of where they land. If they want to leave a bigger footprint, near or far, we help them do so.
Dr. Iyer concludes, “Our PEM Physicians are not on a journey by themselves, nor are they a cog in the machine. My argument is that they may, for the first time, feel seen and appreciated as specialists. They will use their expertise to its full potential in the area that brings them joy. In the end, USACS provides mentorship and resources to support them in achieving their ambitions.”
Want to find your perfect fit? Explore our career openings and contact our clinical recruiters for more information.