In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Mohney, an Emergency Physician at Strong Memorial Hospital and the Director of the University of Rochester's REMS BS/MD program, to learn more.

Dr. Mohney shares his journey, from exploring his mother's medical journals as a kid, to working in an ED at 19, to almost choosing orthopedics as a specialty, before realizing the ER was where he truly belonged. He discusses the friendship that defines emergency medicine, the structural challenges that contribute to burnout, and why the cases that linger with you are rarely the ones you'd expect.

He also reveals what it's like to lead a competitive BS/MD program, what he looks for in applicants, and why early exposure to medicine is important. Whether you're a pre-med student, a future ER doctor, or just curious about a physician’s insights, this episode offers honest, firsthand perspectives and advice.

Welcome to the special year-end episode of Emergency Medicine Memoirs. In this episode, I reflect on the past year of hosting the show and what I’ve been up to during this break. As I step into a new chapter of my life, I’m reflecting on the powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast, the journey that brought us here, and the exciting new chapter ahead for the show.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped make the show possible, from our loyal listeners to our fantastic guests who have shared their stories and expertise.

So please sit back, relax, and join us as we take a trip down memory lane, listen to the journey I’ve been on, and welcome the incoming successes and conversations we’ll hear in this upcoming year and 4th Season of Emergency Medicine Memoirs.

In today's episode, I sit down with Michael Chen, an EMT with Austin Travis County EMS and combat medic in the Texas Army National Guard. Michael shares his remarkable journey from joining the EMS Explorer program in high school to his current dual role in emergency medicine. He discusses his experiences during ride-outs, the mentors who shaped his path, and the challenging realities of military medical training. Michael offers unique perspectives on how his civilian EMS experience prepared him for military service, and vice versa. He also reflects on the deeper meaning of service as the child of Chinese immigrants and provides candid advice about staying true to your own path despite external pressures. Listen in, and discover how emergency medicine can transform both careers and lives in ways you might never expect.