Q&A: Craig A. Dues, D.O. (’00), F.A.C.O.E.P.

Emergency medicine

 What was your first experience in the ER?

During my first day working the ER—this was the Grandview night shift—we had an elderly female trauma patient. She had been struck by a vehicle, and I had to do a cardiac massage. I literally had my hands inside the patient’s chest massaging her heart during my first day.

 What do you love about emergency medicine?

 The thrill of the chase (laughs). No, it’s really having successful cases with good outcomes, seeing patients smile—it really hits home. That’s what it’s all about. Whenever I get caught up in the grind, I remind myself that it’s really a privilege to do what I do. Being a doctor is not something that’s owed to me, even with my training. I try to appreciate it everyday, earn it everyday.

 Also, I loved every rotation I did. After each one I thought: ‘I want to do that.’ I thought of all specialties I was exposed to, this was the most challenging in terms of the variety of medicine.

 What’s the greatest challenge?

The ER means very demanding hours and big ups and downs; it’s really an emotional roller coaster every day. You really have to have a supportive family, since you’re going to miss a lot of family events: holidays, games, recitals, etc. 

 How many hours do you work a week?

Right now I work about 80 hours a week, but that’s not always going to be the case. The average ER doctor works about 32 hours a week.

 When did you start considering medicine?

 At a very young age. My father was an EMT. Also, I had a lot of health problems as a child, due partly to a coarctation of the aorta, so I had a lot of exposure to health care facilities. I developed an appreciation and interest in medicine pretty early.

 What’s your advice to students considering emergency medicine?

Work hard, build a strong knowledge base that encompasses all specialties; you will see everything. Learn how to multitask.