While the site hopefully addresses this, I wanted to take a minute to point out some unique features of this program and the city of Saint Louis.
The faculty trained in different areas of the country
Our faculty trained in New York, Indiana, Oregon, Chicago, and Texas. As such, they each bring a unique view to their treatment approach. This will allow the fellow to mold all these approaches into what will become their desired treatment approach.
We are very well supported by the Division of Emergency Medicine
EM Administration is incredibly supportive of the division and our vision. Some of the best evidence is that we may have the best offices of anyone in the Department and the freedom we’ve been given to expand the services we provide. Administration is also incredibly helpful in scheduling the fellow so that shifts do not interfere with learning. They are willing to set up a fixed schedule for you, or if you’d prefer, to just block out the times when you can’t work. Any overtime is paid directly to you. Fellows will also have the opportunity to serve as physicians at Blue’s and Cardinals Games and work with the Urban Search and Rescue Team.
Financially well supported
It is true that you will have to work shifts. However, don’t think of this as a bad thing, especially for those coming directly from residency. Your hours are capped. Additionally, you will be given the opportunity to work with residents and students. All fellows get to go to 2 conferences a year (NACCT and ACMT ASM).
Non-traditional ways to use toxicology
Education is a large focus of our program. However, we believe that in addition to teaching you how to be medical toxicologist we should also show you what you can do with this beyond the traditional academic model. It is why we get you involved with the toxicologists at Bayer, have you serve on various hospital committees, introduce you to addiction medicine, and discuss billing with you.
Lots of connections!
The faculty here are well connected. This is partly because we did fellowships in different regions of the country so collectively we know lots of people. In addition, we are active at national levels. The faculty sit on the editorial boards of multiple journals including Dr. Mullins who is the review editor for clinical Toxicology and the editor-in-chief for Toxicology Communications. Dr. Schwarz is on the ACMT Board of Directors. Dr. Liss and Dr. Devgun are also involved with both national toxicology societies. As such, we can introduce you to a variety of people to assist in jump starting your career.
Lots to do!
We have a professional baseball and hockey team with several minor league teams in the area. Also, all big concerts, musicals, and shows do come through Saint Louis. Basically, as long as it is not professional football, whatever you like doing, you can find it in Saint Louis. And by the way, we work as physicians for the Cardinals and Blues. Yes, our physicians were rink side for the Stanley Cup! Also, for any foodie, lots of great restaurant options in the city. St. Louis has snuck its way into the top 15 restaurant destinations in America.
Cost of living is cheap
You’ll be making less than an attending’s salary as a Fellow, but the cost of living is considerably cheaper than the largest cities in the country. In addition, getting around Saint Louis is extremely easy. it is very easy to live in the county or outside the county and still be able to get to the hospital in under 20 minutes.
Expanding business opportunities
This really applies to your significant other. There are job opportunities for them in Saint Louis. This is especially true for anyone in the tech industry as those jobs and the infrastructure for them is growing rapidly. In the next few years, Saint Louis is on pace to being second only to Silicon Valley in that field.
Wine and the outdoors
Speaking of California, we are also second to them in the amount of wineries in the area. If you prefer beer, we have several breweries and bars that specialize in craft beer. There is plenty to do outdoors. Forest Park is the largest park in the country next to Central Park in New York. In addition, most everything is free. Free art museum. Free history museum. Free zoo. Free trails for biking and running. There are also multiple hiking and biking trails in the area and a ton of parks. We even have a small ski slope (Hidden Valley). While it won’t compete with anything in Denver, it can be a nice break for an afternoon. Plus, the big ski lodges are only a short plane flight away.