---

I donot think we should look at other specialties as our enemies. Our aim should be to develop EM as a specialty on its own right. There are a whole range of skill sets and competencies that could be developed as part of the curriculum.

At the end of the day, patient care, is all about team-work. One needs to know his role in the team. The eventual outcome should be a 'happy and healthy patient'. This shouldn't be shadowed by an individuals whims and fancies of being able to do everything.

(Though, ideally, the role of an EM physician should be clearly defined, very often this is just a mere blur.)

Going back to Bobby Cherian's example of 'polytrauma', I'd probably see myself as 'Jean Todt'. His strengths lie in managing his team. He can not take Raikkonen's place. Nor can he take the place of his 'lollipop' man. The latter two (as are the other members in Ferrari) are well trained in doing their respective jobs to near perfection only after years of practice. It is the entire outfit, as one single unit that makes a winning team!!! A mistake by any one member affects the overall result. Yes, sadly only one or two single individuals would be seen as heroes eventually!!!

Whether Emergency Medicine is being neglected or not is yet to be known. Mind you it is still early days.... Let us see what the future beholds.