Wellness in EM: Look After Yourself First.

A Discussion of Actionable Plans For Professional Sustainability and Performance in Emergency MedicineThe "ACEM 1000 hour exam" is the nickname for the rigorous preparation needed to pass the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) Fellowship exams. It refers to the substantial time commitment & high-quality study required to be successful. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine Exams are no different. Therefore, before you can contemplate preparing for fellowship exams, portfolio pathway or a career in Emergency Medicine (EM) you need to look after yourself & your family physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. This document synthesizes key strategies and insights for Emergency Medicine (EM) professionals to enhance on-shift performance, mitigate psychological challenges, and build sustainable, fulfilling careers. The demanding nature of EM necessitates a proactive, multi-faceted approach to wellbeing, which is a shared responsibility between individual clinicians and the healthcare system. Critical takeaways include the need for structured strategies to manage the predictable chaos of an ED shift, the implementation of deliberate boundary rituals to separate work and home life, and a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena such as moral injury and compassion fatigue. Systemic support, a positive organisational culture, and robust long-term career planning are equally crucial. By integrating these evidence-based tools and frameworks, clinicians can improve their daily professional experience, reduce burnout, and ensure career longevity. Further references and resources are available on the MEM-EM Website.