Phillip Jordan: It’s about helping people on 'potentially the worst day of their lives'

Philip Jordan at his wedding with bride Alaurah.

Dr. Phillip Jordan, an emergency medicine resident at Eastern Virginia Medical School, recognizes his field as one that involves problem solving.

While Jordan is passionate about the day-to-day work of emergency medicine and interacting with patients, he’s also cognizant of the big picture and also concerns himself with issues such as technology advancement and the overcrowding of emergency departments.

He believes that emergency medicine is a field for those who excel in high-stakes situations and who thrive at helping those in great need.

What do you love most about emergency medicine, and why did you choose it?

I’m fascinated by the undifferentiated and potentially sick patient. Puzzles, problem solving, and using my hands as an extension of my mind has always been important to me and given my life meaning. Add in my enjoyment of social interaction and connecting with people (on potentially the worst day of their lives), and emergency medicine was the obvious choice for me.

Who was your biggest influence growing up?

Carl Sagan made an enormous impact on me, the way I think and see the world and how I choose to spend much of my free time. The quest for knowledge and new frontiers is what has led mankind to such soaring heights amidst the animal kingdom here on Earth. I view medicine as yet another frontier that humans are in the midst of mastering.

How has your past influenced where you are now?

My upbringing was tumultuous, yet my mother brought stability to my formative years, which not only set me on a path to academic success but allowed me to form lifelong friendships, which have driven me forward to this day.

What do you hope for the future of emergency medicine?

One of my many hopes for emergency medicine is that one day we will have a system that can address many of the societal shortcomings that contribute to emergency department overcrowding and ED over-utilization for non-emergent issues.

Where do you see the profession of emergency medicine going in the next 10 years?

Emergency medicine will continue to optimize itself as the gateway into the healthcare system for many Americans while simultaneously forming partnerships within the community to address issues that simply are not best managed through an emergency room. These issues include warm handoffs for drug addiction treatment and observation units for a whole new era in observation medicine.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Graduating medical school was perhaps my proudest, most joyful moment. However, I realized just how lucky I was to have had the opportunity when so many qualified candidates go without acceptances every year.

How has emergency medicine changed since you started your career?

Hiking with friends in George Washington National Forest.

After having practiced only 2.5 years, I have already seen an evolution in chest pain diagnostics utilization (stress testing) in favor of a more rational risk stratification and shared-informed patient decision-making model.

How have you changed since you started your career?

I am much more cognizant of the “bigger picture” issues facing medicine in the U.S., as many of the issues meet their inevitable turning point in the emergency department.

What do you do in your free time outside of the ED?

Reading (nonfiction mainly), hiking with my wife/dogs, golfing, studying, and binging Netflix.

What motivates you?

I am motivated by the fact that every single day is a gift, which may not come with a sequel. I often intentionally remind myself of this fact, to bring a sense of awe to otherwise routine (sometimes tedious) everyday tasks. I am motivated to make the most of my time here and to be the best version of myself I can be so that those I encounter are benefitted as much as possible.

Who are your biggest influences right now?

I look up to several attending physicians I work with frequently and model much of my practice on them. I find those who are competent and professional yet have a sense of humor and zest for life are those I most wish to emulate.

What has surprised you the most about emergency medicine?

When working as an emergency department scribe during undergrad, I was most surprised by the sheer breadth of knowledge one has to have, to transition from seeing a patient in cardiac arrest to delivering a child, to performing an ophthalmologic exam. The task can seem daunting in the abstract but is manageable and very fulfilling.

Why did you join VACEP?

To become more involved with policy affecting emergency medicine. It came across as a well-organized and “grass roots” organization I knew I wanted to explore.

Describe your personal philosophy on emergency medicine.

Emergency medicine is a career meant for those who thrive in high-stakes situations and find fulfillment comforting those scared or in need.

Are you involved in any volunteer organizations (outside of ACEP/VACEP)?

After residency, hopefully freeing up my spare time will allow me to explore more volunteering options. 

What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved with VACEP?

Don’t hesitate! 

How would your colleagues describe you?

Thoughtful, talkative and patient.

How would you like to be remembered?

Wise, loving and caring.