A Teacher at Heart
Scott Goldstein (DO ’02), a leader in disaster medicine, is director of the Division of EMS/Disaster Medicine and a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at Einstein Healthcare Network. In addition to helping people, Goldstein enjoys teaching the next generation of doctors. “The enjoyment of educating and teaching feeds my soul. Making the best emergency physicians possible is a great honor and privilege that I gladly take to heart.” He sat down with The Box to talk about his career and love for teaching.
How did New York Tech help you in your career?
It gave me the opportunity to pursue a career in the field of medicine, which was a lifelong dream, well, at least since third grade. It has provided me with a ‘jumping off point’ to start an illustrious career in medicine that has so far spanned over 19 years and counting. The knowledge I gained has helped me to become a well-rounded physician by understanding the intricacies of how the body interacts within itself and how it manifests as signs and symptoms. The inclusion of osteopathic philosophy and medicine provided by New York Tech has made me a well-rounded physician.
What have been some of the highlights of your career?
The biggest highlights of my career have been academic. I chose to work in an academic facility. Therefore, that is how I gauge my highlights. A recent highlight is being honored as a fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine (FACEP) and a fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medicine Services (FAEMS).
What are you focused on now in your career?
My focus right now is on teaching future physicians. I enjoy many aspects of teaching, and knowing that I can provide future physicians with the knowledge and skills they will use throughout their careers is endearing. Even if it’s in 30 years and someone I taught thinks to themselves, ‘Dr. Goldstein taught me that’ is what I do it for.
How did you get into emergency medicine?
After residency, I bounced around a bit. I spent some time at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where I had the opportunity to work with the pre-hospital providers and the local law enforcement. It was an aspect of emergency medicine I was not fully exposed to in the preceding years. I sunk my teeth in all the way and realized I enjoyed pre-hospital/EMS (emergency medical services) medicine. But alas, I did not do a fellowship, nor any specific training in this growing subspecialty. I took it upon myself to learn all I could and made it my career choice. I took the boards, became a fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medicine Services, and it has been a focal point of my career.
You recently visited your alma mater to speak with New York Tech students. What was that experience like?
It was fantastic! I was in their shoes once. They had similar questions to what I had at that stage (some things never change), and I was glad to help guide them in their medical paths the best I could. It’s a rough road through medical school and to decide on a residency. It was a great way for me to give back. I look forward to doing it again.
