Comparison of required training for emergency physicians in four selected West European countries

In West European countries that provide nation-wide emergency medical systems, training programs for doctors are also in place. These programs differ with respect to admission requirements, clinical tasks, duration of training and the theoretical and clinical training required. A major difference is the fact that in-hospital emergency medicine in the emergency room is not considered part of the emergency physician's duties in all countries. In particular in the European Union, uniform training programs for emergency physicians should be the long-term goal.