We hope this rotation will allow you to experience Emergency Medicine at an independent academic center with a large volume of patients. Reading Hospital is one of the busiest single-site emergency departments in Pennsylvania. Recently, we were named one of the ten busiest emergency departments in the United States. Our goal is to make this rotation both enjoyable and educational for you.

This four-week rotation is designed to engage students in the bedside care of Emergency Medicine patients while providing them with weekly didactics to enhance their learning experience. Medical students have the opportunity to work side-by-side with board-certified Emergency Medicine physicians, perform common procedures, and be part of our exceptional multidisciplinary care team.

Students will work one-on-one with Emergency Medicine attending physicians or senior Emergency Medicine residents in the evaluation and treatment of patients with both emergent and urgent conditions. In this large hospital setting, students will learn the scope of emergency medicine practice, as well as the principles of evaluation and stabilization of patients with critical illnesses.

Students will also accompany paramedics on advanced life support ambulances to gain experience in pre-hospital emergency care. Students will have the opportunity to participate in weekly conferences, procedure days, dedicated pediatric shifts, trauma shifts, U/S workshops, and mock resuscitations during their rotation. Plus, simulation sessions are based on the resident education schedule.

Elective Offering

Emergency Department at Reading Hospital offers the following fourth-year Medical Student Elective rotations.

  • Emergency Medicine (four-week rotation)
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine (four-week rotation)
  • Ultrasound (two-week rotation)
  • Emergency Medical Services (four or two-week rotations)

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted beginning March 1, 2025.

For students interested in applying for a fourth-year rotation, please send a copy of your transcript, board scores, and brief personal statement to:  EMResidency@towerhealth.org

2025 - 2026 Rotation Schedule

  • June 9 to July 3
  • July 7 to August 1
  • August 4 to August 29
  • September 2 to September 26
  • September 29 to October 24
  • October 27 to November 21
  • November 24 to December 19
  • January 5 to January 30
  • February 2 to February 27
  • February 30 to March 27

*Admissions will be on a rolling basis. You will be notified three months before the start of the rotation.

Students may also apply for fourth-year rotations through AAMC VSLO-VS Learning Opportunities.

Our Program is listed under Drexel University College of Medicine, West Reading- Reading Hospital- Emergency Medicine.

Emergency Medicine Clerkship

Why come to Reading Hospital?

  • Small teaching teams within a large state-of-the-art independent academic medical center
  • High volume
  • Dedicated educators
  • Emergency Medicine Residency
  • One-to-one clinical experience with an attending physician or senior resident
  • Personal attention
  • Thoughtful amenities so you can focus on learning
  • Great location
  • One hour from Philadelphia
  • Within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and a beautiful park with a running trail
  • Free parking
  • Direct involvement in emergency simulation experiences