Introducing Dr Michael Schick
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Mike is the newest member of EMUGs Central Council having also recently become the Incoming Chair for EMUGs New Zealand.
Mike is a POCUS superstar with international governance experience and so we are very fortunate to have Mike stepping into these roles. Its our pleasure to introduce him to the wider EMUGs community. Read on to get to know Mike.
Tell us a bit about yourself professionally to set the scene.
I am an Emergency Medicine Consultant and co-lead for ultrasound in Waitemata Health District in Auckland New Zealand, which covers geographically north and west Auckland. Before that I worked as an associate professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of California, Davis and was the Director of Global Ultrasound.
Why EMUGs and how did you get involved?
I was introduced to EMUGs by my emergency medicine and POCUS enthusiast colleagues in Waitemata and was invited to speak on the paediatric abdomen the first time I attended SONIC. It was instantly one of my favorite conferences and I knew I wanted to get to know these POCUS people better. I love that EMUGs is a community that delivers education. An organisation large enough to be inclusive and make meaningful change in the region, but small enough to be intrepid and innovative.
What drives your passion for POCUS?
Much of my career focus has been POCUS use in limited resourced health settings. POCUS is indispensable in these health settings and makes a massive difference for most patients. Another focus I had in my previous job was incorporating ultrasound into medical school education, which can really help students understand anatomy, physiology and pathology while developing psychomotor skills.
As you progress in your POCUS career everyone accumulates striking cases of when POCUS really saved the day, but as the years march on it's the clinicians I have trained and helped that makes me the most proud. After years of effort and squeezing out every cent of grant money possible I have POCUS trained colleagues throughout the world. I am still working in this space in the pacific islands with PEARLS, so please contact me if interested.
Favourite travel destination and why?
Dolomites, Italy. I like climbing and the via ferrata throughout the Dolomites makes climbing easily accessible for anyone, making it ideal for families who have kids of different ages and skill levels.
What is your vision for EMUGs for the future?
EMUGs has done great things in the basic POCUS and echo education space. I see EMUGs growing to better include and represent other medical specialities, clinical groups, and expanding training options. In New Zealand, I have noticed there are heaps of opportunities to expand education and training into the medical school and registrar spaces. I hope to help develop a POCUS course for those who work in tropical, low resourced settings as well.
Who are you and what do you do outside of work?
Born to immigrant parents in the USA, life was about family, education and making the world a better place. Becoming a doctor seemed to fit the bill. I moved to New Zealand about 4 years ago with my wife and 3 kids. Besides POCUS, I am into tramping, hiking, climbing, skiing, travel, wine and food. I am the main carer for my 3 kids and spend my time professionally fathering when outside the hospital.
What can you say to other doctors thinking of becoming involved with EMUGs? What value does your involvement with EMUGs give to you?
It's a no brainer. If you are delivering clinical care, POCUS is for you and EMUGs is the organisation to get you started.
What progress have you seen with regard to POCUS? What would you like to see?
POCUS has expanded in scope and depth of use from the day it was used in secret from radiology.....It is well established now, changes outcomes and makes me a better clinician, especially in settings where health resources are limited (so pretty much everywhere). I would like to see broader acceptance and education so that we can incorporate POCUS into relevant clinical pathways.
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