The concept of the surgicalist was born of economic and practical necessity. Dr. John McConnell is a health economist and an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Oregon Health and Science University whose research has focused on emergency and trauma care as well as health policy. He is interviewed by Dr. Shira Johnson to discuss how and why the role of the surgicalist evolved. Tune in to find out who may be seeing your next surgical consult from the ED. It may not be the surgeon on call.