How to give a consultation and how to get a consultation.

The interaction between emergency physicians and consultants is an important component of patient care. In this commentary, we offer suggestions to both physicians who ask for consultations and consultants who receive those requests. This advice applies mostly to medical students and junior residents who are just learning their way around the emergency department and who are susceptible to both the good and the bad habits of their supervisors. For those longtime workers in the ‘‘emergency trenches,’’ we hope that this advice will give a new perspective to better relationships with your colleagues.