These positions combine clinical, educational, administrative and research responsibilities. While currently quite uncommon in our field, this type of position should provide excellent academic development and could help assure a successful academic career. This may help you estimate the salary per hour that you would earn. So much for money. Let's get to the real issue.
Power is defined as a position of control, authority, or influence over others.
The power to help the program, help your patients, help your colleagues and help yourself. By far the most frequently reported reason residents aspire to become chief is to help strengthen the program. The chief resident is in an ideal position to do just that. Bolster morale, inspire residents to achieve, and faculty to teach, develop educational programs, fine tune and improve the curriculum, solve problems, and raise the stature of emergency medicine in the institution and the community. The experience can also increase your individual power.