A new documentary contrasts emergency room medicine then and now

Director Ryan McGarry filming in the hospital.

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The crew films medical staff for "Code Black," a documentary about emergency room medicine.

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The trauma bay known as the “C-booth” was notorious for being one of the busiest ERs in the country. That was until 2012 when the C-booth closed to a new ER facility, which Ryan McGarry would argue changed the way doctors and patients interact, and what doctors care about.

The trauma bay known as the “C-booth” was notorious for being one of the busiest ERs in the country. That was until 2012 when the C-booth closed to a new ER facility, which Ryan McGarry would argue changed the way doctors and patients interact, and what doctors care about.

McGarry’s documentary “Code Black” follows a group of young doctors going through a residency program with the LA County Hospital. Even in the new facilities, waiting times in the ER average 12 hours. The idealistic young doctors in the film learn about the realities of working in healthcare in an overburdened system where bureaucracy is king, and doctors spend more time filling out paperwork than helping patients.

Guests:

Ryan McGarry, director of “Code Black”

Dr. Jamie Eng, emergency room doctor featured in “Code Black”

Dr. Billy Mallon, emergency room doctor featured in “Code Black”

Code Black is premiering at the 2013 L.A. International Film Festival. Tickets are available for a screening Saturday at 4:50 PM. For more ticket information, click here.