One hundred forty-one medical schools were surveyed to determine the emergency medicine core content topics and skills being taught in the curricula. Responses were obtained from 96 schools through two mailings and a telephone followup. Most topics surveyed were offered in the vast majority of medical schools (greater than 92%) with the exception of emergency medical services (offered in 79% of schools). Emergency medicine topics were a required part of the curriculum in a much smaller percentage of schools. No subtopics in toxicology, ophthalmologic emergencies, or emergency medical services were required in more than 30% of schools. The survey showed a similar pattern of these skills being offered in most schools, but required in a smaller number. For example, while C-spine immobilization is taught in 90% of schools, it is required in only 46%. Educators must consider a coherent, interdisciplinary knowledge base and skills list for their medical school curricula.