AAEM Board Election

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

AAEM Board of Directors-Secretary-Treasurer
AAEM Board of Directors-At-Large Board Member
Executive Committee-Secretary/Treasurer
AAEM Physician Group Board of Directors-Director
AAEM Physician Group Board of Directors-Member
Chapter Division Committee-Member
Capital Region Chapter Board of Directors-Secretary/Treasurer
Justice, Equity Diversity & Inclusion Committee-Chair
Justice, Equity Diversity & Inclusion Committee-Board Liaison
Ethics Committee-Board Liaison
Ethics Committee-Member
Government and National Affairs Committee, Member
Latin American Health & Education Committee-Board Liaison
Oral Board Review Course Work Group-Board Liaison
Social EM and Population Health Committee-Board Liaison
Social EM and Population Health Committee-Member
Scientific Assembly-Moderator
Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress (MEMC)-Track Chair
MEMC-Speaker
MEMC-Poster Judge

Candidate Statement for President-Elect

I am asking for your vote, as candidate for President-Elect of AAEM because I believe it’s time to fully live up to our stated goals with a renewed commitment to growth, openness and inclusion of all emergency physicians and protect the highest aspirations of our specialty: not just how we practice but why we chose to practice emergency medicine. I have gained the qualifications, experience, and passion to lead AAEM into this new future of fully living up to our mission because during my several years in various leadership roles at AAEM, including our BOD, I have equally fought for the principles of unencumbered access to quality of care for our patients and for boarded EM Specialist. This includes the equitable protection and well-being of our peers, to ensure fair and equitable practice environments and due process. I advocated for these principles as a past Chair of the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Section, liaison to our Ethics Committee and Social EM and Population Health Committee. As your current Secretary-Treasurer, I have also served as a member of our Executive Committee in conferences and meetings to guide our organizational course at the highest level of our organization. I have co-signed our checks in a timely manner and ensured, together with our staff, that budgets, audits, and treasurer reports are comprehensible, transparent, and accessible to all board members and our organization. I have fought to protect equity in our lobbying to ensure representation of our entire membership not solely the interest of one political view over another.

As a board member of our AAEM Practice Group, I have helped champion fair and equitable practice environments that include our lawsuit against Envision to protect the takeover of our practices and prevent lay ownership and corporate abuses and ensure ethical business practices prevail. Together with our Ethics and Social EM Committee leadership, I helped create and host a podcast series to ensure we educate everyone interested in research that supports the value of living up to our vision and mission as the premier organization in emergency medicine.

My clinical practice and teaching roles with residents in emergency medicine at the University of Maryland and associate professor at Howard University and my fortunate opportunity to be educated at some of the best schools in the country: Cornell, Mt. Sinai, BU, University of Chicago and MBA and MPH at the Hopkins and experiences as medical director in my nearly thirty years in emergency medicine practice and now consultant for business performance, have enhanced my skills and dedication to advocacy. My roles in Government and National Affairs and advocacy on The Hill included a Fellowship in Congress and authorship of an AAEM Policy Statement calling for greater accountability by EMS, Law Enforcement, and our judicial system.

Help me continue our dedication to the foundational ideals of AAEM, and bring our message abroad as we grow internationally. Your vote ensures we continue this work to lead us into a brighter future of collaboration over divisiveness.

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

AAEM Board of Directors-At-Large Board Member
James Keaney Award Winner
Chapter Division Committee Board Liaison
California Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Capital Region Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Delaware Valley Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Florida Chapter Board of Directors-President
Florida Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Great Lakes Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
India Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Lebanon Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Louisiana Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Mediterranean Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Missouri Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
New York Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Texas Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Tennessee Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Uniformed Services Chapter Board of Directors-Board Liaison
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee-Member
Emergency Medicine Workforce Committee-Board Liaison
AAEM Membership Committee-Member
Lobbyist Task Force-Chair
Women in Emergency Medicine Council-Immediate Past Chair
Women in Emergency Medicine Council-Board Liaison
Leadership Academy-Mentor
Scientific Assembly-Moderator
Health Policy in Emergency Medicine (HPEM)-Speaker

Candidate Statement for President-Elect

As a member of AAEM for the last 17 years, I am honored to be nominated for President-Elect. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to serve on the Board the past 4 years, and I continue to be as passionate as ever about the ideals and values of our organization. I have shown initiative, determination, diligence, and innovation as an At-Large Director. I will continue to fight the outside interests that threaten our specialty: the corporate practice of medicine and private equity control, the lack of due process for physicians, and the interference in the doctor-patient relationship.

I have been an advocate for emergency medicine, inside and outside of AAEM, and will continue to do so in the future. I previously served as the President of the Florida Chapter of AAEM and as the chair of the Women in Emergency Medicine committee. I served as a county delegate to the annual Florida Medical Association (FMA) meeting, a Florida Delegate to the AMA, and as Vice President of my county medical society. I wrote a resolution to support a corporate practice of medicine prohibition that was passed by the FMA House of Delegates. Due to my work, a corporate practice of medicine prohibition bill was introduced in the Florida legislature this last session. On a national level, I have fought for American Medical Association support for a national corporate practice of medicine prohibition through introducing a resolution to the AMA House of Delegates and debating the issue on the house floor. I have met with legislators at a state and national level to bring awareness to the issue of the corporate practice of medicine and garner support for more stringent legislation. I am also involved in the Advisory Board of Take Medicine Back, a multi-specialty advocacy group fighting the private equity infiltration of healthcare.

Additionally, as an At-Large Director of the AAEM Board, I spearheaded a way for AAEM members to stay on top of new legislation and to communicate directly with lawmakers. With the launch of our Grassroots Action Center using a software called Quorum, members can act with just the click of a button to email, call, or tweet at legislators. Emergency physicians are amazing patient and community advocates and that should not cease when they go home after a shift.

As President-Elect, I will restore due process for emergency physicians. I and numerous other AAEM leaders have spoken to federal legislators about this issue many times and encouraged their support of a national due process bill. A bipartisan, bicameral bill is soon to be introduced.

Our duty as physicians is to help our patients: to be their advocates, to be their safety net when they need it most. However, physicians need a champion too. I will be that champion for Emergency Medicine physicians everywhere. I ask that you vote for me for President-Elect so that I may to continue to serve AAEM and our members. Thank you for this opportunity.

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

Florida Chapter Division-Member
Emergency Medical Services Section-Member
Women in Emergency Medicine Section-Member
Oral Board Review Course-Examiner

Candidate Statement for President-Elect

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the selection of the President-Elect for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. I have been a member for several years now and have been proud to support those that have stepped up to take this group to the next level and to protect our specialty. I have donated my time in the past with the AAEM board review team. Seeing all that is going on in the world and knowing how much emergency medicine has changed and been challenged recently has brought me a new found vigor and passion to step up and contribute not only financially but with my personal time and experience. My fledgling EM career was built on a desire to help others, not just patients but my peers. I first started out in emergency medicine as an RN in a busy level 3 trauma center in Grand Rapids. It was here that I developed the desire to move on from the role of nursing to my current role as an EM physician. As a natural leader, I ascended to the position of assistant medical director my second year out of residency. This was followed by medical director after only a short period of time. While in this role I was able to attend both phase one and two of the ED directors academy as well as the Harvard negotiation conference and the Estes Park Leadership training conference. I have utilize these skills to help educate the residents as well as my colleagues as we care for our patients in the Emergency department. In 2022 I was selected to the board of Global Billing Inc. in Sarasota. I am currently in the running for the vice CEO of my group. I have ample leadership experience and training as well as board experience. I am excited to participate and take a more active role in the leadership of AAEM as it continues to defend our specialty.

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

AAEM Board of Directors-YPS Director
AAEM Board of Directors-At-Large Board Member
Academic Affairs Committee-Board Liaison
Education Committee-Board Liaison
Ethics Committee-Board Liaison
Government and National Affairs Committee-Member
Government and National Affairs Committee-Vice Chair
Government and National Affairs Committee-Co-Chair
Government and National Affairs Committee-Board Liaison
Great Lake Chapter Division-Member
AAEM/RSA – Legacy Assembly-Member
Social Media Committee-Board Liaison
Young Physicians Section Council-Board Liaison
Scientific Assembly-Speaker
Scientific Assembly-Poster Judge
Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress (MEMC)-Poster Judge
MEMC-Abstract Moderator

Candidate Statement for Secretary-Treasurer

To the Membership of AAEM,

I would first like to thank you, the AAEM membership, for the opportunity for serving on the AAEM board for the past 4 years as the YPS director and subsequently an At-Large board member. I am now running to be your secretary-treasurer. It has been my honor to have represented this organization and to bring a unique perspective to AAEM. I am asking for the opportunity to continue to serve on the board for AAEM. I am so proud to have been able to represent this amazing and wonderful organization, as I truly believe this is THE organization that represents both the patients and emergency physicians and their best interests. Patients receive better care when the emergency physician is treated with dignity and respect. I am excited of the prospect to continue to participate in the board’s collaborative approach and effective communication in order to achieve the best outcome for the members of AAEM.

It is my goal to continue to serve this great organization and continue to bring additional knowledge and unique skill set to the AAEM board. Among these unique skills are a business background obtained through a MBA degree, as well as previous experience in advocacy leadership. In the past, I have helped developed AAEM’s business and investment plans and would like to continue to improve’ AAEM’s financial operations. As Secretary-Treasurer, I will work with the rest of the board to make sure all of our financial decisions are in the best interest of the membership. I am also enthusiastic about continuing involvement in board initiatives that will propel the AAEM mission and vision forward, including advocating for our specialty on Capitol Hill. In terms of advocacy, I am the board liaison to the Government Affairs Committee and continue to advocate for passage of Due Process protections for our specialty from CMGs. I have worked with our lobbying firms on passage on a due process bill, and would like to see this get re-introduced as legislation this year among other legislative priorities. As shown by our Envision lawsuit, we must fight the Corporate Practice of Medicine. We must also fight the continued threat of Scope of Practice of NPPs.

Just for some additional personal background, I have been involved with AAEM since my second year of residency. I was on the executive board of AAEM/RSA as a resident and YPS-AAEM board after residency. I believe in AAEM’s mission and values above all else. AAEM has a unique perspective on physician advocacy and fair practice, which speak to me as a clinician. AAEM is the premier EM physician organization and I am so proud to be a member of such a strong and dedicated organization. I will continue to be an active member in AAEM as long as I am an emergency physician.

I am deeply grateful for the trust and support extended by the AAEM membership and the organization as a whole. The impact AAEM has had on me both as a person and a leader in emergency medicine is immeasurable. As I seek the opportunity to continue serving on the AAEM board, I am excited about the possibility of contributing to the future growth and enduring impact of our organization. Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you as Secretary-Treasurer.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Phillip A. Dixon MD MBA MPH FAAEM CHCQM-PHYADV

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

Joe Lex Educator of the Year Award Winner
Mitchell Goldman Service Award Winner (4x)
Membership Committee-Vice Chair
Oral Board Review Course National Course Director
Oral Board Review Course National Advisor
Oral Board Review Course Vice Chair
Oral Board Review Course Regional Course Director (Orlando)
Oral Board Review Course Examiner/Course Director
Education Committee-Member
Scientific Assembly-Moderator
Leadership Academy-Participant
Common Sense-Author

Candidate Statement for At-Large Board Member

Champion of the Emergency Physician.

When the Academy re-branded several years ago, those words were chosen by the Academy Leadership to summarize why the Academy was formed and encapsulate how it has evolved. As demonstrated recently, the Academy has proven itself to be just that the Champion of the Emergency Physician. Not the Champion of a Membership Number. Not the Champion of the Largest Corporate Donor. The Academy represents all Emergency Physicians. (Even if they are not members!)

I am running for an At-Large position on the Board because I see the tremendous continued potential of the Academy. I see it in our current and future colleagues who are now entering the workforce having navigated the gauntlet of medical school, matching, and EM residency, having done so during a global pandemic and despite overwhelming changes in academia.

The future strength of the Academy is our colleagues. Those who are now becoming eligible to join our ranks as board-certified Emergency Physicians (and Fellows of the Academy) chose to enter this demanding specialty in the face of the global threat of COVID. They have watched, perhaps tangentially, the uncertainty over the future of the specialty, supply and demand mismatches, reimbursement changes, and evolving administrative structures.

They are smart. They are resilient. They have proven themselves. And they are the future of the Academy and the specialty we love. I believe it is the Academy’s job to continue to be their Champion, for they have earned it. This academy exists to ensure they have the continuing medical education, the economic know-how, an understanding of the workforce challenges, and an ability to navigate the constantly evolving landscape of the market forces in play.

I am inspired by our newest colleagues, and it is for them that I am seeking a position on the Board to continue to shape the Academy to share our message, drive necessary change, and shape the priorities of work to benefit our membership, our specialty, and our patients.

I’ve had the privilege of teaching, and later leading, the Oral Board Review Course for several years, and have been fortunate to be able to use that platform to talk to our new colleagues about the educational, legislative, policy, and personal growth and leadership opportunities the Academy provides to its members. I was inspired to get involved by Academy leaders such as Bob McNamara and Kevin Rodgers, each of whom reached out directly to me. I hope to help identify and develop the next generation of Academy leadership through a term on your Board.

During my twenty years of active service in the Army, I was charged to develop future leaders. Promotions, it’s said, are about potential, not performance. I am proud to say that several of the then-junior officers under my charge as a senior leader have gone on to be excellent leaders and role models on their own.

I hope to do the same as a member of the Board and thank you for your support!

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

AAEM Board of Directors-YPS Director
Clinical Practice Committee-Board Liaison
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee-Member
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Section-Member
Women in Emergency Medicine Section-Member
Simulation Interest Group-Board Liaison
Membership Committee-Board Liaison
Section Leadership Committee-Board Liaison
Oral Board Review Course-Examiner
Young Physicians Section Council-Member
Young Physicians Section Council-YPS Director
Young Physicians Section Council-Board Liaison
Leadership Academy-Mentor
Scientific Assembly-Poster Judge
Scientific Assembly-Abstract Reviewer
Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress (MEMC)-Poster Judge

Candidate Statement for At-Large Board Member

Fred Earl Kency Jr, MD, FAAEM FACEP is a board-certified emergency physician and a native of Jackson, Mississippi. He received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Alcorn State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, Alabama. Dr. Kency proudly served in the United States Navy for four years, and was deployed to Africa and Europe, prior to his honorable discharge. He returned home to Jackson, MS to complete his emergency medicine residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Kency currently works in community medicine as well as academic emergency medicine working mostly with medical students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Kency has been a member of AAEM since 2015. He has served in many leadership roles to include AAEM’s Resident and Student Association (AAEM/RSA) Board of Directors, AAEM’s Young physician Section (YPS-AAEM) council member, and most recently elected as AAEM YPS Director for three terms. As an AAEM board member, Dr. Kency has never missed a single board meeting, solidifying his dedication to the role his peers elected him too. He has also served on a host of committees within AAEM/RSA, YPS-AAEM, and AAEM.

Dr. Kency wants to continue his leadership in AAEM serving his first term as an At-Large board member. Dr. Kency’s passions include helping physicians with leadership training, financial awareness training, and continuing to be an advocate for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Dr. Kency prides himself on successfully contributing to strategic decisions that positively impact the organization’s direction and long-term goals.

I humbly request your vote and support. Together we can continue to bring about positive change and work towards a brighter future for all Emergency Physicians. Let me continue to be your AAEM Champion and make a difference for us all. Thank you for your consideration.

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

AAEM Board of Directors-At-Large Board Member
AAEM Foundation-At Large Director
AAEM LEAD-EM-At Large Director
James Keaney Award Winner
Wellness Committee-Board Liaison
Palliative Care Committee-Board Liaison
Rural Medicine Interest Group-Board Liaison
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Section-Member
Missouri Chapter Division-Member
Leadership Academy Task Force-Co-Chair
Leadership Academy-Speaker
Medical Student Ambassador-Mentor
AAEM Health Advocacy Day-Participant
AAEM Residency Visit Speaker
Common Sense Author
Scientific Assembly-Speaker
Scientific Assembly-Moderator
Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress (MEMC)-Speaker
MEMC-Abstract Poster Judge
MEMC-Abstract Reviewer

Candidate Statement for At-Large Board Member

It has been an honor to serve as a member of the board of directors for the past three years. Serving on the board of directors has allowed me to see how AAEM has embraced its role as the champion and conscience of emergency medicine. I have come to witness that AAEM is truly the advocate for the personal and professional well-being of the individual emergency physician.

I am very proud of the work that the AAEM Board continues to do for our members. We continue to speak out against workforce issues, support our committees and sections towards greater autonomy and develop the next generation of leaders. I’m most proud of how we are the only professional society in emergency medicine that is not afraid to fight the corporate practice of medicine with our lawsuit against Envision. We are making a difference as an academy and I am confident that history will reflect, as it has time and time again, that emergency medicine is a better specialty because of AAEM.

As your advocate on the board, I will continue to fight against the constant threat of the corporate practice of medicine, lack of due process and the non-physician scope of practice. I will advocate for EM to be a leader as the specialty that promotes physician well-being and inclusivity. I will continue to advocate for fair and equitable practice settings with structures and tactics that evolve with our changing workforce. I will continue to ensure that our academy is true to our mission as the champion of the emergency physician.

About Me:
I am a burnout survivor who transformed mid-career burnout into a passion for advocacy for physician well-being. I started my path in wellness with AAEM, having founded the AAEM wellness committee and currently serve at the board liaison. I currently serve as Director of Physician Wellness for the southern region of University of Colorado Health. I bring my passion, program development skills and experience as a physician leader to the board.

I practice as part of an independent democratic group Emergency Medicine Specialists PC in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Having been directly affected by contract management groups at many points in my career, working for and advocating for a fair and equitable practice continues to be a central priority. I bring the experience of having my career turned upside down by CMGs as a central motivating experience against the corporate practice of medicine to my service on the board.

I am on the faculty for the University of Colorado School of Medicine working directly in medical education. I bring my passion for medical education, mentorship, and professional development to my service on the board. I was co-chair for our Leadership Academy Task Force which has reorganized Leadership Academy into a direct mentorship and leadership development program for the future leaders of our academy.

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

Capital Region Chapter Board of Directors-President
Operations Management Section-Member
Education Committee-Member
Education Committee-Co-Chair
Scientific Assembly Planning Work Group-Ex-Officio
Speaker Development Subcommittee-Chair
Speaker Development Subcommittee-Member

Candidate Statement for At-Large Board Member

I joined the Academy in 2002, shortly after completing Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical System, excited to become part of an organization that tirelessly supports the careers and well-being of emergency medicine physicians. In 2004, I was honored to become a Fellow of the Academy.

For nearly 20 years, it has been my privilege to work with truly outstanding educators across the country as a member of the Education Committee. In addition to helping plan many of AAEM’s incredible educational offerings, my particular focus has been on programming for the annual Scientific Assembly and helping to create the one-of-a-kind Speaker Development Group. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as both Vice-Chair and then Chair of the Education Committee. I was truly honored to be selected for the AAEM Joe Lex Educator of the Year Award in 2017. Looking to further support our local members, I am very excited to have recently been elected President for the DC Capitol Region AAEM Chapter in December, 2023. Working with the newly elected board members we are excited about increasing local engagement to assist with AAEM legislative efforts and advocacy with members of Congress and the House of Representatives. We need to continue to fight for our rights and our specialty.

In my day job, I have worked as an emergency medicine attending since 2001 at both urban and community sites as well as 2 tertiary care hospitals, including the main teaching site for our great EM residency program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Over the past 10 years, I have been fortunate to have served in multiple leadership roles within MedStar Emergency Physicians, including positions of Vice-Chair and Chair at 3 very busy, high acuity Emergency Departments. These roles have provided me with the opportunity to better understand the multi-faceted challenges facing emergency medicine physicians each day. With a rapidly changing work-force environment, increasing pressures on equitable reimbursement and a shortage of qualified clinical support staff, the challenges our specialty faces have never been greater.

I believe in the academy’s commitment to its members and to promoting an environment in which we, as emergency medicine physicians, can provide the highest quality care for our patients. I hope to apply a unique perspective gathered from over 20 years of clinical, educational, and administrative experience to help serve you, our members and most vital asset. If elected, I promise to work tirelessly with the AAEM Board to further advance our shared vision and goals. I will continue to advocate for the personal and professional well-being of every member, support increased diversity within our Academy and specialty, work to enhance our outstanding CME offerings and continue to support international EM programs and societies.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to speaking with many of you at the upcoming Candidates’ Forum at the Scientific Assembly in Austin.

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

MEMC-Track Chair
International Committee-Member
Texas Chapter Division-Member
Uniformed Services Chapter Division-Member
Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress (MEMC)-Speaker

Candidate Statement for At-Large Board Member

Emergency physicians are under attack from multiple directions. We feel it every day. Moral injury from hospitals, insurers, groups, and worse, even from the patients we are trying to help. The perverse consequences of EMTALA that were never anticipated when it became law almost 40 years ago. It is exhausting. We need to find better paths to support our patients and each other. As an experienced strategic leader who still works in “the pit” I am passionately committed to working with our diverse Board to accomplish these goals. Yes, I have served on the AAEM Board and contributed in many other key roles at the national and international level over the past 20 years and I am humbled to have received the James Keaney Leadership Award in recognition of these AAEM accomplishments. Why is this important? By your membership in AAEM, you have demonstrated your commitment to supporting the very highest ideals that must guide our beloved specialty, and AAEM must deliver by representing these ideals forcefully and effectively. What you need now are experienced proven Warriors, like me, to work together to represent you in the battles we face in this decade and beyond. To do this I need your vote. With your vote, as a Board Member I will work collaboratively to advance the AAEM ideals and agenda that are most important to you, your patients, and our specialty. Thank you for your support.

AAEM Activities (Past 5 Years)

Resident of the Year Award Winner
AAEM Board of Directors-AAEM/RSA Representative
California Chapter Board of Directors-Resident Representative
California Chapter Board of Directors-Director
Critical Care Medicine Section-Member
Emergency Medical Services Section-Member
Emergency Medicine Workforce Committee-Member
AAEM/RSA Advocacy Committee-Board Liaison
AAEM/RSA Board of Directors-Member
AAEM/RSA-President
AAEM/RSA Board of Directors-Immediate Past President
Awards Committee-Member
Young Physicians Section Council-Member
Scientific Assembly-Speaker

Candidate Statement for YPS Director

Joining the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) Board of Directors is a prospect I approach with both humility and excitement. My journey in emergency medicine has been both enriching and challenging, and it’s these experiences that fuel my desire to contribute more broadly to our field through AAEM.

As President of the AAEM Resident and Student Association (AAEM/RSA), I had the privilege of navigating complex issues that impacted our profession. We addressed vital concerns such as the training differences between residents and non-physicians, the CMG expansion of EM residency programs, and the importance of resident advocacy. These topics weren’t just policy matters; they were about ensuring the best care for our patients and supporting the integrity of our profession. The weight of these responsibilities was not lost on me, and I carried them with the utmost seriousness and dedication throughout my training and early attending-hood.

Beyond AAEM/RSA, being selected as one of the three residents for the inaugural American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) Resident Advisory Panel was extremely valuable. This role wasn’t just about representing residents or understanding the importance of board certification; it was a testament to my commitment to our collective voice in shaping the future of emergency medicine.

My work in developing Space Medicine as a new subspecialty symbolizes my belief in the endless possibilities of our field. This endeavor has been more than just an academic pursuit; it’s been about pushing the boundaries of what emergency medicine can be, especially as we venture into new frontiers like space.

Seeking a position on the AAEM Board of Directors is a natural extension of my passion for emergency medicine. I don’t just see this as a leadership role; I view it as an opportunity to serve our community, bringing forth the insights and experiences I have gained to help navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

In this role, I hope to foster an environment where innovation, education, and patient care are at the forefront. It’s about collaborating, listening, and leading with empathy and understanding. I am eager to work with the board, our members, and the broader medical community to ensure that emergency medicine continues to be a field marked by excellence, compassion, and progress with AAEM as our representative organization.