Milwaukee, WI — The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) is proud to announce the members elected to serve on the 2026–2027 Board of Directors. This leadership team will guide the Academy’s work at a time when emergency medicine demands clear advocacy, strong physician leadership, and a sustained commitment to practice environments that allow emergency physicians to do what they do best: care for patients.
Phillip A. Dixon, MD MBA MPH FAAEM CHCQM-PHYADV, has been elected as AAEM President-Elect. An established leader in emergency medicine with a history of service to the Academy, Dr. Dixon brings broad experience and a forward-looking perspective to the role.
Heidi Best, MD FAAEM, has been elected Secretary-Treasurer. Recognized for leadership within the specialty, Dr. Best will help guide AAEM’s governance and financial stewardship in support of the Academy’s mission.
AAEM is excited to welcome the following At-Large Directors:
- Laura J. Bontempo, MD MEd FAAEM, re-elected to the Board, is an emergency physician who brings broad experience and a strong commitment to the specialty.
- Kimberly M. Brown, MD MPH FAAEM, re-elected to the Board, brings a valuable perspective and a collaborative approach that will support the Board’s work on behalf of AAEM members.
- Manish Garg, MD FAAEM, newly elected to the Board, brings valuable insight and leadership that will help advance the Academy’s priorities.
Jennifer Rosenbaum, MD FAAEM, has been elected to represent the Young Physician Section (YPS) on the AAEM Board. In this role, Dr. Rosenbaum will help ensure the voices, priorities, and perspectives of early-career emergency physicians are reflected in the Academy’s leadership and work.
The AAEM board of directors also includes:
- President: Vicki Norton, MD FAAEM
- Immediate Past President: Robert Frolichstein, MD FAAEM
- At-Large Board Members:
- Eric Brader, MD FAAEM
- Frank L. Christopher, MD FAAEM
- Fred E. Kency, Jr. MD FAAEM
- Robert P. Lam, MD FAAEM
- Kevin C. Reed, MD FAAEM
- Rober E. Suter, DO MHA FAAEM
- AAEM/RSA President: Arya Hawkins-Zafarnia, MD MA
- AAEM Physicians Group Chief Executive Officer: Mark Reiter, MD MBA MAAEM FAAEM
AAEM warmly congratulates all members selected to serve and is grateful for their commitment to leadership on behalf of the specialty. The Academy remains dedicated to advancing emergency medicine through advocacy and education, supporting emergency physicians and strengthening care for the patients and communities they serve.
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The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) is the specialty society of emergency medicine and the champion of the emergency physician. AAEM was established in 1993 to promote fair and equitable practice environments necessary to allow emergency physicians to deliver the highest quality of patient care. Our guiding values are embodied in our mission and vision statements.
For more information, please contact:
Katy Konkel
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
(800) 884-2236