President

Stanford University

My name is Lauren Diercks, and I am a PGY2 at Stanford Emergency Medicine Residency. I have served on the RAMS Board for four years, two years as a medical student representative, one as a Member at Large, and am currently Secretary Treasurer. If elected as President, I will continue to prioritize the membership experience. RAMS members derive value from career advancing involvement in SAEM through abstract presentation, committee involvement, didactics, and Pulse articles. The job of the RAMS Board is to promote those experiences for residents and medical students. In my prior roles on the RAMS Board, I created an EMIG survey to understand the medical student experience, collected data about current RAMS involvement in committees, and created the short term project form to increase RAMS involvement in committee and academy work. In addition to increasing deliverables for members, the board can modernize our virtual presence. My goal is to adjust from webinars, to short, palatable, written or video deliverables that will better align with membership needs and use the virtual presence SAEM is developing with the new website and social media. As president, I hope to facilitate the new website improvements to optimize the website so our members can reach the established roadmaps, curriculum, podcasts, webinars, and opportunities that already exist. My ultimate goal on the RAMS Board is to continue to create a quality membership experience that fosters career development for RAMS members.

Secretary-Treasurer

New York Presbyterian - Cornell/Columbia

I am currently a PGY-3 at New York Presbyterian- Cornell/Columbia and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both my Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine, graduating in 2023 as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. I have had the privilege of serving as a RAMS Board Member-at-large for the past two years and am honored to be considered for election as Secretary and Treasurer.

In my time on the RAMS Board, I have acted as liaison to the Program Committee, a role in which I have been developing a year-long mentorship program for the medical student ambassadors who are crucial to operating the annual meeting. I have also been part of the Strategic Planning Task Force to create the next three-year strategic plan for the RAMS Board and part of the Regional Ambassador Task Force that has worked to connect EMIGs with SAEM, as well as writing an EMIG guidebook. I joined the education committee as a resident member for my first year and am now a member of the wellness committee. This RAMS board is an incredible group of doctors and I am excited by the prospect to work with them for another year in a new role.

If elected, I am excited to seize the opportunity to help design the RAMS section of the new SAEM website, which we hope will be the go-to source of guidance for current and future emergency medicine residents amid the many upcoming changes to residency curricula and board examinations. Additionally, now that residents and medical students make up more than half of SAEM membership, I plan to find new roles for RAMS members within every committee, academy, and interest group in SAEM to fully incorporate RAMS members in all aspects of the organization and grow the future of academic emergency medicine.

To be considered for election as secretary and treasurer is a vote of confidence in the incredible work the RAMS Board has done in these last couple years and I am excited to see what such a strong group of people can do in the future.

Secretary-Treasurer

University of Cincinnati

Hello RAMS! My name is Mel Ebeling (they/them), and I am a resident physician at the University of Cincinnati. It’s been an honor to serve as a Member-at-Large on the RAMS Board, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Secretary-Treasurer.

Before residency, I served as an EMT throughout college and medical school and trained as a Hazardous Materials Specialist–experiences that shaped my dedication to teamwork and preparedness. I’ve also served on several institutional and national committees in medical education and DEI, helping redesign preclinical curricula and establish system-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives. Throughout my education, SAEM has been a vital resource, connecting me with mentors who inspired my path in academic EM.

As a leader, I value reliability, open-mindedness, and collaboration, focusing on tangible outcomes. When I ran for the RAMS Board last year, my goals were to bridge the information gap on working in academics, develop a standardized curriculum vitae for the emergency physician, and develop practical research resources for RAMS members without strong mentorship. Months into my term, I’ve (1) led a RAMS Webinar on the "behind-the-scenes" of academia, (2) collaborated with the Education Committee on creating that standardized CV, (3) advocated for adding a research guide to our strategic plan, (4) published a RAMS Career Roadmap in Disaster Medicine, (5) launched an SAEM Pulse series highlighting resident leaders, and (6) co-authored the first summary article of the ACGME’s proposed changes and timeline.

If elected Secretary-Treasurer, I’ll bring my diverse background to advance initiatives supporting our academic- and research-oriented members. My priorities are to (1) propose fiscally responsible ways to reinvest RAMS funds to support trainee engagement, ideally including offsetting conference costs, (2) complete publication of the first standardized CV template in our field, and (3) expand collaboration across SAEM Academies to develop tools that help YOU navigate training and career growth, such as the practical research guide, NIH biosketch template, and job negotiation toolkit.

RAMS is where residents and students grow into the next generation of academic emergency physicians. I’d be honored to earn your vote to continue building this community for all of us!

Member-at-Large

The Ohio State University

I am a PGY-2 Emergency Medicine Resident at The Ohio State University, where I am deeply involved in medical education and resident leadership. I completed my medical degree at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine where I initially developed my interest in emergency medicine.

At Ohio State University, I currently serve on the Resident Advisory Board and as the Head of the Recruitment Committee. I am passionate about emergency medicine and have organized educational workshops, simulation cases, and mentor relationships for our interns and visiting medical students. I am also an Alternate Councilor for Ohio ACEP and have been advocating for EM physicians at a state and national level through this position.

I am running for a RAMS board position because I am passionate about academic emergency medicine and want to share my interests with medical students considering the field, and with residents who are early in their clinical training. Although I will only see a finite number of patients while working, I believe education creates an opportunity to multiply our impact by shaping and training the next generation of emergency medicine physicians.
If elected, I hope to expand procedural training opportunities, mentorship for medical students and residents, and the discussion on the hidden curriculum of Emergency Medicine.

Serving on RAMS Board would allow me to channel my passion for education into initiatives that promote emergency medicine as a specialty and improve academic engagement.

Member-at-Large

University of California, Davis, Health

I am a first year resident physician at the University of California, Davis, Health, pursuing a career in academic emergency medicine with a strong focus on medical education and mentorship. Over the past four years of medical school at UC Irvine, I have served in multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Advising and Education for the UC Irvine Emergency Medicine Interest Group, President of the California EMRA Medical Student Council, and Co-Founder and Director of Operations for ZotUnity, a house-based academic, mentorship, and wellness program that supports over 300 medical students. These experiences, along with my ongoing contributions to medical education research, have shaped my passion for fostering community and advancing learner success.

This commitment has been recognized nationally through the SAEM RAMS Leadership in Emergency Medicine Award (2025) and the ACEP & EMRA National Outstanding Medical Student Award (2025), honors that reflect my dedication to leadership, service, and academic excellence.

If elected to the RAMS Board, my primary goal is to strengthen community between medical students and residents by creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and early exposure to academic EM. I hope to expand the RAMS Resources hub by developing tailored “pathways” for learners at different stages of training and to invigorate the RAMS Online Group Discussion forum with structured engagement, Ask Me Anythings, and faculty-led discussions. Additionally, I aim to expand RAMS’ national presence through innovative digital and social media content—including blog posts, short-form video series, and curated resources—that highlight both educational content and the diverse voices of our community.

I am eager to bring my energy, creativity, and commitment to advancing academic emergency medicine to the RAMS Board. Together, I believe we can continue building a connected and supportive national community for trainees in emergency medicine.

Member-at-Large

Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School

I am a PGY-3 resident at New Jersey Medical School with a background shaped by military service, healthcare experience, and a strong commitment to leadership, education, and mentorship. After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Marine Special Operations community. During this time, I cross-trained with Navy Corpsmen, which inspired my transition into medicine. Following my military service, I completed undergraduate studies at Fordham University before attending Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where I was commissioned into the U.S. Army. As a Curriculum Research Fellow, I helped integrate teamwork and leadership training into residency programs and published research on team performance and medical education. I was honored to be inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and recognized as a Rutgers Rising Star Scholar for my academic and leadership achievements.

Over the past year, I have served on the SAEM RAMS Board, contributing to initiatives focused on resident wellness, professional development, and educational programming. I have worked to create webinars and other resources that provide trainees with insight into academic careers, faculty positions, and leadership opportunities within emergency medicine.

I am running for re-election to the RAMS Board to continue advancing the Society’s mission of supporting residents and medical students in emergency medicine. If re-elected, I plan to expand educational opportunities, particularly in critical care and EM-ICU integration, strengthen resident leadership development programs, and foster a supportive, collaborative community among RAMS members. My goal is to ensure that trainees are not only well-prepared for clinical excellence but also empowered to become leaders, innovators, and advocates for the specialty.
I am excited to continue contributing to RAMS and SAEM by promoting education, research, mentorship, and community, helping to shape the next generation of academic emergency physicians.

Member-at-Large

NewYork-Presbyterian

I am running for the RAMS Board to ensure the professional development and career longevity of our members.

My unique background provides me with a well-rounded perspective on academic development. I completed two years of Internal Medicine residency In New York City and am now an Emergency Medicine resident at New York Presbyterian, enrolled in dual Ultrasound and Medical Education Advanced Practice Tracks (APTs). I am a member of Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) and received the Emergency Medicine Rotator of the Year Award as an Internal Medicine Resident.

I have been involved in multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations on topics from cardiovascular research to novel MedEd curricula. I have strong leadership experience, having served as a Peer-Selected ACGME Representative. Presently, I am participating in administrative and quality improvement roles, such as Sepsis Champion and Informatics Curriculum Design Team. While I do not have prior RAMS/SAEM Board experience, my commitment to academics and professional growth is extensive.

If elected, I will promote two key goals aligned with the RAMS Strategic Plan. First, I will leverage my APT experience to focus on Enhanced Educational Innovation. We will develop structured, high-yield toolkits, such as POCUS curricular design and Evidence-Based Medicine implementation. We will strive to boost RAMS’ scholarly activity. Secondly, I will establish a resource center focused on Professional Sustainability. We will provide guidance on QI project leadership and contract negotiation. This will ensure our future academic leaders are prepared for faculty life and enjoy career sustainability.

I am ready to use my diverse training to serve the RAMS membership and advance our shared mission.

Member-at-Large

NYU/Bellevue Hospital

I am a PGY-1 resident in the NYU/Bellevue Hospital Emergency Medicine Residency and a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine where I was deeply involved in emergency medicine research, education, and mentorship. I previously served two terms on the SAEM ED Administration and Operations Committee and currently serve on the SAEM Education Committee. I was awarded an SAEMF/RAMS Research Grant to study the implementation of a novel ED-based A1C screening and linkage-to-care program in the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. In recognition of these contributions to emergency medicine, I was honored to receive the 2025 ACEP/EMRA National Outstanding Medical Student Award.

I am running to be a RAMS Member-At-Large because I believe in empowering residents and medical students to see themselves as future academic leaders -- not at later in their careers, but right now. I have been fortunate to receive mentorship and coaching from titans in our field, and I am passionate about expanding that same access to others.

Too often, trainees have the drive, interest, and ideas, but not the network or structure to turn them into reality. If elected, I aim to expand national mentorship pipelines, creating structured connections between students, residents, and faculty based on shared academic interests. I also hope to strengthen research development infrastructure, offering concise, high-yield resources and channels to help trainees turn ideas into presentations, publications, and grants.

Member-at-Large

Yale University

When I went to my first SAEM conference, I was floored by the number of cool things I could get involved with. That year was a blur – working on talks with the SAEM research committee, designing a machine learning series, and running a Datathon for my peers. I always wondered what could have been possible if I could have gotten involved earlier, without the financial barrier of going to conferences, and benefited from the resources and mentors I ended up finding at SAEM.
Throughout my leadership roles in SAEM and other organizations, I have learned that the most impactful projects are those that give trainees who lack extensive institutional resources full access to SAEM’s network and expertise. When SAEM’s AI Interest Group asked me to lead its first Datathon, we were amazed by the high-quality research our medical students produced after receiving statistics training unavailable at their home schools. As chair of research for EMRA, my team and I doubled the size of the annual Case-Con, transforming it into a signature conference event that showcased a diverse group of trainees from across the country. On the SAEM Research Committee, I helped design design an open-access biostatistics lecture series that has run for more than a year and remains freely available online. These experiences confirmed that simply expanding access to resources we take for granted in academics can create a vibrant community.

Now as a PGY-2 resident at Yale, I am eager to leverage my experiences in emergency medicine and my passion for education to make SAEM a more inclusive, welcoming, and useful organization for all of us. The headwinds that that we face, like AI and workforce challenges, are opportunities in disguise. By building a community of passionate medical students and residents we can move the needle in advancing academic EM. If elected, I will work to ensure that MS1s can find what they are looking for in RAMS as easily as they can sign up for their local EMIG, that students and residents can find mentorship and contribute to projects no matter the resources of their home institutions.

Member-at-Large

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

My name is Rohit Mukherjee, and I am a fourth-year medical student and Dean's Scholar at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I had been drawn to emergency medicine as an uninsured caregiver who often found the emergency department to be a safety net.

Initially, building on my training as an emergency medical technician, I had the opportunity to receive the U.S. Fulbright Research Fellowship with the Columbia University sidHARTe - Strengthening Emergency Systems program, assisting governmental partners in Ghana with establishing a decentralized emergency dispatch center to streamline referrals for maternal and newborn emergencies in the Northern and Oti regions, serving over 123,000 women.

Moreover, I have been fortunate to serve as a SAEM ED Administration & Clinical Operations and Research Committee Member, where I have aided with developing modules on augmented intelligence for a novel asynchronous curriculum for the American Board of Emergency Medicine, qualitatively examining barriers to conducting research in emergency medicine, and crafting instructional vidoes for a learning series to increase student engagement with emergency medicine research.

In each of these experiences, I joined dynamic teams that have collaborated to spearhead local, national, and global efforts to foster interest in emergency medicine, strengthening the growth of future leaders, and addressing embedded disparities in acute care settings. Through SAEM, I have leveraged an extensive mentorship network, educational workshops, and pathways to pursue an emergency medicine residency, to ultimately address the narrative of disadvantage that pervades my own community.

If elected to the RAMS Board, I aim to enhance the RAMS mentorship framework by developing a longitudinal mentorship pipeline that extends beyond medical students and residents, supporting undergraduate students. This initiative would garner earlier exposure to emergency medicine through a three-part process: (1) interactive workshops held at the SAEM Annual Meeting and virtually to identify mentee interests; (2) structured pairing with medical student and faculty mentors; and (3) developing a monitoring and evaluation plan to assess for engagement across various academic levels.

Through this effort, I look forward to the opportunity to serve the next generation of leaders in academic emergency medicine with the privilege of earning your vote!

Member-at-Large

Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency at Mass General Brigham

Hi! My name is Sara Schulwolf; I am a graduate of UConn medical school and am currently a PGY-1 at the Harvard-Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency program in Boston. I have had the privilege of serving on the RAMS board for the past two years and am excited to be seeking re-election for a third term. If re-elected, I promise to continue to use this position to help highlight the best that EM has to offer and to help provide the highest quality mentorship, research, and learning opportunities to our members.

During my two years on the RAMS board, I have served as liaison to the research committee and seen first-hand how EM physicians are contributing to evidence-based medicine. It has been one of the most rewarding parts of being a RAMS board member to help connect interested students and residents with like-minded faculty, as well as to showcase the amazing work of our membership through PULSE articles, podcasts, and webinars. I have also participated in multiple projects aimed at keeping our membership up to date on important developments within our field. As an example, over the last two years I have had the opportunity to participate in a task force through CORD APIC aimed at preparing for the transition of EM applications from ERAS to Residency CAS. I organized multiple webinars with representatives from both CORD and ResidencyCAS to answer student questions about both the transition and the application process. In doing so, my goal was to support our student members through an already stressful process by reinforcing that RAMS would be there every step of the way.

The next couple of years are likely to be a time of significant change for EM residents as new ACGME requirements crystalize and the new oral boards format takes shape. Having a trusted source of up-to-date information can help ease some of the tensions that arise from these transitions. If re-elected, I will help maintain the RAMS board as this vital resource to ensure that our membership feels both informed and supported throughout their training journey and beyond.

Member-at-Large

Washington University of St. Louis

My name is Shashank Somasundaram and I am currently a PGY-3 at Washington University in St. Louis. SAEM has been instrumental in my journey into academic emergency medicine over the past decade, and it is a privilege to be considered for a position on the RAMS board.

Advocacy has always been at the heart of my motivation to pursue medicine. As an undergraduate, I leveraged public-private partnerships to bring public health innovations to emergency settings to address important issues like food insecurity & naloxone distribution. In medical school, my advocacy evolved toward optimizing healthcare delivery. I quickly realized how important operational improvement and innovation in healthcare services were in improving patient outcomes, sparking my interest in operations work. Around the same time, I too began to feel the burden that the COVID-19 pandemic began to exert on frontline workers and authored a policy proposal with the AMA to advocate for making permanent the expansion of telemental health access in Virginia. In residency, I’ve been focused on advocating for initiatives to improve both throughput and resident wellbeing.

I would not be where I am without countless RAMS webinars, resources, Annual Meetings, grant funding, faculty mentors, and more. A few of my priorities as a Member-at-Large for RAMS this year are to:

1. Create educational content on the business of medicine including practice types, operations, reimbursement, and malpractice, so that residents are better equipped to navigate and influence the systems in which they practice, and to sustain both personal wellness and institutional effectiveness.
2. Expand on existing inter-committee channels for ideas that cross-link national expertise with local action. Eg. A resident journal reviewer program mentored by faculty at their own institutions to enhance academic engagement while fostering scholarship at home institutions.
3. Pilot a “Micro-Initiatives in EM” series that helps residents launch small, high-impact projects that improve wellness and patient flow in their departments, and establishing RAMS as an incubator for innovation and well-being in EM.

I hope to bring my unique perspective and interests to shape the RAMS board and its programming for the upcoming year. Thank you for your consideration.

Member-at-Large

Yale University

I am a current medical student representative on the RAMS board. I would make a great member-at-large due to my passion for community, mentorship, research, and wellness.

Over the last year, I have been involved in research on proposed ACGME changes. I believe this experience and perspective makes me uniquely qualified to amplify the voices of medical students and residents within RAMS during a time of restructuring in emergency medicine.

Creating a community and support system for medical students interested in EM is a particular passion of mine. During my undergraduate years at Columbia University, I was a member of the women’s soccer team. One of my favorite aspects of being an athlete was the built-in support system of my team. Similarly, I love that RAMS brings together medical students and residents, and I want to help foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment within RAMS.

Over the past year as a medical student on the RAMS board, I have contributed to the RAMS-ACGME task force and the SAEM Workforce Committee. These roles align with my research interests, as reflected in my thesis, which examines residency programs, hospital structures, and the ACGME proposed changes. Additionally, I have been actively involved in SAEM research, presenting my findings and receiving an SAEMF/RAMS research grant. I am eager to bring this experience to RAMS to further support academic research efforts for both residents and medical students.

As a RAMS member-at-large, I aim to amplify the voices of both residents and medical students and strengthen mentorship. I hope to create more informal ways for medical students to connect with residents, thereby encouraging greater participation and interest in academic EM. Potential initiatives include hosting statewide or smaller regional events, such as POCUS competitions, social gatherings, and conferences that bring medical students and residents together.

Thank you for your consideration; it would be an honor to serve as a member-at-large on the RAMS board!

Member-at-Large

St. James School of Medicine

I am Bernard Wiredu, MD, PhD, a physician-scientist. My academic and professional journey, spanning teaching and research in biochemistry to clinical rotations across diverse settings, has shaped my commitment to service, mentorship, and advancing emergency medicine through science and advocacy. My passion for emergency medicine stems from a deep belief in teamwork and purpose. Growing up, music was my first teacher in collaboration and harmony, lessons that now guide me in the fast-paced, team-driven environment of the emergency department. Each shift reminds me that every team member’s voice matters in delivering care, a philosophy I bring to all my professional and leadership roles.

Within SAEM, I currently serve on both the Research and Education Committees, contributing to national initiatives in academic emergency medicine. I have had the opportunity to represent my home state of Texas at the Advocacy and Education Summit in Washington, DC, engaging policymakers on issues affecting our patients and profession. My background as a former university professor, mentor, and healthcare operations manager has equipped me with strong communication, organizational, and advocacy skills that align well with the mission of the RAMS Board.
If elected as Member-at-Large, I hope to expand RAMS’ outreach through peer mentorship programs, regional engagement initiatives, and career development resources tailored to diverse pathways within EM. I aim to strengthen the bridge between research, education, and real-world clinical impact, helping residents and students see themselves as vital contributors to innovation in our specialty.

I am running for this position because I believe in RAMS’ power to inspire and connect. My goal is simple: to amplify trainee voices, foster inclusion, and ensure that every member, regardless of background or institution, feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead in emergency medicine.

Member-at-Large

Central Michigan University

My name is Payton Wolbert, a fourth-year MD/MBA medical student at Central Michigan University College of Medicine. I am applying for the RAMS Board because the people who shaped my EM journey did more than guide me; they made space for me to participate, to try, and to belong. EM gave me mentors who opened doors I didn't know existed, and I want trainees everywhere to have that same access to community, scholarship, and support.

I have served learners as Chair of the MCEP Medical Student Council, Great Lakes Representative for the EMRA Medical Student Council, Lead Medical Student Ambassador for SAEM24 and SAEM25, and as a member of the SAEM Program and Research Committees. In these roles, I broadened procedural workshops, developed program director and resident spotlight interviews, and connected students with limited resources to advising and research. These experiences reinforced that many trainees want a place in academic EM but lack clear pathways to begin.

My academic and community work grow from the same goal: improving access and safety for the people EM serves. At ACEP, I presented research on the MIAHTAPS tool to identify violence risk in the ED and on how admitting specialty affects outcomes in acute cholecystitis. That same commitment guides work beyond the hospital. Through the Health Careers Pipeline Program, I mentor rural and underserved students exploring health careers. Through the Living FREE Fall-Reduction Program, I helped perform home assessments for older adults; one participant told me her house finally felt livable. With the Pulse3 Foundation, I support community CPR training, purchasing of AEDs, and outreach events strengthening survival after sudden cardiac arrest. These experiences taught me that the future of EM depends not only on what we study, but how we partner with communities.

If elected, it would be a privilege to help build clearer on-ramps into academic EM by strengthening mentorship, improving guidance on career decisions, and increasing visibility of opportunities so trainees can confidently step forward. My goal is simple: help more students and residents feel supported and empowered to shape the future of emergency medicine.

Thank you for your consideration.

Member-at-Large

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

My name is McRae Wood, and I am a first-year Emergency Medicine resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, AR. My path to residency was shaped by years of clinical experience—working as a Critical Care Technician before medical school—and by a deep belief that emergency medicine is built on teamwork, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

Throughout my training, I’ve sought to lead by serving others. I founded and led the Emergency Medicine Interest Group at my medical school, served as Vice President of the Student Government Association, and later as a Problem-Based Learning Instructor and Peer Tutor Liaison—roles that taught me how mentorship and community directly shape the next generation of physicians.

I’m running for Member-at-Large on the RAMS Board because I want to help every resident and medical student feel seen, supported, and prepared for their future in academic emergency medicine. My goals include:

Expanding structured mentorship across institutions—especially for international medical graduates and those from schools without home EM programs.

Enhancing career readiness through accessible, real-world education on contracts, finances, and the transition from residency to independent practice.

Promoting wellness and belonging by developing initiatives that prioritize peer connection, advocacy, and resilience throughout training.

I believe RAMS has a unique opportunity to shape not only skilled clinicians, but also the advocates, educators, and leaders who will define the future of emergency medicine. I hope to contribute my experience, energy, and perspective to that mission—ensuring that every member, no matter their background or stage of training, has the tools and community to thrive.

Medical Student Representative

Indiana University School of Medicine

Medical Student Representative

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

My journey into emergency medicine began as a search and rescue volunteer in high school. At eighteen, I earned my EMT license and started working 24-hour ambulance shifts. Those nights taught me to stay steady in the middle of chaos and to find meaning in moments that didn’t always have clear answers. I started to see what we all see in emergency medicine: the incredible privilege and responsibility of being there when people are at their most vulnerable. It was also where I began learning the skills that would define my path: advocating for patients, thinking fast but acting with empathy, and balancing urgency with compassion. That’s what drew me in, a mix of medicine, humanity, and the chance to make a difference in the most impactful moments of patients' lives.

But those early experiences also showed me how uneven our emergency care system can be. I treated patients who had nowhere else to turn, saw the cracks in behavioral health response, and realized how profoundly systems and policy shape outcomes long before anyone calls 911. That perspective pushed me toward research, health policy, and education, toward building the evidence and infrastructure that make better care possible.

Now, as an M.D./M.P.H. candidate at the University of Miami, I’m working to connect those lessons from the field to the future of academic emergency medicine. I’ve seen how powerful mentorship and collaboration can be for students, and I want to help extend those opportunities to others.

If elected to the RAMS Board, I hope to help more medical students find their place in academic emergency medicine: in research, education, and leadership. Through my experiences on national committees with SAEM, ACEP, and NAEMSP, I’ve seen the value of engaging early and being heard. I want every student who’s passionate about this field to have the same chance to grow, contribute, and shape the systems we’ll one day inherit.

Medical Student Representative

Saint James School of Medicine

As a Doctor of Medicine candidate with a Master of Public Administration and over a decade of healthcare experience, I bring a unique perspective that bridges clinical medicine, leadership, and policy. My professional journey, rooted in resilience, service, and advocacy, has strengthened my dedication to improving emergency care through education, research, innovation, and mentorship. Grounded in my background in health administration and policy, I am committed to advancing equitable, evidence-based, and sustainable systems that enhance patient outcomes and strengthen the future of academic emergency medicine.

Within the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), I have been honored to serve as a Medical Student Ambassador for the 2025 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, where I supported educational programming, facilitated mentorship connections, and networked with leaders advancing the specialty. I am an active member of the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM), the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Interest Group (PEMIG), where I serve as Social Media Liaison, and a former member of the Equity and Inclusion Committee. Through these roles, I have contributed to webinars, national presentations, and initiatives centered on pediatric migrant health, health equity, and advocacy in emergency medicine, reflecting active engagement in SAEM’s mission of improving care through research and education.

I am running for the RAMS Board because I believe deeply in SAEM’s mission and RAMS’s vision to advance academic emergency medicine through education, research, and professional development. If elected, my focus will be on strengthening mentorship programs, expanding access to research and leadership opportunities, and promoting equity, engagement, and well-being among all trainees, especially those who are underrepresented or international medical graduates pursuing academic careers in emergency medicine.

As a U.S. International and underrepresented medical student, I am passionate about fostering innovation, mentorship, and inclusion that empower all trainees and physicians to thrive. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to create meaningful opportunities for professional growth and community building, while supporting RAMS as the premier organization advancing the science, education, and practice of emergency and acute care medicine.

Medical Student Representative

Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi guys! My name is Kaelan Patel, and I am a 4th year medical student at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, TX! I am deeply committed to supporting residents and medical students as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of training in emergency medicine. Throughout my education, I have actively sought leadership and advocacy roles, including SAEM's Wellness and ED Clinical Operations and Admin Committees as well as local TCOM clubs.

I am running for the RAMS Board because I want to ensure that residents and medical students have a strong, active voice within SAEM. I am particularly passionate about mentorship, career development, and fostering a supportive community where trainees feel heard, connected, and empowered. I believe that investing in the development of our junior members strengthens not only individual careers but also the field of emergency medicine as a whole. I feel that my perspective as a current 4th year EM-bound student, who has already navigated majority of the medical school hurdles, as well as an incoming intern, I will bring a fresh perspective to the board!

If elected, I hope to create structured mentorship opportunities linking students with residents and faculty, develop targeted educational programming addressing both clinical (procedures, wellness strategies, leadership tips) and non-clinical skills (contract negotiation, job search, research navigation), and enhance member engagement by actively gathering feedback and promoting inclusivity. I also aim to raise awareness of RAMS initiatives, ensuring that trainees from all programs, regardless of size or location, have access to resources and opportunities for leadership, research, and professional growth.

Serving on the RAMS Board would allow me to contribute my energy, ideas, and dedication to initiatives that directly impact residents and medical students. I am excited about the opportunity to help RAMS continue to empower trainees, foster mentorship, and build a vibrant, inclusive community of future leaders in emergency medicine.

Medical Student Representative

California Northstate University

Last May at the SAEM Annual Meeting, I presented research on the utilization of residents and fellows in the use of transesophageal echocardiography in settings of critical illness. It was my first time presenting at a major conference, and my nerves were undeniable—until I looked over and saw another medical student appearing equally anxious. In that moment, we both realized that we belonged there. That simple exchange captures what I value most about SAEM and RAMS: it brings us together to learn, grow, and support one another.

My name is Nathaniel Sands, and I am a third-year medical student at California Northstate University. Before medical school, I earned my MPH in Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology from UC Berkeley and served as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where I managed the Resuscitative TEE Collaborative Registry. My experiences in academic research, public health, and SAEM have shown me how transformative collaboration and mentorship can be for trainees.

If elected to the RAMS Board, I aim to strengthen connections and ensure that every member feels included and recognized. By collecting RAMS membership data and initiating prospective surveys, I hope to reexamine what motivates our members to join and remain engaged, enabling us to communicate more effectively and design opportunities that reflect our shared goals. I want to enhance the accessibility and reach of RAMS sponsored events, expand mentorship opportunities between medical students, residents, fellows, and attendings, and develop more consistent, transparent messaging that highlights the value of RAMS as an essential part of the SAEM and the future of EM.

In alignment with the RAMS Strategic Plan, my priorities will focus on engagement, mentorship, and professional development—helping to foster the next generation of emergency medicine leaders. I believe that by understanding the diverse experiences of medical students and residents, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community that reflects the best of academic emergency medicine. I am eager to bring my enthusiasm, research experience, and collaborative spirit to the RAMS Board and to continue building the connections that make this organization exceptional.

Medical Student Representative

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

My name is Reed Stevens and I am a second-year medical student at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. Prior to medical school, I received my bachelors degree at the University of Notre Dame where I double majored in Biological Sciences and Theology. Throughout college and my early clinical training, I have maintained a singular interest in the field of emergency medicine, particularly because of its demonstrated ability to evolve alongside the ever-changing demands of modern medicine. While working for nearly two years as an ED technician, I experienced firsthand how EM physicians are routinely expected to perform beyond the scope of their formal training, caring for critically ill patients while also navigating the complex social, economic, and mental health challenges that many individuals often present with. It was during this time that I first gained an appreciation for EM and its foundational role both within our hospital systems and our communities at large.

Having now been a member of SAEM for the past year, I feel compelled to take on a larger role by promoting the core vision and organizational values of its RAMS division. If I were to be elected to the RAMS Board, I would strive to ensure that all students have equal access to mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities to foster personalized growth and career discernment. Potential ideas include the development of a longitudinal mentorship program that covers all levels of clinical training and early-career attendings, as well as a formalized RAMS ambassador program that would gather real-time feedback from EM residency programs across the nation. However, as with any leadership position, my first priority would be to listen and learn from those who have served in this role before me in order to assess what progress has already been made, as well as any gaps that still remain. Not only would I faithfully serve our mission of cultivating the next generation of leaders in research and direct patient care, but I would remain a conduit for the voices that matter most--students and the exceptional residents they are bound to become.