President-Elect

Boston Medical Center/Boston University

I am the Director of Emergency Medicine Simulation at Boston Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. I have served on the Simulation Academy in multiple capacities over the last 7 years. I began as Vice Chair of the Research & Scholarship Subcommittee since its inception, then elected to the Executive Committee position of Vice President of Research & Scholarship. I serve as Treasurer this year. This has allowed me to see how the Simulation Academy and SAEM works from the ground up. The mentorship, collaboration, and the building of a scholarly community is what keeps me excited and is why I am running for President.

During my time on the Executive Committee, I have focused on building and supporting an accessible simulation research community, creating scholarship and funding opportunities, and connecting with other research groups. This work has resulted in a new ABEM certifying exam curriculum, multiple publications, a new Just-In-Time Award for promising simulation research projects, a new grant application guide, and collaborations with the SAEM Research Committee and INSPIRE. These projects required goal-oriented and communicative leadership while maintaining a collaborative approach.

I am running for President to further support and grow our community and elevate our professional standings. I will continue to work within our academy to create a collaborative and inquisitive culture that explores and advances the simulation world. I will continue to work with other committees and groups to strengthen our organizational opportunities and create mutually beneficial products. Let’s advance our CVs but have fun doing it!

Secretary

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

I serve as the Associate Dean of Clinical Simulation and an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. In my current role, I oversee simulation-based medical education across the UME, GME, and interprofessional levels, fostering collaboration and innovation in experiential learning. I earned my medical degree from Gulf Medical University, did an Emergency Medicine residency in Abu Dhabi, and another EM residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I then pursued a fellowship in Clinical Simulation at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where I served as a core simulation educator and course co-director for multiple undergraduate and graduate medical education programs. I am currently completing my Master’s in Health Professions Education.

My interests include simulation-based medical education, competency-based medical education, and mentoring underrepresented minorities in medicine. I have authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented nationally and internationally on simulation and education. I have received multiple awards for my educational contributions, including the AHA Young Investigator Award.

As a candidate for Secretary of the SAEM Simulation Academy, I am eager to contribute to advancing our collective mission of fostering innovation, collaboration, and scholarship in simulation-based education. If elected, I aim to strengthen communication within the academy and support initiatives that elevate simulation research and faculty development. I am deeply committed to mentoring and empowering simulation educators and learners, cultivating a community that values inclusivity, excellence, and patient-centered care.

Secretary

Standford University

My name is Kimberly Schertzer, and I am excited to run for Secretary of the Simulation Academy. I bring a longstanding commitment to simulation-based education, beginning with my training as a Stanford Simulation Fellow (2009) and including a Master’s in Healthcare Simulation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2021). I am currently the Simulation Director and Simulation Fellowship Director for Stanford Emergency Medicine. My simulation research focuses on procedural skill development and skill decay, work that reinforces my dedication to advancing high-quality, evidence-based simulation practice.

I previously served on the Simulation Academy Executive Committee as a Member-at-Large, and I’m energized by the opportunity to return. Following my earlier term, I led the development of the SAEM simulation fellowship approval pathway, collaborating closely with both the Sim Academy Executive Committee and the SAEM Fellowship Approval Committee. This work involved defining fellowship standards, navigating differing viewpoints, and ensuring a clear and unified application for programs nationwide. I now serve as Simulation Subcommittee Chair for the SAEM Fellowship Approval Committee, continuing to advocate for high-quality simulation training across EM.

I am running for Secretary because I believe deeply in the mission of the Simulation Academy and want to help continue the momentum, transparency, and member-focused communication that the Executive Committee has championed. I will bring a fresh perspective, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to ensuring every member feels informed, represented, and heard.

Secretary

Drexel University College of Medicine

For those of you who don't know me, I currently live and work outside of Philadelphia at a large, community-based, academic Emergency department. My career has woven together clinical care, medical education, and leadership—whether directing our Emergency Medicine Simulation program, chairing faculty development across my department and hospital network, or leading a comprehensive clinical-skills course at Drexel University College of Medicine. I am nearing completion of a Master’s in Education of Health Professions from Johns Hopkins, which has been very enriching. I am actively involved with the Simulation Academy, the Education Committee, and the Educational Research Interest Group of Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) for the last 5 years; for the past three years, I’ve also led the Procedural Competency & Skill Warranty Work Group, a 40-plus member national collaboration focused on improving standards for procedural skill assessment in emergency medicine.

I’m running for SAEM office because I believe strongly in the power of connection—between academies, interest groups, committees, and individual members. Too often we work in isolation, reinventing the wheel when our efforts could converge and accelerate. My goal is to help identify overlapping efforts so we don’t duplicate work, set clear and achievable scholarly targets for our community, and create more opportunities for co-research, joint writing, and shared education. On a personal note, as a DO physician I also hope to bring strong representation and inclusive leadership in our academic circle.

If elected, I will work with energy, creativity, and resourcefulness to build meaningful connections and practical outcomes for our members. Above all, I’m excited to serve—you and our community—as we advance emergency medicine education together.

Treasurer

Hartford Hospital / University of Connecticut

It would be an honor to serve as your next Simulation Academy Treasurer. I am currently the Assistant Fellowship Director for the Medical Simulation Fellowship program at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut. I also hold an academic appointment as an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Before these roles, I graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed my Emergency Medicine Residency training at the University of Connecticut. I then completed my Medical Simulation Fellowship at Hartford Hospital, a UConn School of Medicine Level 1 Trauma Center affiliate, where I have stayed in my current roles.

I joined the Simulation Academy as a senior resident to learn more about our community. It was an eye-opening experience to have met so many other members with similar interests in simulation education. I have since been involved in promoting the Simulation Academy’s objectives as the current VP of Social Media and Communication. My role has increased the visibility and engagement of our Simulation Academy and have fostered a stronger online among our academic EM community. This experience has solidified my interest in continuing Simulation Academy’s goals in other ways I can.

I am driven to serve as your next Treasurer because I believe in the power of mindful planning. Given the many ways our Simulation Academy supports our members through various grants, scholarships, and events, it is imperative to purposefully allocate our financial resources in a way that drives our Academy’s objectives forward in a cost-effective manner. My professional journey has equipped me with a strong foundation in effective communication with multiple stakeholders. If elected, I hope to leverage my knowledge, skills, and passion as the next Treasurer to ultimately elevate the Simulation Academy experience for all involved.

Treasurer

University of Wisconsin

I am an Assistant Professor and the Division Chief of Emergency Medicine Simulation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. I additionally am the Simulation Fellowship director and lead simulation-based education for residents, faculty, and advanced practice providers. Over the past several years, I have helped build a robust simulation division that supports learners at every level and advances educational innovation within my department and institution.

Within SAEM, I have been an active member of the Simulation Academy for many years, serving as Secretary, Member-at-Large, and liaison to AWAEM. These roles have given me the privilege of working closely with the Executive Committee and contributing to Academy initiatives including workshops, mentorship opportunities, and scholarly output. They have also deepened my appreciation for the Academy as a professional home that fosters collaboration, connection, and growth.

I am running for Treasurer because I value the Simulation Academy’s role in supporting its members and want to contribute to its continued growth and stability. Having worked closely with the Executive Committee in years past, I understand the importance of transparent financial stewardship to sustain initiatives, expand educational programming, and support member engagement. In my current role as Division Chief, I manage budgets across multiple educational programs and oversee a growing division—experiences that have prepared me to ensure that our resources are managed effectively and responsibly.

If elected, I will bring dedication, organizational experience, and a collaborative spirit to the Treasurer role. My goal is to align financial decisions with the Academy’s mission and to ensure that our resources directly support member engagement, innovative programming, and the advancement of simulation in academic emergency medicine.

Treasurer

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Hello EM Sim warriors! I am running for Sim Academy Treasurer this term and would love your support. For the last two years while running the Education Subcommittee I successfully developed and implemented the Sim Academy workshop on Active Learning that included 20 simulation academy members in the workshop development, implementation, and publication. Although our Advanced Debriefing Workshop was not accepted, my involvement this year on the SAEM Program Committee shed light on how to successfully propose workshops for future SAEM meetings.

I would like to continue the work of developing new and exciting ways for Sim Academy members to get involved in teaching and presenting work at the national level. Why Sim Academy treasurer? Learning the resources available to support Sim Academy members will help me continue to work with subcommittee members to develop inclusive, high impact opportunities for academic work at the national level!

A bit about me, I am the Director of Emergency Medicine Simulation in the Johns Hopkins Emergency department. I have completed a Masters in Medical and Healthcare Simulation Education and have experience developing simulation programs in national and international settings. I believe that simulation educators have a unique skillset that is highly transferrable to our colleagues in medical education and love to develop programs and workshops to teach these skills.
I appreciate all the support members have given me in the past and hope to continue my work bringing you workshop and presentation opportunities at SAEM in the future.

Vice President of Social Media & Communication

Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital

I am honored to be nominated for the position of Vice President (Social Media) on the Simulation Academy Executive Committee. I bring a strong academic background in emergency medicine, with extensive clinical and educational experience in both pediatric and adult settings, and a deep commitment to advancing simulation-based education and training.

Over the past decade, I have actively contributed to the growth of simulation through organizing workshops, leading national and international courses, and developing innovative digital strategies to expand the reach of educational initiatives. Within SAEM, I have participated in Simulation Academy activities and collaborative projects, while also supporting the broader mission of enhancing scholarship, mentorship, and professional development. Beyond SAEM, I have directed impactful social media campaigns for emergency medicine associations and academic programs, successfully engaging diverse audiences, amplifying research dissemination, and fostering global collaboration.

If elected, my vision as Vice President (Social Media) is to strategically enhance the Academy’s digital presence, using innovative communication tools to highlight the work of our members, showcase simulation research and education, and create interactive platforms for collaboration. I aim to build stronger connections between educators, researchers, and trainees while ensuring that the Simulation Academy’s voice resonates not only within SAEM but across the international emergency medicine community.

I am deeply committed to leveraging my experience in organizational leadership, simulation education, and digital engagement to advance the mission of the Simulation Academy and to serve its members with dedication, creativity, and a global perspective.

Vice President of Social Media & Communication

Northwell Health

I am an Emergency Medicine physician with a passion for medical education, innovation, and building community through digital platforms. I completed my residency in Emergency Medicine at Northwell Health/Zucker at North Shore and Long Island Jewish and currently serve as one of your Simulation Fellows on the SAEM Simulation Executive Committee. My academic focus centers on simulation-based education, curriculum development, and leveraging social media to enhance professional collaboration and learning within emergency medicine.

Through my involvement with SAEM and the Simulation Academy, I have contributed to educational sessions, early-career initiatives, and inspired increased social media utilization, helping to expand the reach and engagement of our community. On the executive committee, I have also proposed starting new initiatives in online professional spaces, such as creating a Sim Fellowship of the Month feature, and encouraging reposting/ promotion of the Simulation work of residencies and fellowships across the country.

I am running for Vice President of Social Media and Advertising because I believe our academy has an incredible opportunity to strengthen its digital presence and amplify the voices of our members. If elected, I will focus on expanding our visibility across platforms, creating consistent and engaging content that highlights member achievements, promoting Terrific Tuesdays and Simulation Academy initiatives for collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation in simulation education. My goal is to ensure our online presence reflects the creativity and excellence of our community, while also serving as a hub for professional growth and connection.

I am excited about the opportunity to continue serving our members and advancing the mission of SAEM Simulation through strategic communication and community building in digital spaces.

Vice President of Education

Columbia University Medical Center

I am the director of emergency medicine simulation at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, where I oversee simulation-based education across different hospital sites and lead faculty development initiatives. My simulation journey began in medical school, when I first participated as an actor in a faculty development program. It continued through my roles as a chief resident at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital and simulation fellow at NYU/Bellevue Hospital. These experiences deepened my passion and curiosity for simulation, medical education, and patient safety. My current simulation endeavors include simulation-based faculty development, in-situ simulation, and virtual simulation curricula focused on empathy and professionalism.

Within the SAEM Simulation Academy, I have been an active member and currently serve as the organizer of the SAEM SIMposium, reflecting my commitment to building a community that values inclusion, collaboration, and educational excellence. This work has prepared me to take on a broader leadership role, and I plan to apply my skills in communication, creativity, and organization to build a stronger community of simulationists.

If elected to serve as the Vice President of Education, I would like to focus on these key priorities:

• Facilitate the dissemination of high-impact simulation innovations through workshops, scholarly collaborations, and the SAEM SIMposium
• Cultivate opportunities for ongoing professional growth among simulationists
• Promote scholarship in simulation-based education, faculty development, and innovations
• Foster partnerships across academies and interest groups to amplify the mission of the Simulation Academy within SAEM

I believe in the power of simulation to transform education and patient care, and I am deeply committed to the mission of the Simulation Academy. I would be honored to serve in this role, bringing my experience, passion, and collaborative leadership to strengthen our community of simulationists in emergency medicine.

Fellow

University of California, Davis

My name is Danier Ong, and I am a current medical education and simulation fellow at the University of California, Davis. I completed my residency training at Saint Louis University, where I also served as chief resident. I previously served as Vice Chair of the Emergency Medicine Residents Association Simulation Committee in 2023-2024 and in 2024-2025. I have been a member of SAEM Simulation Academy since residency and had the privilege of receiving the SAEM25 Annual Meeting Attendance Scholarship.

The Simulation Academy has played a pivotal role in my own development through mentorship, community, and professional growth. If elected, I will work to strengthen the Simulation Academy’s position as a leading national organization for residents and fellows in simulation. My goal is to expand its outreach as the premier platform for simulationists, particularly targeting sim-interested residents and simulation fellows. I plan to lead efforts to streamline and standardize career development resources, ensuring that early-career simulationists have clear, consistent pathways and mentorship to build strong professional foundations.

To achieve this, I plan to develop a structured topic framework for monthly meetings to provide consistent, high-yield content throughout the year. I also aim to create a centralized online repository of career resources that covers key topics such as building a simulation portfolio, finding mentorship, and navigating academic or community career pathways. Finally, I aim to expand outreach to young or emerging simulation programs using social media to highlight the breadth of our community and ensure that every trainee, regardless of institutional resources, feels connected and represented within the Academy.

Through these initiatives, I hope to strengthen the Simulation Academy’s role as the driving force for excellence, innovation and inclusivity in simulation.

Fellow

Stanford University

I had just jammed my knee into a junctional wound and I needed a second to form any coherent thought. As I scanned the room for help, I saw my team scattered across the makeshift trauma bay. They were dealing with a recently stabilized K9, a post-operative patient, and now trying to approach this point-of-injury patient that had just been dropped into our space. The patient was screaming, I was sweating, and everyone was covered in some amount of fake blood. The scenario warping my brain’s sense of reality to the point that I forgot I was saving a mannikin.

This is where my journey as a simulationist really took off, during my time in the United States Air Force as an emergency physician, post residency. As I prepared to deploy for austere trauma care on a Ground Surgical Team (GST), I found a love for healthcare simulation and the educational opportunities it provided. Following my first deployment to the Middle East on a GST, I was selected as an Instructor at the School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM), where I served for two years teaching with cutting edge simulation. As I transitioned out of the military, I wanted to continue to learn how to deliver world class education, which is why I chose to do a simulation fellowship at Stanford University.

I believe I have unique experience and perspective to add to the Simulation Executive Committee as a fellow representative. From academia to mannikins dropped in the desert, I can draw from vast platforms and contribute to the growth of this organization. My goals include increasing simulation collaboration across institutions both locally and nationally, creating partnerships with other professions to position emergency medicine as a leader in simulation, and advocating for the growth of simulation in healthcare education.