Luan Lawson, MD, MAEd

I still remember attending my first SAEM Annual Meeting nearly two decades ago—overwhelmed, inspired, and immediately certain I had found my professional home. That first meeting introduced me to colleagues who became lifelong friends, mentors who lent a listening ear during challenging times, and collaborators who shared resources and ideas that shaped my career. Over the years, those connections have grown into partnerships in scholarship, education, and leadership that continue to sustain and inspire me.

I earned my Doctor of Medicine degree from East Carolina University, where I also completed my Emergency Medicine residency. I later earned a Master of Arts in Education (Adult Education) and a Graduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Leadership—experiences that strengthened my commitment to advancing educational innovation and building systems that promote safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.

As Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, I’ve had the privilege to continue serving the academic mission that SAEM helped shape for me early in my career. I’ve participated in SAEM and CDEM strategic planning, helped build shared EM educational and assessment resources, and contributed to scholarship that advances emergency medicine education nationwide.

It brings me great joy to watch former students and residents grow into leaders shaping the future of our specialty with the same passion and purpose that first drew me to SAEM. This Society has given me community, purpose, and a deep sense of belonging. It would be an honor to serve as a Member-at-Large on the SAEM Board of Directors—working to shape a future where innovation, belonging, and mentorship are the foundation of our shared success, and where every member is empowered to lead, discover, and thrive.