People

Shashank Somasundaram, MD

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.

Sara Schulwolf, MD, MPH

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.

Rohit Mukherjee

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!

Katherine Godfrey, MD

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.

Konnor Davis, MD

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.

Max Brummel, MD

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.

Joseph Miller, MD, MS

Member-at-Large

Henry Ford Health

I am honored to be considered for the SAEM Board of Directors. SAEM has shaped every stage of my academic career – from my first abstract as a resident to my current role as Chair of the SAEM Research Committee and recent Course Director of ARMED. Through these roles, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring emerging investigators, strengthening the Society’s research infrastructure, and helping expand its scientific impact.

After completing undergraduate and medical school at the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University, I trained in the Henry Ford Health Emergency Medicine – Internal Medicine residency. My career as a physician-scientist has led to being an established NIH investigator, serving as a standing NIH study section member, and research leadership at departmental and institutional levels. We are in a challenging environment affected by ED boarding, uncertain federal funding, and changes in the educational landscape. SAEM has been a critical support for me during challenges in my career, and I look forward to strengthening its role in being supportive of its members at all career stages.

If elected, I will continue to advance SAEM’s strategic goals by fostering innovation, mentorship, and inclusivity in research and education. I believe our Society’s strength lies in the diversity of its members and our collective passion to improve emergency care through science. There is much to do for the patients we see each day. I want to empower our members at academic or community centers to tackle the complex problems our patients encounter with greater funding, collaboration, and mentorship. My vision is for SAEM to remain where every academic emergency physician, at any stage, finds the support to lead such efforts. It would be a privilege to serve this remarkable community and help shape the future of academic emergency medicine.

Luan Lawson, MD, MAEd

Member-at-Large

Virginia Commonwealth University

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.

Ryan L. LaFollette, MD

Member-at-Large

University of Cincinnati

I am honored to be considered for re-election to the SAEM Board of Directors. It has been a privilege to be a part of the record growth of our society over the past two years and envisioning our next stage. I am continually in awe of the breadth and depth of our members’ knowledge and engagement to expand our society better and have been inspired by how being part of the Board of Directors can help bring this to fruition.

I am an Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati where I serve as an Assistant Program Director. I did my medical training at Upstate Medical University before completing residency at UC where I served as a Chief Resident before graduating in 2016. My career has been focused on resident education and furthering asynchronous education, in part by leading TamingtheSRU.com. My service to SAEM has been over a decade, starting as a resident on the Program Committee and helping to further the Medical Student Ambassador program through its initial growth. Ultimately, I became Didactics Chair and subsequently became Chair of our SAEM23 and SAEM24 meetings with an amazing and dedicated team.

As we enter a new world of academic and clinical Emergency Medicine, I want our Board to prioritize being a leader leveraging AI to responsibly leap us forward. We can improve the acquisition and delivery of our science and further our community with these tools, but without losing sight of the fact that SAEM differs because it feels small and echoes that sense of community. This year, as Chairing our Board Task Force charged with innovating the Annual Meeting, I am excited about the potential of being on the Board that continues this progressive and iterative improvement in how we gather, deliver our best science and further this community.

Sanjey Gupta, MD, MBA

Member-at-Large

Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Thank you for considering my application for the SAEM Board of Directors. I received my medical degree from New York Medical College and completed emergency medicine residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY. I am board-certified in emergency medicine (EM), addiction medicine, and am a fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine. I serve as SVP and Executive Director of EM for Northwell Health, leading 25 emergency departments, including 5 GME sites. I am a Professor of EM at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. With over 20 years as an SAEM member, I have chaired the Program Committee, Advanced Workshops, and served as Vice-Chair of the Faculty Development Committee.

My journey in academic medicine is anchored in teaching, people development, and the search for novel learning experiences. I cherish having helped found two EM residency programs and one EM-sponsored TY program in the NYC region. My greatest joy stems from watching the medical students, residents, and other learners I've mentored gain their own success. My pursuit of novel experiences has led me through an ECRIP research fellowship, department leadership roles, NY DMAT-4, addiction certification, and clinical operations expertise. SAEM has always been the home base for these endeavors.

As a Member-at-Large, my goal is to help evolve SAEM into the scholarly and networking organization that promotes success for all members. I aim to cultivate peer-relational programs, advance innovative educational content, and foster an environment where every member can learn, grow, and confidently envision leading-edge initiatives. Additionally, I will prioritize the development of leadership programming to prepare our future leaders for the organization's evolving needs and ensure SAEM's long-term sustainability. I am committed to leveraging my diverse experience to strengthen SAEM's mission and to empower our community.

Jeffrey P. Druck, MD

Secretary-Treasurer

University of Utah School of Medicine

I am grateful for the chance to be considered for Secretary/Treasurer of the SAEM Board of Directors. This role combines my passion for academic emergency medicine with my commitment to careful stewardship of the Society’s resources. SAEM has shaped my career and provided the professional home where I have grown as a leader, mentor, and advocate.

The Secretary/Treasurer is responsible for maintaining the Society’s records, ensuring accurate minutes of Board meetings, overseeing financial accounts, and reporting regularly to the membership. My experience aligns well with these responsibilities. I currently serve as Vice Chair for Faculty Advancement, Transformation, and Wellbeing in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Utah, where I help oversee budgeting for faculty development initiatives and ensure responsible allocation of resources. Earlier in my career at the University of Colorado, I directed the Office of Professional Excellence and managed complex budgets supporting wellness and mentorship programs across the School of Medicine, honing the organizational and fiscal skills this position demands.

My service to SAEM has been broad and sustained. I am a current member of the SAEM Board of Directors, where I contribute to strategic planning and policy development. I co-chair the AI Task Force, leading efforts to craft policies on the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in education, research, and program evaluation. I am also a past President of the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM), where I worked with multiple academies to foster equity and inclusion and advance academic emergency medicine for all members. In addition, I have served on the Wellness, Education, and Faculty Development Committees and continue to mentor through ADIEM and other academies.

If elected, I will ensure transparent financial reporting, safeguard SAEM’s fiscal health, and invest strategically in programs supporting our members’ professional and personal growth.

Ryan Pedigo, MD, MHPE

SAEM Nominating Committee Member

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

Marcus William Sinewe, MD

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.

Janice Shin-Kim, MD

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.

Murat Çetin, MD

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.

Shaila Quazi, DO

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.

Kimberly Schertzer, MD, MS

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.

Afrah A. Ali, MBBS

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.

Abd Al-Rahman Traboulsi, MD

Medical Student/Resident Representative

Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency / MGB

My name is Abd Al-Rahman Traboulsi. I'm a PGY-3 Emergency Medicine Resident at the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency (HAEMR). I did my Bachelors in biomedical engineering at Ohio State University, and received my MD from Stanford University, while attending as a Knight Hennessy Scholar. My global health interests are in humanitarian health, wilderness medicine, and healthcare system rebuilding after conflict.

I found a passion for EM while volunteering and living in field hospitals in Syria during the war. Past projects also include EHR system integration (transitioning from paper charts), solar system implementation to keep hospitals energy resilient during conflict, and advanced wound care and low cost-VAC deployment. Additionally, I have worked in refugee camps in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon over the last 10 years. My current focus is on global pre-hospital care and EMS capacity building. I'm also the Resident Director of Disaster and Emergency Response Resident at HAEMR. Prior, I served on the board of an organization, and founded and directed a nonprofit for 4 years.

As part of SAEM/GEMA, I have assisted with a collaborative project and attend monthly meetings. I am running for the Medical Student/Resident Representative position to increase trainee involvement within GEMA. It is often difficult for trainees to get involved in global health work given travel constraints, lack of technical expertise, and varied support for global health work at institutions. Many junior residents and students ask the question, "how do I get involved in global health work". I want to facilitate a more structured and tangible response to that question; and believe GEMA can play a pivotal role. That includes connecting trainees with projects and faculty, learning about funding, creating a guide for global health involvement, and exploring different careers path in global health.

Personally, I love backpacking, skiing, basketball, and writing poetry.

Aymane Rouchdy, MD

Medical Student/Resident Representative

Northwell Health - North Shore/LIJ

Aymane Rouchdy, MD (expected March 2025), is an Emergency Medicine Resident at Zucker Northwell North Shore/LIJ. He earned his MD from Ross University School of Medicine and his Master of Science from Touro College.

Aymane has extensive experience in global emergency medicine education and trainee mentorship. He serves on the Executive Board of the ACEP Global Emergency Medicine Student Leadership Program (GEMS LP), where he assists with coordinating monthly journal clubs as part of the programs longitudinal mentorship, scholarly development, and publication opportunities for medical students interested in international medical opportunities. He has volunteered with SAEM as a Medical Student Ambassador and contributed to the WHO Basic Emergency Care Training-of-Trainers Course, further aligning with GEMA’s mission to strengthen global emergency care through education and collaboration.

He is running for the Resident Representative position to help amplify trainee perspectives within GEMA and enhance opportunities for residents to engage meaningfully in global EM initiatives. If elected, he plans to expand structured mentorship and collaboration pipelines, facilitate resident-led educational content, and create accessible platforms for trainees to contribute to global EM scholarship and programming.

Aymane brings a perspective shaped by international collaboration, mentorship design, and navigating nontraditional pathways into emergency medicine. He is committed to fostering inclusion, connectivity, and tangible professional development for residents within GEMA, helping the Academy grow as a hub for the next generation of global emergency medicine leaders.