People

Member-at-Large

Columbia University

Dr. Mills is the J.E. Beaumont Professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as chief of emergency services for NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia. 

Dr. Mills earned a medical degree, with Alpha Omega Alpha distinction, from Temple University School of Medicine and completed her emergency medicine residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where she served as chief resident. During her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Mills advanced to professor of emergency medicine and held key roles, including medical director and vice chair of clinical operations. 

In January 2018, Dr. Mills joined Columbia as the inaugural chair of the newly formed Department of Emergency Medicine, overseeing academic and operational activities across four emergency department sites that collectively manage over 240,000 patient visits annually. Under her leadership, the department has achieved national recognition for advancements in education, research, clinical care, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

Her research interests include the treatment and evaluation of acute abdominal pain, disparities in emergency care, radiation risk, and emergency radiologic imaging. She has also focused on electronic clinical decision support systems. Dr. Mills is committed to mentoring and has significantly influenced the careers of numerous faculty members and trainees.

Dr. Mills has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine in 2017, the Mid-Career Award from the SAEM Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM), and the 2020 Chair of the Year Award from the Emergency Medicine Residents' Association. 

Dr. Mills has authored over 100 scientific publications and has received both federal and industry research funding. An active member of SAEM, she has served on the board of directors, holding positions such as secretary-treasurer, president-elect, and president.

Member-at-Large

Stanford University School of Medicine

Dr. Blomkalns is the Redlich Family Professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, a position she has held since 2018.

Dr. Blomkalns earned an undergraduate degree from Rice University and received her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. She completed her emergency medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati, where she later served as residency program director and vice chair of education. She earned an MBA with a specialization in innovation and entrepreneurship from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2018.

Before joining Stanford, Dr. Blomkalns was division chief of general emergency medicine and vice chair for academic affairs and business development at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. 

Her research focuses on clinical cardiovascular medicine and basic science investigations into obesity and the gut microbiome. She has authored or contributed to more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 14 book chapters on topics such as cardiovascular emergencies, point-of-care testing, innate immunity, and obesity.

A leader in academic emergency medicine, Dr. Blomkalns served as SAEM president from 2016 to 2017 and continues to contribute as chair of the SAEM Wellness Committee.

Immediate Past President

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Dr. Brice is a professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine. She holds adjunct appointments in the Department of Epidemiology and the Department of Social Medicine. Dr. Brice earned her medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and her Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology from the UNC School of Public Health.

Dr. Brice’s clinical and research interests focus on prehospital care, particularly the care provided by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Her work aims to improve the quality and efficiency of trauma care, pediatric care, and stroke care in the prehospital environment. Dr. Brice is also passionate about health equity, with a focus on health literacy and addressing disparities in emergency care. She has led multiple federally funded research projects in these areas.

Dr. Brice is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine (AACEM), the National Association of EMS Physicians, the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), and the American College of Emergency Physicians. She has served SAEM in multiple capacities, including as a member of AACEM, where she has contributed significantly to advancing academic emergency medicine. Additionally, she is a fellow of the American Heart Association and a member of the American Public Health Association. 

In addition to her academic and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Brice serves as an EMS medical director in North Carolina. Her leadership extends to national programs, including participation in the AACEM Chair Development Program and the Emerging Leader Development Program (eLEAD). Dr. Brice is a former paramedic and remains actively engaged in EMS-related initiatives.

Secretary-Treasurer

Penn State Hershey Emergency Medicine

Dr. Promes is a tenured professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine, positions she has held since 2014. 

Dr. Promes earned an undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and received a medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine. She completed her residency training at Alameda County Medical Center, Highland General Hospital, where she served as chief resident. In 2012, she obtained an MBA from the University of California – Davis Graduate School of Management. 

Prior to her current role, Dr. Promes spent seven years at the University of California, San Francisco, serving as vice chair for education, emergency medicine residency program director, and director of curricular affairs in the GME office. Before that, she was at Duke University as the inaugural emergency medicine residency program director and director of the medical school capstone course. 

Dr. Promes’s scholarly work has focused on emergency medicine medical education and clinical guidelines for practicing emergency physicians. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and edited multiple McGraw-Hill board review books to prepare physicians for the emergency medicine board exam. An internationally recognized leader in academic emergency medicine, Dr. Promes was chosen by SAEM to be the inaugural editor of their journal, Academic Emergency Medicine Education and Training, which debuted in January 2017. 

In 2020, she received the SAEM Hal Jayne Excellence in Education Award from the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine. More recently, in 2024, she was honored with the Judith E. Tintinalli Award for Outstanding Contribution in Education.

President-Elect

Oregon Health & Science University

Dr. Tanski is associate professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

She earned an undergraduate degree in business management and health and humanities from Michigan State University and received her medical degree from Wayne State University. Dr. Tanski completed her residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University, where she also served as chief resident. She then completed an emergency medicine administration fellowship and earned an MBA at OHSU.

Dr. Tanski has been a faculty member in the Department of Emergency Medicine at OHSU, where she teaches the health care operations and quality course. She previously served as medical director of operations before being appointed department chair.

Her expertise includes emergency department operations and quality improvement, with a focus on improving patient flow, implementing a no-divert trial, and addressing departmental boarding.

President

Medical College of Wisconsin

Medical Student Representative

Yale University

Carlisle Topping is a medical student at Yale University pursuing an MD/MHS degree. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Columbia University, where she was a member of the women’s soccer team.

Passionate about fostering community and mentorship among medical students interested in emergency medicine, Dr. Topping values the support systems that help students navigate their medical careers. Drawing from her experience as a collegiate athlete, she appreciates the built-in camaraderie of a team and hopes to contribute to RAMS’ efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for medical students preparing to enter the field of emergency medicine.

Medical Student Representative

University of Michigan

John Hennessy is an educator, entrepreneur, and leader with more than a decade of experience in teaching, mentoring, and innovation. He began his career in education in 2009 as the founder of a tutoring company while an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, expanding it into a multi-state enterprise with a team of more than 50. This experience sparked a passion for teaching that evolved beyond content delivery into the development of effective instructional methods.

Since 2015, Hennessey has served as a lecturer at the University of Michigan, where he has taught more than 1,000 students and developed new curricula, including as an instructor for the NSF I-Corps program, helping academic researchers bridge the gap between research and commercial application.

In addition to his work in education, Hennessey is the CEO and co-founder of a battery and membrane technology startup, leading interdisciplinary research teams and fostering collaborations across university departments and external partnerships. As he transitions to a medical career in emergency medicine, he hopes to apply his expertise in critical thinking, resourcefulness, and education to improve healthcare outcomes and drive innovation in the field.

Member-at-Large

University of Texas Southwestern

Dr. Williams is a second-year emergency medicine resident at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She completed her undergraduate studies at Stanford University before working as a medical scribe and high school tutor. She earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Dr. Williams plans to pursue a fellowship in medical education and a career in academic emergency medicine. She is passionate about advocacy for marginalized populations, particularly incarcerated individuals.  

Member-at-Large

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Sara Schulwolf is a dual MD/MPH student at the University of Connecticut, currently applying into emergency medicine. This is her second year serving on the SAEM-RAMS Board, after previously holding the role of medical student representative.

Member-at-Large

New York Presbyterian Cornell Columbia

Dr. Juliet Jacobson is a third-year emergency medicine resident at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and Columbia University.

Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Jacobson taught sixth-grade math and science in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. As a teacher, she recognized the disconnect between students’ assumed needs and their actual experiences, leading her to foster an open and communicative classroom environment. This dedication to effective communication continues to shape her approach in emergency medicine.

Member-at-Large

Stanford University

Dr. Guzmán Das is a PGY-2 at Stanford Health Care. She earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College and a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

At Stanford, Dr. Guzmán Das serves on the program evaluation committee to identify areas for residency improvement, the recruitment committee, and as a mentor for programs that expand opportunities for underrepresented students.

Before medical school, she worked as a management consultant at Bain & Company, advising S&P 500 corporations and international nonprofits on strategic goals and operations. She later joined the International Rescue Committee, focusing on global refugee resettlement programs.

Dr. Guzmán Das’s research has examined how rising healthcare costs create barriers to access for underserved populations. She has collaborated with Johns Hopkins University on hospital billing practices and worked with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Partners in Health to expand emergency care access in international development programs.

Dr. Guzmán Das is passionate about making high-quality health care more affordable and accessible. She views the emergency department as a front line for addressing systemic health inequities and is committed to building a better healthcare system.

Member-at-Large

University of Utah Health

Dr. Grant is a second-year emergency medicine resident at University of Utah Health. A native of rural West Texas, he earned his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2023.

Dr. Grant’s path to medicine began as an emergency department scribe at Denver Health, where he developed a passion for the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of emergency medicine. During medical school, he served as the wilderness medicine liaison for the emergency medicine interest group and quartermaster for the school’s Wilderness Medicine Club, working to break down barriers that prevent students from training in austere environments.

As a resident, Dr. Grant has coordinated education month to improve learning for incoming interns and has been actively involved in the residency interview process and medical student education.

Member-at-Large

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Mel Ebeling is a PGY-1 at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Mel recently graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where they also earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience as part of the BS/MD program.

With extensive experience in prehospital emergency medicine, Mel has worked as an emergency medical technician in fire-based 911 emergency response, ground ambulance operations, and event medicine. They have a strong interest in disaster and counterterrorism medicine, holding certification as a Hazardous Materials Specialist through the Department of Homeland Security.

Mel also has expertise in simulation-based medical education, having developed high-fidelity immersive simulations. They are particularly proud of publishing a simulation for emergency medicine residents on acute radiation syndrome.

Committed to becoming a physician leader, scholar, and educator, Mel looks forward to leveraging their diverse experiences to provide outstanding emergency medical care and train the next generation of physicians.

Member-at-Large

New York Presbyterian Cornell Columbia

Dr. Bonner is a second-year emergency medicine resident at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and Columbia University. She earned her bachelor’s degree and medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 2023 as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

As a member-at-large on the SAEM-RAMS Board, Dr. Bonner acts as liaison to the SAEM Program Committee, where she has been developing a yearlong mentorship program for medical student ambassadors. She is also a member of the SAEM Education Committee and has contributed to the Strategic Planning and Regional Ambassadors Task Forces.

Member-at-Large

Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School

Dr. Escobar is a PGY-2 resident at New Jersey Medical School with a unique background shaped by military service, health care experience, and a strong commitment to leadership and education. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in the Marine Special Operations community. Toward the end of his enlistment, Jared began cross-training with Navy Corpsmen, which set the stage for his transition into medicine.

After completing military service, Jared pursued undergraduate studies at Fordham University before attending Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for medical education. While in medical school, Jared received a commission into the U.S. Army, further developing his leadership skills and applying military principles to health care. As a Curriculum Research Fellow, Jared helped integrate teamwork and leadership training into the residency curriculum, publishing research on these topics. Dr. Escobar was honored to be inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and named a Rutgers Rising Star Scholar for his academic and leadership achievements.

Now in his second year of residency, Jared continues to apply these leadership lessons in emergency medicine. Jared has contributed to initiatives focused on improving patient care in high-acuity settings, including the development of critical airway equipment and enhancing team performance through briefing and debriefing.

Dr. Escobar is eager to contribute to the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) by advancing research, education, and leadership initiatives. Through RAMS, Jared aims to advocate for policies that improve the educational experience for residents and medical students while fostering collaboration and community within the specialty.

Immediate Past President

Washington University in Saint Louis

Dr. Ly Cloessner is a fourth-year emergency medicine resident at Washington University in St. Louis, where she serves as a chief resident. Her path to emergency medicine began with a career in public health and public service, rooted in a strong commitment to community engagement. This dedication led her to emergency medicine, where she values the ability to care for all patients, regardless of condition or circumstance.

Dr. Cloessner earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and her undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston. Her academic interests include point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), emergency medicine system development in resource-limited settings, and public health, particularly infectious disease management.

Secretary-Treasurer

Stanford University

Dr. Diercks is a first-year emergency medicine resident at Stanford University. She previously served as the SAEM-RAMS medical student representative for two years and as a member-at-large for one year.

Her work with the RAMS Board has focused on enhancing the value of SAEM membership for residents and medical students. She helped create short-term volunteer opportunities, led a national survey assessing the emergency medicine interest group (EMIG) experience, and initiated a collaboration program between EMIG leadership and SAEM.

President

University of Cincinnati Medical Center/College of Medicine

Dr. Artiga is a fourth-year emergency medicine resident at the University of Cincinnati. He earned his medical degree as a David Geffen Medical Scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds a bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology from Harvard University.

A first-generation Latino, Dr. Artiga developed an early interest in emergency medicine through childhood experiences in the emergency department. He is dedicated to serving resource-limited communities and plans to pursue a fellowship in ultrasound.

Dr. Artiga has served on the RAMS Board for four years. His work as a RAMS Board member has led efforts to develop best practices for preparing for ABEM’s new Certifying Exam and previously served as liaison to the SAEM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He also contributed to SAEM’s Virtual Presence Committee to launch the organization’s Instagram, co-hosted the Ask-A-Chair educational podcast series, and was a member of the RAMS Resident Labor Task Force.

Member-at-Large

University of California, Davis

Dr. Mumma is a faculty member at the University of California, Davis, where she serves as the director of the Women in Medicine and Health Sciences program at the UC Davis School of Medicine. She is also the physician lead for the Emergency Medicine Data Curation Unit and chair of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Emergency Medicine Research Committee.

Dr. Mumma earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Pittsburgh Affiliated Residency Program. She then completed a research fellowship at UC Davis, earning a Master of Advanced Studies (M.A.S.) in clinical research before joining the faculty.

Within the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), Dr. Mumma has held numerous leadership roles, including vice chair and chair of the Grants Committee, chair of the Bylaws Committee, and course faculty for the SAEM Grant Writing Workshop, ARMED Course, and SAEMF/EMF Grantee Workshop.

Her academic work focuses on outcomes and systems of care in cardiovascular emergencies, with particular interest in sex and gender differences, cardiac biomarkers, and myocardial infarction. In addition to her work in faculty development, she has co-authored clinical guidelines for the SAEM Guidelines for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in Emergency Medicine (GRACE) and the American Heart Association.