Letter from the Chair

Thank you to all who attended a fantastic ACEP Scientific Assembly in Salt Lake City! As always, it is invigorating to see everyone at the Disaster Medicine section meeting in addition to other related gatherings throughout the week. I would like to wish a special congratulations to our most recent Disaster Medical Sciences award winner, Dr John Hick! Also, congratulations to our newest leadership in the Disaster Medicine section: Chair Elect Dr. Larissa Unruh, Secretary Dr. Dominique Wong, Council Representative Dr. Kylie Klemann, and Alternative Council Representative Dr. Ryan Hata. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not give thanks to Dr. James Phillips for his leadership as Chair of the section these last two years.

This period will be one of incredible potential as we inch closer towards formal subspecialty recognition. There is still a bit of a mountain to climb but no longer does it seem insurmountable.

While there were some setbacks, such as the postponement of the Medical Leadership in Disaster Preparedness and Response virtual conference, we have significant achievements in the Disaster Medicine educational conference series in partnership with University of Massachusetts, Division of EMS and Disaster Medicine and the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH). I hope to see many of you attend this excellent opportunity and hear experts address challenging problems with innovative solutions.

During the coming year, our goals are to build a foundation for greater engagement. This effort includes the mentorship program and ensuring the next generation of Disaster Medicine experts has the guidance and support they need to succeed and push boundaries further than ever before. Our newsletter, co-edited by Ryan Hata and Dominique Wong, will also serve as a conduit to some of the great work of the ACEP Disaster Medicine committee, communicating efforts to you while promoting opportunities to get involved. Our subspecialty of Disaster Medicine is broad and multifaceted. It is not something that can be built and expanded on by any single individual, but by our collaborative work to ensure a comprehensive discipline that promotes healthcare resiliency.

I personally would like to thank every one of you for your continued support and work during this exciting time. This section is for all of you. If there is content you would like to see or contribute, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our section leaders or supporting ACEP staff.

I hope to see you all in Chicago next year!

Bryan Wexler, MD, MPH, CHPCP, CHEC-III