Letter from the Chair

Dear Forensic Section Members,

I hope spring is finally showing up wherever you are—and that your coffee is strong enough to keep up with everything on your plate. It’s been a busy year (in the best way), and our section continues to grow and take on new projects.

Coming up soon: our webinar, “From Chart to Courtroom: How to Testify Confidently and Effectively.” It features our own Drs. Lauren Hudak and Jodi Wieters, along with Juliana Peterson, Esq., Executive District Attorney for the Special Victims Division in Fulton County, GA. It’s on May 7 at 4 PM EST and is open to all ACEP members. You can register here:
https://learn.acep.org/cw/course-details?entryId=18470346&itemId=789847
Highly recommended—especially if “testifying” ranks somewhere between “fine” and “please no.”

On the project front, we’re turning our forensic resolution into action. Following the 2025 ACEP Council resolution supporting the development of forensic programs in Level I and II trauma centers, we’ve started collaborating with key stakeholders. Our members are also working with the Public Health Committee to build a practical toolkit for all EDs interested in developing forensic programs, not only trauma centers. Along the same lines, there also was a recent Forensic Facts article summarizing the process

https://www.acepnow.com/article/how-to-develop-a-comprehensive-forensic-care-program-beyond-sane/

Please save the dates for our upcoming section meetings:

• Virtual meeting: August 6 at 4 PM EST (link to come via EngagED)
• In-person meeting: October 5, 1:00–2:30 PM in Chicago during Scientific Assembly

We’ll also be holding section elections this year. If you’re considering throwing your hat in the ring, please reach out to Sandy Marchant or Dr. Judith Linden (and check out her EngagED post for details).

Finally, we’re always looking for fresh ideas, including educational topics, projects, collaborations, or anything else you’d like to see from the section. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and we hope to see you at an upcoming meeting.

Sincerely,

Monika Pitzele