AAEM/RSA Board of Directors Election

I would like to serve on the RSA Board of Directors in the role of President because I would like to continue the work I have been involved in this year as one of your representatives. As your current RSA Secretary-Treasurer, I have spoken on behalf of the RSA community at various conferences, advocating for issues that will impact our specialty on a national level. This year, I continued to work closely with RAMS, SAEM, ACEP, EMRA, and other organizations in EM to spearhead a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force that was created to dismantle systemic barriers seen in our specialty. Mentorship continues to be a large focus and I am committed to building a mentoring system for that engages both current and future emergency medicine physicians at various stages of their careers. The Road to Match mentorship program that we created last year continues to flourish and I am specifically working with our medical student council to create an in-person Western Symposium for our medical students in the western region.

If selected to serve on the AAEM/RSA Board of Directors for another year, I plan to use my platform to increase AAEM’s visibility throughout medical schools and residency programs to encourage enrollment and promote our mission to both inspire and inform residents and students. As someone who has gained so much through being a member of AAEM – opportunities, mentors, and networking, I believe that my unique perspective along with my previous leadership experience, skill set, and passion for emergency medicine makes me a well-suited candidate. It would be an honor to continue to serve you again on AAEM/RSA’s Board of Directors. Thank you for your time and consideration.

As the current liaison and VP of Cabinet of Delegates as well as Board Member at Large, I feel that I have been able to contribute to RSA but have wanted to serve my community in a larger capacity during my last year as a resident. I wish to not only carry the momentum of the current Board forward but also stepping up to greater responsibility in order to continue to champion the Emergency Resident physician and to continue to educate and mentor students moving forward. We have made great strides this year in advocacy and keeping AAEM members in-the-know when it comes to the ever-changing landscape of our profession, and I believe I can continue to bring fresh ideas and create synergy within the board from the Executive side of the Board of Directors.

I plan to continue my current projects with the Cabinet of Delegates, and would be honored to serve another year on the Board of Directors. If selected, I will continue to work with board members old and new to continue to solidify AAEM/RSA as the de facto organization for student and resident success and wellbeing.

Arya has already served on the AAEM/RSA board and knows what the role entails. Last year he created a crit-care pocket guide and has been actively involved in bettering the education for residents. Additionally he has taught the Stop the Bleed Course and assisted with the crit care lecture series since he was a medical student. His dedication to the specialty and RSA are admirable. I hope he continues to serve our organization.

As prior RSA President, I already know what serving on the board entails. I want to ensure the health of our organization and hope to continue to finish projects that I have been passionate about. I have been deeply involved with both the new ABEM board exam, the change in application cycle with the move to residency CAS, and ACGME program requirements – so I am up to date on what the landscape of emergency medicine will look like and how to prepare our residents and medical students.

My name is Austin Davis, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for the position of At-Large Board Member for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine Resident and Student Association (AAEM/RSA). As a PGY-1 Emergency Medicine resident at Tristar Skyline Medical Center, I am passionate about advocating for the next generation of emergency physicians, especially in these transformative early years of our careers.

I am running for the At-Large Board Member position because I believe that every resident, regardless of their program or background, deserves to be represented. My diverse experiences during my first year of residency have given me unique insights into the challenges and opportunities we face, and I am eager to channel my passion and energy into making a lasting impact for the Emergency Medicine community.

Together, we can continue to shape the future of emergency medicine in a way that prioritizes fairness, inclusivity, and excellence. I would be honored to represent you on the AAEM/RSA Board and work towards a brighter future for all of us. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your At-Large Board Member

I am thrilled to nominate myself for the AAEM RSA Board of Directors. My first time hearing about AAEM was during an education day on one of my Sub-Is. A faculty member spoke about AAEM’s commitment to protecting our field from corporate influence, and a light-bulb went off in my head. While I’ve been involved with EMRA, PACEP, ACOEP, SAEM, and more, I don’t believe any of these organizations ever fully aligned with my values. For the past year and a half, I served on the ACOEP Board of Directors. While it was an incredible experience, I began feeling that bureaucracy was beginning to limit our ability to provide mentorship and meaningful opportunities for EM-bound osteopathic students. Since then, I have been searching for a leadership role that fuels my passion for advocacy and mentorship while giving me a platform to fight for our specialty. Mentorship is central to who I am. I currently serve as an EMRA mentor, a member of the UnderDocs mentors hip program for underrepresented pre-meds and medical students, and the resident advisor for all EM-bound students at the medical school I attended. With extensive leadership experience, a deep commitment to teamwork, and a vision for a stronger future in EM, I am eager to contribute to the AAEM RSA Board. As our specialty faces challenges such as mid-level scope creep, ACGME’s new proposed guidelines, and declining student interest in EM, I am committed to bringing fresh perspectives and meaningful change. Joining the AAEM RSA Board is a step toward ensuring a stronger, resident- and student-driven future. Thank you for your consideration!

I am honored to nominate Tai Donovan for the AAEM/RSA Board of Directors. Tai is a proven leader with an unwavering commitment to advancing emergency medicine, promoting health equity, and mentoring the next generation of physicians. As Chair of the AAEM Cabinet of Delegates, she has connected EM residents and students with leadership opportunities while advocating for key issues in our field. Her work co-leading the AAEM-JEDI Health Equity Skills SIM training, published in the AAEM Journal, highlights her dedication to creating inclusive and effective medical education.

Beyond AAEM, Tai has co-founded and led multiple non-profits focused on mentorship and healthcare access for underrepresented minority students. She has partnered with The Obama Foundation on mental health initiatives and has been recognized as a Chicago Peace Fellow and Cook County Health Provident Scholar for her work addressing health disparities. Tai’s passion, leadership, and dedication to resident development make her an outstanding candidate for the board. I strongly support her nomination.

My involvement with AAEM/RSA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my medical journey, and I’m honored for the opportunity to apply for a position on the Board of Directors. Serving as Chair of the AAEM/RSA Cabinet of Delegates for the past two years has been an incredibly rewarding experience, deepening my connection to our organization’s mission and values. In this role, I’ve worked to foster collaboration among delegates, support their initiatives, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement within AAEM/RSA.

Leading the Cabinet has connected me with passionate members across the country and given me the opportunity to help create a space where their voices are amplified and their ideas contribute to projects that align with AAEM/RSA’s mission. These experiences have reinforced the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and community in shaping the future of emergency medicine.

As a Board Member, I would be committed to building on this work by supporting committee initiatives, expanding member benefits, and growing our membership—particularly by engaging medical students and residents. I look forward for the chance to collaborate with fellow members to promote opportunities that reflect the diverse needs of our community and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving and supporting the mission of AAEM/RSA.

I am honored to submit my nomination for an at-large board member position with AAEM/RSA. My passion for emergency medicine extends beyond clinical practice—I am deeply committed to shaping the future of our field and ensuring that residents have a strong, united voice.

As the AAEM liaison for my medical school and the Student Representative for the NYCT AAEM chapter, I have actively worked to connect students with mentorship opportunities, advocate for their needs, and foster engagement within the EM community. AAEM has been instrumental in my journey, providing invaluable support, education, and networking opportunities. Now, I am eager to give back in a larger capacity by contributing to long-term planning and strategic initiatives that will strengthen our community and empower the next generation of EM physicians.

My leadership experience—serving as Vice President of my class, an AAEM delegate, and a mentor to fellow students—has strengthened my ability to collaborate, advocate, and drive meaningful change. I thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments and bring a strong ability to organize, communicate, and implement effective initiatives. As an at-large board member, I will be an active participant in board meetings, a reliable liaison to committees, and a thoughtful contributor to the organization’s direction.

Emergency medicine thrives on adaptability, collaboration, and advocacy—values I have embraced throughout my medical training and leadership roles. I believe that our voices as residents matter, and I am committed to ensuring that AAEM/RSA continues to champion the needs and aspirations of those entering our field. This role is more than a title to me—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. I would be honored to serve and bring my enthusiasm, experience, and dedication to this position.

It is my pleasure to nominate Dr. Hussein for the position of AAEM/RSA At-Large Board Member. Dr. Hussein has demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing equity, mentorship, and leadership within emergency medicine, making her an outstanding candidate for this role.

Her involvement with AAEM/RSA spans both the Women in Emergency Medicine (WiEM) and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) sections, where she has actively contributed to initiatives that promote representation and inclusivity. As a current JEDI AAEM/RSA Representative, she has played a vital role in supporting underrepresented medical students, particularly through her work on the medical student scholarship for URiM applicants to EM. Additionally, her contributions as a member of the University of Maryland’s Emergency Medicine DEI committee have helped foster meaningful discussions on diversity and representation in our field. Dr. Hussein’s leadership, passion, and collaborative approach make her well-suited to serve as an At-Large Board Member. Her ability to advocate for residents, engage in impactful initiatives, and work across committees will be invaluable to AAEM/RSA. I am confident that she will continue to be a strong voice for residents and a driving force for positive change within our organization.

Emergency medicine is built on resilience, collaboration, and the ability to adapt in the face of challenges. As a resident, I have witnessed how our specialty thrives not only through clinical excellence but also through the diversity of voices that shape it. The opportunity to advocate for my colleagues and support future generations of emergency physicians has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

My involvement with AAEM/RSA has been incredibly meaningful, particularly through my work with the Women in Emergency Medicine (WiEM) and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) sections. As a current JEDI AAEM/RSA Representative, I have helped advance initiatives that support underrepresented medical students, promote mentorship, and foster inclusive spaces for residents. Additionally, my work with the University of Maryland’s Emergency Medicine DEI committee has reinforced my commitment to ensuring that emergency medicine remains a welcoming and equitable specialty.

Through these experiences, I have seen firsthand the impact that mentorship, advocacy, and leadership can have on shaping the future of our field. Representation matters—not only in the physicians we train but also in the leadership that guides our profession. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all residents is essential for both individual growth and the advancement of emergency medicine as a whole.

If elected as an At-Large Board Member, I hope to build on this foundation by collaborating with committees to expand resident engagement, enhance educational initiatives, and uphold the values of AAEM/RSA. I am eager to serve as a liaison and advocate for my fellow residents, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed. I would be honored to serve in this role and contribute to the ongoing efforts to strengthen our specialty and support the next generation of emergency physicians.

I am an EM resident in a new program that filled its third class this year, and I have witnessed the struggles that a new program can have and the beauty of building a culture of excellence and integrity from the ground up.  I loved emergency medicine from the moment I stepped into be a volunteer at my local hospital and never wavered from that decision even during COVID. But becoming a resident opened my eyes to a whole new world of struggles, chaos and amazing opportunities in the EM world. Residency is a short window of stress, immense training, and a loop of burnout, accomplishment that sometimes I think those who are done with residency forget. It would be an honor to be a part of a group that can work together to advocate for our residents and understand and empathize but also bring real solutions to some of the problems and issues that we face.

I am honored to nominate Yusuke for the AAEM/RSA Board of Directors. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing emergency medicine make him an outstanding candidate. As a current At-Large Board Member, he has played a vital role in resident wellness, evidence-based medicine education, and advocacy, including his contributions to health policy initiatives and the HPEM Symposium.

Beyond AAEM/RSA, Yusuke was elected Chief Resident at his program, a testament to his leadership and the respect he has earned from his peers. He has also spearheaded numerous initiatives as Chair of multiple UAMS committees, focusing on health equity, career development, and resident wellness. His work with the CAL/AAEM Board further highlights his ability to bridge local and national efforts to support emergency medicine trainees.

Yusuke’s experience, passion, and vision will undoubtedly strengthen AAEM/RSA’s mission and positively impact emergency medicine residents nationwide. I wholeheartedly support his nomination.

My name is Yusuke Kishimoto, PGY-2 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and I am running for a second term as At-Large Board Member for AAEM/RSA’s Board of Directors.

Raising awareness of health care policies, empowering physician advocacy, fostering education for students, residents, and physicians, and providing opportunities for leadership and professional growth – each of these Academy’s missions inspired me to seek meaningful ways to contribute to this community. Through the International Committee, I participated in educational projects related to trending international health topics and founded the RxR (Road to Residency) Podcast series for our medical students. As a California native, I served as the student and resident representative on the California Chapter’s Board of Directors who provided me with a platform to speak out regarding current events in our field. Shortly after starting residency, I have been a part of Cabinet of Delegates as the UAMS representative as well as served as an RSA’s Board of Directors At-Large Board Member. Outside of AAEM, I have also served on ACEP/EMRA Arkansas Chapter as resident representative and was honored to receive Arkansas ACEP Resident of the Year award last year. During my term on the RSA board, I had the privilege of working with inspirational mentors and passionate colleagues. Each team member brought unique skills and strengths, contributing to a variety of groundbreaking initiatives across our committees. As the Advocacy Committee liaison, I had the opportunity to work closely with our lobbyists, developed foundations for new state chapters, and assisted planning for our Health Policy in Emergency Medicine (HPEM) Symposium. While I still have much to learn, I am eager to draw from these experiences in leadership and advocacy to engage on the national level. My goal is to inspire students and colleagues to become future champions of emergency medicine, just as our current leaders have inspired me.

As an incoming PGY-1 and the current International Student Representative on the AAEM/RSA Medical Student Council, I have seen firsthand the power of mentorship and representation in shaping the next generation of EM physicians. I am running for a position with the AAEM/RSA Board of Directors to build on this work and advocate for my peers. My goal is to ensure that medical students and residents, regardless of background, have a clear, supported path into our specialty.

My passions are advocacy, mentorship, and equity. I believe the strength of emergency medicine comes from creating opportunities, uplifting peers, and fostering a sense of belonging within AAEM. As a junior board member, I will expand outreach, encourage medical students to pursue EM, and promote RSA’s resources to grow its membership.

My advocacy experiences reinforce this mission. At the Health Policy in Emergency Medicine (HPEM) conference in Washington, DC, I stood alongside EM physicians to advocate for policies affecting our specialty, including protecting DEI initiatives and improving resident mental health resources. I shared my journey with lawmakers, highlighting the importance of preserving pathways for future physicians. This experience cemented my belief that representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about action.

Transitioning from the Medical Student Council to the RSA Board, I hope to be a voice for residents and future applicants, ensuring our needs, challenges, and aspirations remain at the forefront of AAEM’s mission. Through committee work, residency recruitment, and mentorship initiatives, I will advocate for our collective success—both within residency and as we shape the future of EM together.

I would be honored to serve and represent my (soon-to-be) fellow residents. I look forward to contributing and growing alongside all of you.