2025 Diversity & Inclusion Committee Leader Spotlight

Jessica Andre-Todd, MD, Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2025

Program: University of Chicago

Your goal as an EMRA leader:
My goal as EMRA leader is to create a safe and collaborative environment for the committee to express ideas and create meaningful programs to better the EM speciality as a whole.

Why did you get involved with a professional society? I got involved to further hone my niche within EM, to strengthen my leadership skills, and to network with leaders in the field of EM

Top 3 traits of a great leader: The top three traits of a great leader include great communication skills, delegating skills, and compassion 

What's the last non-textbook you read? The Parable of the Sower

Favorite channel on social media? Any page related to Japan food destinations 

Cathryn Phouybanhdyt, MD, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2025

Program: University of Chicago

Avery Ford, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2025

Program: University of Central Florida

Your goal as an EMRA leader: To engage with and inspire community among underrepresented minority physicians of today & tomorrow. To reinforce our platforms and further leverage our resources for the greater emergency medicine community. And to foster a spirit of leadership and vision that empowers abundant representation and collaboration

Why get involved in a professional society? Networking, exposure and academic spirit have always been key throughout the pursuit and practice of medicine. I aim to mold my long-standing passion through further professional society involvement and continued collaboration to help advance our field of emergency medicine and also promote further interest.

What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? Empathy, Adaptability, Altruism

What is the best advice you have ever received? You always represent more than yourself. Your purpose is multigenerational.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Something artsy and meant to be shared by others: chef/art curator/photographer/luxury brand marketer

Kelsey Newbold, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2025

Program: Creighton of Phoenix Arizona / Maricopa County Emergency Medicine Residency

Your goal as an EMRA leader: As an EMRA leader, my goal is to foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within emergency medicine by championing initiatives that support medical students and residents from all backgrounds. I am committed to promoting education, advocacy, and collaboration that empowers and celebrates all individuals and all of their identities.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? I got involved with EMRA because I am passionate about DEI advocacy, and while we have made progress as a medical community, there is still work to be done. I believe it is important to increase representation within our specialty by supporting pipeline programs, mentorship, and career development opportunities that uplift individuals historically underrepresented in emergency medicine. By prioritizing these efforts, we can cultivate a workforce that reflects the diverse patient populations we serve.

What is something that people don't know about you? I love scuba diving and completed 100 dives in 5 different countries in less than one calendar year during my gap year between undergrad and med school.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Probably a Forensic Scientist/Crime Scene Investigator! One of my undergrad degrees is in Forensic Science and it was always something I found fascinating.

What is the last non-textbook you read? Remarkably Bright Creatures. Highly recommend!

Ravi Sandhu, MD, Assistant Vice Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2025

Program: Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine