2023 - 2024 Government Services Leader Spotlight EMRA

Matt Christensen, MD, Chair of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2023-2024

Program: Naval Medical Center San Diego

Your goal as an EMRA leader: To provide high-quality academic content, resources, and mentorship opportunities to the members of our Government Services Committee

Why did you get involved in a professional society?

Professional organizations like EMRA provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership development while providing a platform that connects rising leaders in emergency and military medicine

What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader?

A great leader is resourceful, approachable, and reliable.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Strength isn't how long it takes you to become tired, it's how long you can keep going once you have become tired

What is something that people don't know about you?

I have a twin brother!

Eric Kretz, MD, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2023-2024

Eric Kretz.jpg Program: Wright Patterson Air Force Base/ Wirght State University

Your goal as an EMRA leader: To advance the future of Emergency Medicine.

Why get involved in a professional society? If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Listen to understand, do not listen to respond

If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? I would operate a restaurant

What is the last non-textbook you read? Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Laura Barrera, MD, Capt, Vice Chair of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2023-2024

Laura Barrera.jpg Program: Virginia Commonwealth Unviersity

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal is to promote the role of emergency medicine in military medicine through collaboration with current leaders in each industry.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? To ensure the voice of EM continues to be relevant and helpful to its members.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Never start a neruo exam by asking if the patient can blink.

What is something that people don't know about you? I can fall asleep just about anywhere, it's not even a contest.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: I'd either be someone's rich wife or a NASA Astronaut, there is no in between.

Favorite channel on social media? Early Bird Biscuit Company in RVA. I love looking to see what tomorrow's unique biscuit will be, and also the Radiology Page as it helps me work on my image reading skills.

What's the last non-textbook you read? "One of Us is Dead" By Jeneva Rose Spoiler alert: someone was in fact dead

Nicholas Rizer, MD, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Health Policy Committee, 2023-2024

Nicholas Rizer.jpg Program: Johns Hopkins University

Your goal as an EMRA leader: I hope to help EMRA members explore and develop their interests within EM, connect with their colleagues, and be the best EM docs they can be!

Why did you get involved in a professional society? Being involved with EMRA allows me to give back to fellow residents, advocate for our specialty, and become connected with other residents who want to be leaders in health policy.

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

What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Being overly sensitive to caffeine. It's a blessing and a curse.

What is the last non-textbook you read? "Sea of Tranquility" by Emily St. John Mandel

Michael Shulby, OMS-III, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2023-2024

Michael Shulby.jpg Program: Midwestern University - Glendale, AZ

Your goal as an EMRA leader: I look forward to representing fellow military medical students and helping them connect with education and networking opportunities to bridge the gap from medical school to residency.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? Professional societies like EMRA foster a space for networking along with personal and professional development.

What is the best advice you've ever received? You have two ears and one mouth. It is best to use them in that ratio.

If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? I would get my pilot license and be a commercial airline pilot. Get those free travel benefits!

What is the last non-textbook you read? Re-read Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose.

CPT Kyler Osborne, MD, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2023-2024

Kyler Osborne.jpg Program: Madigan Army Medical Center

Your goal as an EMRA leader: As an EMRA leader, I hope to represent, support, and advocate for EM residents within all Uniformed Services.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? In order to network and build relationships with other EM Physicians and military members across our specialty - allowing me to learn, grow, and help to further improve our physician community.

What is the best advice you've ever received? "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift".

What is something people don't know about you? I threw the javelin in college.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: A collegiate/ professional coach or trainer.

What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Celsius energy drinks and protein bars on shift. Melatonin/ doxylamine and blackout curtains for sleep.