Rebecca Leff, MD, Chair of the EMRA Pediatric EM Committee, 2024
Program: Mayo Clinic
Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to provide a community for those who love pediatric emergency medicine to come together to learn and help each other grow, whether that means collaborating on projects, finding mentorship, or creating virtual spaces to meet and learn together.
Why did you get involved in a professional society? EM physicians can diagnose a child with measles in one room and manage an adult stroke patient next door. But in order to help fully reach our potential as the next generation of EM physicians to improve acute-care internationally, we need training to learn how to take these skills to the global stage, whether that means participating in PEM-simulations so we can replicate them for those who don't have access, research skills, career guidance, or a place to tune in to learn more about our passions. Most importantly, we need community: a place to discuss our struggles with others who have overcome them and meet mentors who can help us take our careers to the next phase. Building off prior roles in health and human rights leadership, I want to be an EMRA leader because I want to facilitate training and foster community for trainees in our specialty, so that as a community we can fulfill our role in improving acute-care on the global stage, with all the unique talents our diverse community holds.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Listen intently. Don’t just hear the words and syllables—listen so you can understand and relate. Listen to learn.
What is something that people don't know about you? I played rugby for the Israeli national team. El El Israel!
If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: A Foreign Correspondent
What is the last non-textbook you read? Hope in Hell: Inside the World of Doctors Without Borders
Lauren Altomare, DO, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Pediatric EM Committee, 2024
Program: Lehigh Valley Health Network
Your goal as an EMRA leader: As an EMRA leader, my goal is to create a welcoming environment that will support current residents and medical students throughout their education, training, and development as future emergency medicine physicians.
Why did you get involved in a professional society? While applying for residency, I was interested in two specialties—emergency medicine and pediatrics. Prior to going to medical school I worked in education and always had a passion for working with children. After talking to trusted advisors, I realized that I could have both by focusing on pediatric emergency medicine. My goal is to help my fellow emergency medicine colleagues feel more comfortable with sick children, by focusing on simulation, training, and the latest evidence-based practices for pediatrics.
What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? The top three traits of a great leader include the ability to recognize an individual’s strengths and weaknesses to foster growth; the capacity to engage in active listening; and compassion.
What is your favorite hack for night shifts? I take naps before shift and stop drinking coffee by 2 am so that I can fall asleep after my shift.
What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? Audible
What is the last non-textbook you read? The Maze by Nelson DeMille
Ashley Sholmire, DO, Vice Chair of the EMRA Pediatric EM Committee, 2024
Program: Midwestern University CCOM
What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? Adaptability, good listener, hard worker
What is the best advice you have ever received? Everything happens for a reason:)
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? I would open a cafe that turns into a bar at night and serves whatever I feel like cooking/baking that day!
What is your favorite hack for night shifts? lots of snacks
What is the last non-textbook you read? Song of Achilles
David Surace, DO, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Pediatric EM Committee, 2024
Program: Franciscan Health Olympia Fields
Your goal as an EMRA leader: Advocate for those who have a more quiet voice.
Why did you get involved in a professional society? I want changes in my field to be influenced by people like me. I’m somewhat of a non-stereotypical resident and I feel that my point of view should be included in the conversation. This is my career, my future and my life so why wouldn’t I want to be involved! Pediatrics in emergency medicine can be a scary topic so I want to ensure that our field is competent enough to adequately serve the community.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Never show up to your first date wearing a wedding dress. Meaning, do not rush. There is no need to hurry into big decision making.
What is something that people don't know about you? I am an introverted extrovert. Socializing is exhausting for me and I turn it on only when necessary. I enjoy my alone time with my family. I prefer hosting at my house because I can pretend that I’m busy preparing and cooking so that my husband has to entertain and converse with guests.
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? A zoologist because animals are more interesting and kinder than humans.
What is your favorite hack for night shifts? I stay up all night the night before my night shift. I binge watch horror movies and crime documentaries and then fall asleep in the morning. I wear a REM sleep eye mask and wake up in the afternoon. Gym sessions before my shift also help and Redbull or coffee IVs help as well.
What's the last non-textbook you read? The Woman In Me by Britney Spears.
What are your tops songs on your Spotify Wrapped? Anything with Rihanna.
