2025 Social EM Committee Leader Spotlight
Alessandra Della Porta, MD, Chair of the EMRA Social EM Committee, 2025
Program: University of Cincinnati
What is your goal as an EMRA Leader? Bring simulation to as many people as possible, and bring as much diversity into simulation as I can.
Why did you get involved in a professional society? I initially became involved with EMRA as a medical student hoping to one day match into emergency medicine. Lucky for me with the mentorship and resources available to EMRA members, my dream came true. I have stayed involved because I want to do the same for others, and ensure the brightest students continue to consider careers in emergency medicine because our patients deserve nothing less.
What is something people don't know about you? I am an identical twin! People close to me know this but since we attended different medical schools and now different residencies there are many people in our social circles who still do not know.
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? In a different live I would have been a farmer. I attended an land grant institution for my undergraduate students and am from a relatively agriculturally dependent state. I spent a lot of time in college touring local farms and teaching those in my community about where our food comes from. To me, good food is medicine, so I think the noble responsibility that farmers have to feed our population and very similar to what we do.
Favorite life hack for night shifts: POST SHIFT BREAKFAST. No other explanation needed.
What is the last non-textbook you read? I recently watched Where the Crawdads Sing and was then motivated to read the book. Definitely recommend!
What are your top songs on your Spotify Wrapped? Right now I have been obsessed with Tove Lo's new albulm, Dirt Femme, but on shift I really like to have other people control the tunes so I can expand my taste. I recently discovered YEEDM which is a country EDM mashup that is way better than it sounds.
Meg Hayslip, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Social EM Committee, 2025
Program: Carolinas Medical Center
Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal is to create an environment to allow medical students and residents to come together to learn to identify and address social determinants of health to create a more equitable healthcare experience.
Why did you get involved in a professional society? I wanted to join a group of individuals with shared passions from across the country so that we can learn from each other and better serve our communities.
David Bronstein, MPH, Vice Chair of the EMRA Social EM Committee, 2025
Program: George Washington University School of Medicine
Why did you get involved in a professional society? Professional societies bring together individuals with varied life experiences from all over the world who are unified by a shared vision. When this many amazing and dedicated people put their minds together, it's amazing to see how far a team can go! Getting to be apart of EMRA allows me to not only develop my skills as a leader but also work to make EM the best specialty it can be!
Clara Keum, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Social EM Committee, 2025
Program: Jefferson Health New Jersey
Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to empower residents and medical students by fostering a sense of community, advocating for their needs, and providing opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. I want to serve as a bridge between residents and the larger EM community, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
What is the best advice you have ever received? "If you want it, you have to act like it." I received this advice during my 3rd-year of medical school, and it completely changed my perspective and approach to the clinical years. Looking back, the clinical years were filled with uncertainty, and the com petition was intense. This advice helped me realize that stepping outside of my comfort zone and taking charge could open doors to so many valuable opportunities. You never know when opportunities are nearby, so if you want something, let people know—show them that you want it and that you deserve it.
What is something people don't know about you? I've lived in 6 different countries so far.
If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Engineer It's going to be me myself and my codes
What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Snaking snaking and more snaking. Life is so much more wonderful and beautiful after extra carbs and sugar
Mitchell Love, DO, Vice Chair of the EMRA Social EM Committee, 2025
Program: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Dallas
What are your goals as an EMRA leader? As a proud Oklahoman, my goal is to develop initiatives that focus on expanding health education and outreach in rural and vulnerable communities. In particular, I aim to advocate for programs that uplift our farmers, Indigenous populations, and veterans.
What is the best advice you have ever received? When I was rotating as a medical student, a seasoned nurse heard me say that I wish I could be a resident already. She told me, "Be careful about counting down the milestones in your life, because one day you'll look back and realize you missed all the small things that happened in between." It has stuck with me since!
What is something that people don't know about you? Every year I attend the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita, Oklahoma with my family — one of my favorite traditions!
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? Growing up I originally wanted to be a Veterinarian! I've always had a love for nature and animals, and that is still true to this day!
What is your favorite hack for night shifts? My APD told me the secret is sunglasses the moment you hit sign out! Don't let your eyes see the bright morning sun!
What is the last non-textbook you read? Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
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