2025 Wellness Committee Leader Spotlight
Program: Mount Sinai Coral Byrns, DO, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Wellness Committee, 2025
Program: Eastern Virginia Medical School
What is your goal as an EMRA leader? To make an impact on the wellbeing of Emergency Medicine physicians both inside and out of the hospital in such a high burnout field where we often forget to think of ourselves first. I especially think that finding ways to boast wellness in residency is important so we can take these tools into our careers and am glad to be a part of encouraging this on the wellness committee.
Why did you get involved in a professional society? I have been extremely lucky to have been involved in a professional society since medical school, having been very involved in ACOEP (American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians) in several positions to include most recently President of the Resident and Student Organization and now past president. I find that being involved nationally brings about a sense of purpose to me and makes me more passionate about my job both inside and outside of the Emergency Department.
What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? Compassion, Empathy, and Drive.
What is the best advice you have ever received? I am going to put my favorite quote because I take it as advice: "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is something that people don't know about you? I am pretty much an open book but maybe that I played golf in high school and was actually relatively decent (at the time, LOL).
What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Music! I always have my speaker on me.
What is the last non-textbook you read? If you count audio books as reading, then I am currently listening to "The Boyfriend" by Freida McFadden.
Melina Kanji, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Wellness Committee, 2025
Program: Emory University
Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal is to provide a safe space within emergency medicine to bring our community together, initiate challenging discussions that will lead to positive changes, and take steps to overcome current roadblocks we are facing.
Why did you get involved in a professional society? I wanted to be a part of a larger movement within my field that resonates with my values, while giving back to my community. I also hope to make lifelong connections along the way!
What is the best advice you have ever received? "Accept-- then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it."
-Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now)
What is something people don't know about you? I used to be a dog trainer and veterinary technician assistant while in college. I love animals <3
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? A traveling yoga instructor.
What are your tops songs on your Spotify Wrapped? Dreams- Fleetwood Mac, What You Need- The Weeknd, A Place Like This- Majid Jordan, Pyramids- Frank Ocean, Just What I Am- Kid Cudi, Eternamente- Jhayco.
Sarah Beth Hanna, DO, Vice Chair of the EMRA Wellness Committee, 2025
Program: Integris Southwest Medical Center
Your goal as an EMRA leader: As an EMRA leader, my primary goal is to advocate for the well-being, growth, and success of emergency medicine residents nationally and locally. By fostering a strong sense of community, advocating for resources and policies that prioritize resident wellness, and creating opportunities for professional development, I aim to help shape the future of emergency medicine.
Why did you get involved in a professional society? Through a professional society, I am part of a community united by shared goals and a collective passion for supporting emergency medicine residents. This community provides a safe and collaborative space to discuss residents' unique and shared challenges. By coming together, we can address these challenges and work toward meaningful change that strengthens our training, enhances patient care, and advances our specialty. Together, we can make a lasting impact—not just for current residents but for the future of emergency medicine.
What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? I believe the top three traits of a great leader include the ability to identify a potential problem and formulate a solution, the ability to foster an environment where open communication and discussion are encouraged, and the flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
What is the best advice you have ever received? "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good".
What is something people don't know about you? I grew up on a small farm in Oklahoma and have ridden horses since I was 11.
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? A horse trainer.
What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Always drink lots of water, go outside in the sunlight before your shift starts, and pack nutritious food to help you through the night.
What is the last non-textbook you read? Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
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