EMRA 2025 Board Candidates

President-Elect

Alexandra Sappington, DO

Louisiana State University New Orleans | New Orleans, LA

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I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for EMRA. From unmatched resources and transformative conferences to mentorship that shaped me, the people I have met through EMRA have been foundational in my journey and I would not be where I am today without them. Now, it is time for me to take that next step and run for President-Elect so that I may pay it forward.

I am passionate about emergency medicine and energized about our future. We have experienced numerous challenges in recent years, and after advocating on Capitol Hill for LAC, I can confirm we are not finished. My experiences with EMRA and ACOEP on the national level allowed me to create mentorship series for medical students, hone my leadership skills, and network with prominent figures in our field. I plan to use the knowledge and insights gained from these experiences to elevate EMRA as it continues to empower our residents to become the best physicians possible and advance emergency medicine as the leading specialty.

I envision a future where EMRA continues to lead with purpose, and where our members feel connected, supported, and empowered. I am honored to have your consideration for this position.

Alexandra Sappington CV

Robert Dunn, MD

University of Maryland | Baltimore, MD

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Hello friends! I am honored to announce my candidacy for EMRA President-Elect this year.

To serve as EMRA President-Elect is a unique privilege, representing over 15,000 residents across the country, in the largest independent resident-led organization. Therefore, my goal is to do my due diligence in identifying the top concerns of residents and collaborating with our partners to organize around solutions. This means innovating communications with our residents, increasing participation through our representative council, and fostering partnerships with others associations and societies to strengthen our stance in the world of EM and on Capital Hill.

My time in the AMA has helped me understand the approach of organizing on a national stage and given me experience of cross-specialty collaboration. My time as the Vice President of my residency’s union has helped me innovate our techniques in sourcing concerns and advocacy. And overall, my experience in health policy and organized medicine fuels my passion to advocate on behalf of my fellow residents!

Finally, as we enter our last year in the EMRA strategic plan, I look forward to developing a roadmap to advance the priorities of our residents and innovating our medical student experience.

Thank you all for your consideration! :)

Robert Dunn CV

Vice Speaker

Zoe Cole, MD

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center | Johnstown, PA

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Dear EMRA Community,

I’m writing to express my heartfelt interest in serving as Vice Speaker for the EMRA Representative Council. As a new emergency medicine resident, longtime advocate, and proud mother, I bring a nurturing yet focused approach to leadership—one rooted in compassion, structure, and a deep desire to make our field stronger and more inclusive.

I bring experience as Vice-Chair and Chair of the AAEM/RSA Wellness Committee, where I led national initiatives, coordinated cross-functional teams, and organized meaningful programming like the Residency Fuel Box Competition. As a Cabinet of Delegates member, I’ve engaged deeply in policy work and national meetings, gaining the insight needed to support RepCo operations, facilitate effective meetings, and maintain the integrity of our governance documents.

Additionally, my history of leading mentorship initiatives, serving in representative councils, and collaborating on national conferences prepares me to manage the Health Policy Academy curriculum and guide RepCo subcommittees. I’m eager to bring clarity, continuity, and heart to this role, ensuring our policies reflect not only best practices but the lived experiences of our diverse membership. I advocate fiercely for those who feel unseen, and I lead with empathy and intention.

I appreciate your consideration.

Zoe Cole CV

Secretary - Editor

Elizabeth Nisper, MD

Corewell Health Grand Rapids/Michigan State University | Grand Rapids, MI

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As a trainee, it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind of rotations, studying, and extracurriculars—but EMRA has kept me motivated, inspired, and enthusiastically optimistic about the field of emergency medicine. EM Resident, in particular, grounds me in my “why.” Each issue re-energizes my passion for emergency medicine, and the editorials consistently remind me how special this field truly is. They’ve inspired my goal of becoming a part of EMRA board.

If elected, I will bring a strong foundation of leadership to this role. Before residency, I served as a lead ED scribe, overseeing the training and performance of over 100 scribes. In medical school, I co-organized a large community health fair. Currently, I serve as EMRAM secretary and EMRA’s representative to ACEP’s Section on Trauma and Injury Prevention. I’m also an active member of the EMRA PEM committee and serve on my institution’s house staff council.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to apply for the EM Resident Editor/Secretary position and contribute my organizational skills, dependability, and leadership experience. I look forward to advocating for our specialty and sharing the same energy and inspiration that EM Resident has consistently given me.

Elizabeth Nisper CV

Kevin Bertrand, DO

University of Central Florida/HCA Ocala Hospital | Ocala, FL

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To my EMRA family,

As an Emergency Medicine resident captivated by health policy, with a strong foundation in health communication and a passion for using written communication to advocate, educate, and connect, I would be honored to serve you as EMRA’s Secretary/Editor.

My background—including service as a Chief Resident, author for ScholarRx, AOA TIPS Fellow, and current EMRA Leadership Academy participant—reflects my commitment to leadership, education, and advocacy. I’ve developed and contributed to a wide range of narrative and educational content across platforms, and I take pride in producing writing that is accurate, engaging, and accessible.

If elected Secretary/Editor, I will commit to delivering timely, high-quality content. Each submission will be thoughtfully reviewed, and contributors will receive meaningful, constructive feedback. I will work to ensure EM Resident remains factually sound, diverse in perspective, grammatically polished, and clinically relevant. I will actively recruit contributors from across programs and backgrounds, and collaborate closely with EMRA staff to maintain smooth and professional publication cycles.

I’m excited about the opportunity to shape a publication that educates, advocates, and inspires. I would be grateful for your support and the chance to serve as your next Secretary/Editor.

Kevin Bertrand CV

Director of Education

Louisa Weindruch, DO

Baylor University Medical Center | Dallas, TX

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I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Director of Education. My journey with EMRA began with the Ultrasound Committee, where I later served as Committee Chair. In that role, I collaborated with the EMRA Medical Student Committee (MSC) and others to develop educational programming and various education-related initiatives, strengthening my skills in project management and multitasking. I’ve completed the EMRA Leadership Academy and currently serve as an EMRA Health Policy Academy Fellow.

Outside EMRA, I’ve combined my leadership experience with my passion for teaching. I was chair of the TCEP MSC and remain actively involved with them today. I regularly give lectures, lead workshops, and mentor medical students applying into EM.

As Academic Chief Resident, I plan my program’s didactics, simulations, as well as contribute to curriculum development, allowing me to stay engaged with current trends and changes in medical education.

If elected, I aim to expand EMRA’s educational resources while upholding high standards for quality content. I will advocate for members and foster transparent dialogues around potential ACGME changes. With broad EMRA experience and a strong commitment to both medical student and resident education, I'm ready to take on the role of Director of Education.

Louisa Weindruch CV

Patricia Capone, DO

OhioHealth Doctors Hospital | Columbus, OH

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Hi! I am Patricia Capone, PGY-4 and Chief Resident at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital. I am excited to run for EMRA Director of Education (DOE) because I am passionate about medical education, particularly in providing residents with relevant, high-quality educational content that empowers trainees on shift, during transitions, and throughout their careers.

At a time when Emergency Medicine (EM) is evolving and national discussions will impact how we train, we need advocates who understand the realities of our day-to-day and are committed to protecting the integrity of our education. As DOE, I will ensure resident and medical student voices are heard and needs are represented.

As a podcast co-host/blog editor, Hippo Education writer, and national speaker, I have gained a variety of experiences in creating engaging, learner-centered resources. I have led locally as FemInEM Committee Chair and nationally as ACOEP Resident Representative—focusing on mentorship, equity, and collaboration.

If elected, I will continue to advance EMRA’s educational mission by expanding EM Resident opportunities, creating innovative on-shift tools, and strengthening partnerships to make EMRA the gold standard in every EM education niche. I am committed to trainees feeling supported, informed, and equipped—no matter what changes lie ahead.

Thank you for your support!

Patricia Capone CV