2026 Admin and Ops Leader Spotlight

Kevin Chao MD

Assistant Vice Chair of the EMRA Administration & Operations, 2026

Program:
Vanderbilt

What is your goal as an EMRA leader?
My hope is to contribute to the impact and reach EMRA has on trainees, particularly in the realm of administration and operations, while learning from and engaging with leaders (and future leaders) across our specialty.

Why did you get involved in a professional society?
I got involved in EMRA to connect with colleagues nationwide who are passionate about emergency medicine, its future, and addressing its evolving impact and needs.

What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader?
Leads by example, empowers others, vision driven

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Be quick to listen, slow to speak.

What is something that people don't know about you?
I love photography and collect (way to many) vintage cameras

If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be?
Beach Lifeguard

What is your favorite hack for night shifts?
Diet Dr. Pepper

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time?
The gram

What is the last non-textbook you read?
Playing Doctor Pt 2 (John Lawrence)

Favorite channel on social media?
@fishingarrett

What are your tops songs on your Spotify Wrapped?
From the albums Snipe Hunter (Tyler Childers) and GNX (Kendrick)