2022 - 2023 Government Services Leader Spotlight

CPT Ryan Hodgeman, DO, Chair of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2022-2023

Program: Augusta University Emergency Medicine

Your goal as an EMRA leader: I want to establish a robust system of support for military emergency medicine residents and aspiring medical students. Residency is hard enough - but navigating military life can carry its own challenges. It often feels like just finding a resource or knowing who to talk to can be the most cumbersome barrier. With the help of the rest of the Government Services Committee and EMRA I hope to alleviate most of that burden allowing the future service women and men to achieve all they want to achieve and more.

What is the best advice you ever received? There will never be a time in my life where I can't be better

What is something people don't know about you? Big Dungeons and Dragons guy... before you laugh, give the game a try. The game board of imagination is limitless and it's a great de-stressor!

LT Matthew Christensen, MD, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2022-2023

Program: Naval Medical Center San Diego

Your goal as an EMRA leader: To provide high-quality academic content, resources, and mentorship opportunities to the members of our Government Services Committee

Why get involved in a professional society? Professional organizations like EMRA provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership development while providing a platform that connects rising leaders in emergency and military medicine

What is something people don't know about you? I have a twin brother!

Did you pick up a new quarantine hobby? MUCH more than a hobby, my wife and I became parents!

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Firefighter paramedic

Tess Munoz, Vice Chair of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2022-2023

Program:Drexel University College of Medicine

Your goal as an EMRA leader: Expanding access to resources and mentorship opportunities

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: chef

What's on your playlist? All Star by Smash Mouth

What's the last non-textbook you read?  American Dirt

Laura Barrera, MD, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Goverment Services Committee, 2022-2023

Program:Virginia Commonwealth University

Your goal as an EMRA leader: Showcase military contributions to Emergency Medicine through programming and networking.

What is the best advice you've ever received? If Britney Spears survived 2007, you too can survive your STEP exams. Channel your rage and attack those practice questions.

What is something people don't know about you? I like to take long road trips, blast my music, and leave my worries behind.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: In Hollywood working to get discovered as an actress.