2024 Technology, Telehealth and Informatics Committee Leader Spotlight

Mitchell Blenden, MD, Chair of the EMRA Technology, Telehealth & Informatics Committee, 2024

Mitchell Blenden.jpgProgram: Northwestern University

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal is to increase awareness of the benefits of integrating technology into emergency care.

Why get involved in a professional society? To get involved in the emergency medicine community and learn from/make connections with leaders in the field.

Top 3 traits of a great leader:
Confidence, dedication, humility

What is something that people don't know about you? I was a nationally ranked high school debater.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: A financial advisor

 

Sidra Speaker, MD, MS, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Technology, Telehealth & Informatics Committee, 2023-2024

Sidra Speaker.jpgProgram: UC San Diego Health

Your goal as an EMRA leader: To help make informatics education accessible to emergency medicine residents throughout the country so that we're prepared to use the technology available to us. I would like to promote physician understanding of data and technology so that we can best harness these tools to improve the cost, quality and accessibility of Emergency care.

Why get involved in a professional society? To connect with other residents and faculty within my field and to get involved the the EM community.

What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? Drive, creativity, and excellent communication skills.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Don't change you goals just because someone says "no".

What is something that people don't know about you? I relax by doing art projects and making birthday cards for close friends and family. 

If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? A pain medicine physician. If not a physician I'd like to be a florist.

What is the last non-textbook you read? The Amber Spyglass

Ryan Korn, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Technology, Telehealth & Informatics Committee, 2024

Ryan Korn.jpgProgram:UC San Diego Health

Your goal as an EMRA leader: Work to implement and develop strategies within the realm of technology, telehealth, and informatics to help improve patient care and the overall efficiency of emergency medicine.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? Excited for the development opportunity through engaging with other resident leaders and exploring the future of health care technology.
 
What is the best advice you have ever received? Don't let doubt dictate your goals. Doubt is nothing more than a distraction from what is attainable if you put in the work.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: History teacher and lacrosse coach

What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Stay up the night before switching to nights and go to the gym around 2 am. Sleep most of the next day.

Austin Schoeffler, MD, Assitant Vice Chair of the EMRA Technology, Telehealth & Informatics Committee, 2024

Ryan Korn.jpgProgram: University Hospitals Cleveland

Your goal as an EMRA leader: An an EMRA leader, my primary goal is to leverage innovative technologies to enhance the educational and operational aspects of emergency medicine residency programs. I aim to foster a collaborative environment where technology becomes a powerful tool in supporting our residents' learning experiences, streamlining administrative processes, and ultimately improving patient care.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? I joined EMRA to stay at the forefront of advancements in my field, leveraging opportunities for continuous learning through conferences and workshops. Networking with like-minded individuals and industry leaders will provide valuable mentorship and collaboration prospects. Additionally, I'm committed to giving back to the community by actively participating in committees and projects, aiming to contribute my skills and insights to shape the future of our profession. Overall, my involvement is rooted in a genuine passion for learning, connecting with peers, and contributing to the ongoing growth and development of our field.
 
What is the best advice you have ever received? Life is not about the number of breaths you take, but rather the moments that take your breath away.
 
What is something that people don't know about you? I used to do gymnastics when I was younger and won multiple gold medals at the national championship.

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

What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Celcius
 
What is the last non-textbook you read? Life 3.0 - Max Tegmark

Favorite channel on social media? Jimmy Chin - Amazing nature pictures and stories

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