2024 International Committee Leader Spotlight

Sara Teising, MD, MPH, Chair- Elect of the EMRA International Committee, 2024

Program: West Virginia University

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to share my passion of international EM with other residents, committees, and national societies while creating a safe and efficient environment to discuss the future of this field.

What is the best advice you've ever received? Let negativity go like water off a duck's back.

What is something that people don't know about you? That I was an engineer in my former life. 

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Policy maker or cosmetologist 

Favorite life hack for night shifts: Don't forget to laugh! It is the only way to get through the night.

What's the last non-textbook you read? Loving Frank, and Medical Apartheid

What are your tops songs on your Spotify Wrapped? Barbie World by Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice
I Got 5 On It by Luniz, Michael Marshall
Going Bad by Meek Mill and Drake
Reagan by Killer Mike
Yolo by Kuami Eugene

Ekiomoado Olumese, MD, MPhil, Chair- Elect of the EMRA International Committee, 2024

Program: University of Chicago

Your goal as an EMRA leader: As an EMRA leader, I am eager to foster discussion and raise awareness about global medicine, sustainability, and uplifting minoritized voices. I aspire to learn more of the intricacies of different healthcare systems and understand how we can improve our cultural humility in practice.

What is the best advice you've ever received? don't focus so far on what's happening in the future that you forget to live today.

What is something that people don't know about you? I was a competitive rower before med school and competed in races in England while I got my Master's degree!

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: i would work in international relations

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? probably WhatsApp, chatting with my intl family and friends!

What's the last non-textbook you read? On rotation by Shirlene Obuobi

What are your tops songs on your Spotify Wrapped? People by Libianca, Rush by Ayra Starr, Love Nwantiti by Ckay

Evan Miller, OMS4, Vice Chair of the EMRA International Committee, 2024

Program: OUHCOM - Cleveland

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to help highlight all the wonderful opportunities in International Emergency Medicine and promote networking! I believe there are so many incredible possibilities in this area and I hope to make it easier to get involved by connecting interested people with unique options and other motivated physicians. Drawing from my own background working with the Peace Corps and the US Air Force, it's a personal goal of mine to work in this area too. I want to get other people as excited about opportunities in International Emergency Medicine as I am!

Why get involved in a professional society? I have been involved with EMRA since my first year of medical school! I was so excited to join such a wonderful organization that helps connect people interested in Emergency Medicine with other incredible people and unique opportunities. My first role with EMRA was working with the Medical Student Council (MSC) as the Mentorship Coordinator. I'm now involved with the International Committee because I love the opportunity to give back to the EM community, and it's so exciting to be involved with incredible physicians with such similar interests to my own!

What is something people don't know about you? Prior to starting medical school, I worked for two years with the Peace Corps in Ecuador!

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Maybe Internal Medicine!

Vanya Zvonar, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA International Committee, 2024

Program: Mount Sinai

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to meet others who are passionate about the same things as I am, and to work on some great projects together that let us explore our interests outside of the hospital. 

Why get involved in a professional society? I love meeting other people who are also dedicated to and excited about emergency medicine. Being formally involved in something like an EMRA committee gives us the resources and platform to further explore our interests together.

What is something people don't know about you? I can ride a unicycle and I don't drink caffeine! :)

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Realistically, a language teacher (maybe Spanish?).
Unrealistically, a professional salsa dancer.

Favorite life hack for night shifts: Wake up early day of, do hot yoga, take a great nap right before shift, stay awake!

Kelly MacKenzie, MD, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA International Committee, 2024

Program: Einstein Medical Center

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to facilitate connections among emergency physicians who share common interests. This collaborative approach propels the entire field forward as we engage in mutual learning and cooperation.

What is something people don't know about you? I own one share of the Green Bay Packers, making me an NFL owner. Go pack go!