2025 Research Committee Leader Spotlight

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Michael Makutonin, BS, Chair of the EMRA Research Committee, 2025

Michael Makutonin.jpgProgram: George Washington University

Your goal as an EMRA leader: I have been a stats and computer nerd for as long as I can remember, and I hope that I can help folks get similarly inspired about the process of research and the role that statistics and machine learning can play in their academic and clinical practice!

Why did you get involved in a professional society? Emergency medicine is an excellent specialty, where we have the privelege of making lives better at their worst moments. But as with any field, there are challenges we face and improvements we can make - and the best way to do that is together, united. I have seen how ACEP and EMRA advocate for changes and issues affecting our specialty, and I'm honored to be able to contribute to these organizations.
 
What is the best advice you have ever received? Take the time to listen, always - and if nobody's talking, ask.

What is something people don't know about you? I used to be a ski instructor!

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: I would probably go back to software engineering - but I don't want to think about that possibility too deeply until after Match next year, when this question becomes as hypothetical as it is for my colleagues.

Favorite life hack for night shifts: Does coffee count? Then coffee. Lots of coffee. Sometimes followed by a snack. And then more coffee.

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? Oof - the New York Times. I'm a doomscroller. 

What is the last non-textbook you read? "We are Legion, We are Bob" - if you've ever wondered what it would be like if a software engineer wrote a semi-realistic Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, look no further!
 
Favorite channel on social media? StastQuest with Josh Starmer - he's one of the best teacher I know.

David Gordon, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Research Committee, 2025

David Gordon.pngProgram: Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University

 

Laura Harding-Jackson, DO, PhD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Research Committee, 2025

Laura Harding-JacksonProgram: University of Michigan Medicine

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal is to highlight and expand the vibrant academic world of emergency medicine! Emergency medicine is a fulfilling destination for both community and academic-focused individuals. However, the vast academic side of emergency medicine is not always conveyed to those exploring interest in the specialty. I am so excited to showcase the cutting edge practice advancements contributed by emergency medicine physicians and broaden the possibilities of academic emergency medicine to the next generation of physicians. 

Why did you get involved in a professional society?  I am so excited to collaborate with other motivated individuals within emergency medicine to empower our colleagues and guide the evolution of the specialty. As a first year resident, I am looking forward to learning from more senior members and organizing the groundwork for what I hope will be a fruitful career in medicine and professional advocacy! I am thrilled to be a resident in emergency medicine because the broad range of the specialty lends endless opportunities for advancement.
 
What is the best advice you have ever received? Growing up, my mom would always tell me to “sleep on it” when I had a difficult decision to make. To this day, I believe that taking a beat and reevaluating a problem the next day can do wonders for clarity.

What is something people don't know about you? I love baking macarons. Experimenting with endless flavor options is so fun, and while baking them is a finicky process, it is so rewarding when they come out perfectly.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: A world-renowned travel writer and food blogger, of course! 

Favorite life hack for night shifts: Always keep an emergency snickers bar on hand. 

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? Probably messaging my family chat on WhatsApp! We are a proud family of over-sharers. 

Favorite channel on social media? Probably anything cooking or baking related; Food52 and New York Times Cooking are two favorites! 

Emilia Clementi, MD, MSc., Vice Chair of the EMRA Research Committee, 2025

Emilia ClementiProgram: Loma Linda University Medical Center

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to brainstorm new research topics and share my passion for discovery. Throughout the term, I hope to develop my own research and composition skills as well. 

Why did you get involved in a professional society? I got involved with EMRA as it is an opportunity to meet and engage with other emergency medicine residents from other hospitals to expand my community. Additionally, I felt compelled to give back to a society that has helped me so much throughout my own journey towards emergency medicine. 
 
What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? Active listening, communication, and follow through 
 
What is the best advice you have ever received? Not to dwell on things you can't control in the past, as my sister always says "let go or be dragged" 

What is something people don't know about you? I was a college sailor in New England and raced in several national championships!

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Epidemiologist in the Epidemic Intelligence Service (I loved the movie Contagion). Alternatively, in another universe, an olympic snowboarder. 

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? Currently, Apple Books (nerd) 

Favorite channel on social media? Hanna KL on instagram! She is a really cool artist/ designer from Sweden. 

Lauren Eisner, Assistant Vice Chair of the EMRA Research Committee, 2025

Lauren EisnerProgram: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal is to make the wide spectrum of research in emergency medicine more accessible and approachable. I hope to showcase the many ways EM physicians contribute to advancing the field and helping trainees find their place in the academic side of EM, no matter their specific interests or career goals.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? I’m excited to work alongside passionate colleagues in emergency medicine to support and inspire our community while contributing to the growth of the specialty. As I start residency this summer, I look forward to learning from those ahead of me with careers that blend clinical work with advocacy and innovation. EM’s vast scope offers countless opportunities to make an impact, and I can’t wait to explore and help shape its future!
 
What is the best advice you have ever received? You're exactly where you're supposed to be

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Either an architect or a math teacher!

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? The New York Times games app - specifically for the crossword puzzle

What was the last non-textbook you read? I recently re-read all of the Harry Potter books! 

EMRA Spotlight Research Committee

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