2024 Toxicology Committee Leader Spotlight

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Mason Jackson, MD, Chair of the EMRA Toxicology Committee, 2024

Mason Jackson.jpgProgram: Prisma Health Upstate

Your goal as an EMRA leader: To create professional development opportunities for the tox committee while increasing EMRA's appreciation and recognition of toxicologic emergencies and management.

Why get involved in a professional society? To advocate for residents and EM on a national scale

What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? Leading from the front, organization and communication

What is the best advice you have ever received? The perfect job will still feel empty if you come back to an empty home.

What is something people don't know about you? I am horribly red-green and blue-purple colorblind.

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Either full time military (rather than military medicine) or a scientist

What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Good company and plenty of caffeine
 
What is the last non-textbook you read? The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum

Laura Szczesniak, MD, PhD, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Toxicology Committee, 2024

Mason Jackson.jpgProgram: Medical College of Wisconsin

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal as an EMRA leader is to highlight the diverse range of opportunities in Emergency Medicine and Toxicology, and to have as much fun as possible doing it!

What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader?Enthusiasm, collaboration, flexibility

If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: Either working for the National Park Service or a groundskeeper somewhere in the middle of the woods

What is your favorite hack for night shifts? Take at least one nap the day before heading into an overnight to avoid too much of a sleep deficit. Also, multiple forms of caffeine never hurts!

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? Podcasts or Youtube
 
What is the last non-textbook you read? Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
 
Favorite channel on social media? Dr. Glaucomflecken

Brittany Garza, DO, Vice Chair of the EMRA Toxicology Committee, 2024

Brittany Ladson.jpgProgram: Central Michigan University

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal within EMRA is to help other emergency medicine residents from around the country to accomplish their personal goals! 

Why did you get involved in a professional society? I got involved to learn more about the subspecialities within emergency medicine as well as to network with like minded people! 

What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader? Tope 3 traits of a great leader are responsibility, integrity, and determination. 
 
What is the best advice you have ever received? Best advice I have received is that no two people’s journeys are alike. Trust the process. 
 
What is something that people don't know about you? My family has a cat and dog rescue which I volunteer a lot of my time with. 
 
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? I would love to be a study abroad professor or a Spanish translator. 
 
What is your favorite hack for night shifts?  Plenty of Diet Coke or diet Dr. Pepper
 
What is the last non-textbook you read? White Coat Investor

Caroline Wight, MD, MPH, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Toxicology Committee, 2024

Sara Schambach.jpgProgram: University of California Davis

Your goal as an EMRA leader: My goal is to connect with other EM Residents who share my interest in toxicology, and see how we can grow this interest together.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? One of my mentors in toxicology told me that she had been involved with the EMRA toxicology committee and had a great experience connecting with other residents across the country and learning more about toxicology, so she encouraged me to get involved as well, and I'm glad I did !

What is the best advice you've ever received? Set short-term goals to set yourself up for success to achieve your long-term goals.

What is something that people don't know about you? I have a toddler and am expecting a second baby soon! 
 
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? A journalist

Favorite life hack for night shifts: Caffeine, sour candy, and music 

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? Instagram, iMessage, and the Apple Podcasts app

What's the last non-textbook you read? The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

John Michael Sherman, MD, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Toxicology Committee, 2024

Sara Schambach.jpgProgram: Carolinas Medical Center

Your goal as an EMRA leader: I hope to show as many residents and medical students as I can how cool and interesting the field of toxicology is! I was lucky enough to have a phenomenal experience and a ton of exposure to it in medical school, and I want to bring that to others through education and professional opportunities.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? EMRA is the most powerful voice for emergency residents, and I knew by joining I would have a chance to make a difference throughout my residency.

What is the best advice you've ever received? Don't sweat the small stuff.

If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? I'd definitely be teaching in some capacity! Science, literature, or music most likely. Within medicine, EM was the only way to go for me.

Favorite life hack for night shifts: Don't sit down, dictate notes while standing up. I also like to graze on snacks throughout the night to prevent a crash.

What app on your phone consumes the most of your time? Pokemon Go.

What's the last non-textbook you read? Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

Favorite channel on social media? At the moment, Adam Ragusea (YouTube cook), and always Dr. Glaucomflecken

Katherine (Kat) Markin, MD, Asst. Vice Chair of the EMRA Toxicology Committee, 2024

Sara Schambach.jpgProgram:  George Washington University

Your goal as an EMRA leader: I am passionate about extending educational opportunities regarding toxicology to EMRA members with the goal of helping to improve the EM specialty. I will continue working to provide free toxicology resources to promote a broader, more inclusive learning environment for toxicology learners.

Why did you get involved in a professional society? Working with EMRA on the toxicology committee allows me to build on previous clinical experiences, to become a better doctor and leader, and to contribute to improving the EM specialty. I look forward to continuing to represent EM residents as a member of the EMRA leadership.

What is the best advice you've ever received? We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn.

What is something that people don't know about you? I'm a dual citizen - Canada and America!
 
If you weren't an emergency physician, what would you be? An equestrian!

Favorite life hack for night shifts: Never ending americanos

What's the last non-textbook you read? Outlander

Favorite channel on social media? TikTok - Timmy the Chonk

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