2026 Wilderness Committee Leader Spotlight
Sukrut Sonty, MD
Vice Chair of the EMRA Wilderness Committee, 2026
Program:
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Your goal as an EMRA leader:
My goal is to help develop and share the principles and wonders of wilderness and austere medicine to both emergency medicine residents and the general public!
After having raced in or volunteered at three EMRA MedWARs during medical school, I felt like I should be involved in giving back to the community from which I learned so much!
I think a great leader is one who communicates ideas effectively, connects people together to achieve more than any one individual could and feels a responsibility to ensure the success of those around them!
"We are not given a short life, but we make it short . . . life is long if you know how to use it." Seneca's message potentially lost in translation when I find myself doomscrolling!
What is something people don't know about you?
I fly paragliders but I am still scared of heights on the ground.
If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be:
An astrophysicist. I'm not smart enough for it, but I'd still try!
What is your favorite hack for night shifts?
Sleep masks and white noise seriously help with sleep quality, leaving you with far more energy for night shifts.
What app on your phone consumes the most of your time?
Pokémon Sleep, pulling out all motivational tools for building good sleep habits with a shift-based schedule!
What is the last non-textbook you read?
Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. Their videos simplify complex topics... and their ducks are cute.
Hans Zimmer movie soundtracks all the way down
Olivia Voltaggio
Assistant Vice Chair of the EMRA Wilderness Committee, 2026
Program:
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Your goal as an EMRA leader:
To help other interested students and peers alike to embrace the beauty of wilderness medicine!
I love the community EMRA has to offer. I’ve met so many amazing people during my time and can’t wait to meet more!
Ambition, Teamwork, and a Creative Mind
“To embrace the live we’re in, find joy, and keep living in it.” -Becky Godby
What is something people don't know about you?
My dad won Top Chef and is now on Food Network.
If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be:
Forensic Journalist
Favorite life hack for night shifts:
Nerds Gummy Clusters!!
What app on your phone consumes the most of your time?
Spotify
What is the last non-textbook you read?
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
Favorite channel on social media?
Red Bull Snow - X Games
What are your tops songs on your Spotify Wrapped?
Vagabond by CAAMP
Defying Gravity from Wicked
Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
Hunter Stutz, DO
Assistant Vice Chair of the EMRA Wilderness Committee, 2026
Program:
The Ohio State University
Your goal as an EMRA leader:
My goal at EMRA is to get connected to other emergency medicine students and residents and to help fellow students get connected with wilderness medicine.
Why did you get involved in a professional society?
To take the first step to be involved in the wilderness medicine community to foster my outdoor medicine career and help others find their path in the wilderness medicine.
What do you think are the top three traits of a great leader?
1. Ownership
2. Listener
3. Positive Attitude
What is the best advice you have ever received?
"If you are not living life on the edge, then you are taking up too much space; you learn the most when you're out of your comfort zone." - Jim Whittaker I’ve discovered deeper purpose and fulfillment by consistently challenging myself to grow—as a person, a father, a physician, and a climber.
I love to build Legos.
If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be a firefighter/ paramedic and a mountain guide.
Workout before the shift, bring lots of snacks and candy and make your shift fun.
"The Mountain" by Ed Viesturs
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