It has been a busy start to 2020 at UCF/HCA Ocala Emergency Medicine. We are excited to announce the addition of two core faculty members to the program: Dr. Samyr Elbadri will join as simulation director, and Dr. Elbadri, who is currently serving as chief resident here in Ocala, will stay on as faculty after graduation. Dr. Leoh Leon will join as ultrasound director from Osceola Regional Medical Center, where he completed his ultrasound fellowship training. We are looking forward to working with both Dr. Elbadri and Dr. Leon and learning from their expertise.

Residents have been busy with academic pursuits and focusing on research. Dr. Aaron Umansky, PGY-2, was selected as our resident research and QI coordinator. He has not been short on work since taking the position. Dr. Nick Titelbaum, PGY-2, was accepted to the EMRA Leadership Academy. This is the second consecutive year UCF Ocala will have a representative in the Leadership Academy as Dr. Vir Singh, PGY-3, completed his training in the academy. In fact, Dr. Singh was one of five residents selected for EMRA’s travel award and scholarship to attend the ACEP ED Directors Academy. He is looking forward to learning more about leadership in emergency medicine. Dr. Singh was also accepted for oral presentation at this year’s AAEM Scientific Assembly, where he will be speaking on Kratom.

Dr. Joe Gibney, PGY-3, and Dr. Nick McCauley, PGY-3, were selected as oral presenters at CORD 2020 in New York. They offer unique perspectives on residency leadership as members of the inaugural UCF Ocala class. For the past three years, Dr. Gibney has managed resident scheduling, and Dr. McCauley has served as our wellness tzar. We are thankful for their work and contributions to the residency and proud to have them recognized at a national conference for their efforts. ■