Despite the uncertainties and concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, we are trying to keep things business as usual. Although interview season was far from traditional this year, it did not prove to be a barrier for an enormous number of qualified applicants. We thank everyone who applied to our program, and we are excited to be welcoming seven fantastic new interns.

 While we are excited about our new incoming class, it is also bittersweet for our seniors leaving to pursue fellowships and jobs. Dr. Michelle Hernandez will be one of two Ultrasound Fellows at our program, and she will be joined by Dr. Thomas Lawyer who is coming from AdventHealth East Orlando’s EM Residency. Drs. Maria Chamorro and Amber Mirajkar will stay on as Research Fellows. Dr. Keegan McNally is heading to Brown University as their new Simulation  Fellow. Dr. Mary Cate Slome is joining the faculty at UHS Wilson Hospital, part of SUNY Upstate, as the medical student clerkship director and clinical faculty. Dr. Emily Drone matched into a Pediatric EM Fellowship at Orlando Health. Last but not least, Dr. Sherwin Thomas will be joining the ED staff at AdventHealth Ocala. We wish them all the best of luck!

 A pandemic is no reason to hamper one’s inquisitive nature, and ours is running wild. From perichondritis to heroin-induced mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia causing respiratory failure, we have published on a wide range of subjects. Drs. Mark Rivera-Morales, Pell, Jose Rubero, and Latha Ganti published about acute myopericarditis in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. Furthermore, alumni and faculty continue to publish, ranging from assembly line education to COVID-19. Congratulations to Drs. Andrew Hanna, James Chiang, David Lebowitz, and Latha Ganti on their published article, “Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak,” in the International Journal of Emergency Medicine. We have many more publications in the works!

We had a strong showing at virtual ACEP. Dr. Gideon Logan presented on opiate use disorder; Dr. Emily Drone discussed active shooter response in the ED; Dr. Keegan McNally reviewed his research in virtual training for EM residents; Drs. Maria Chamorro and Michelle Hernandez unveiled their outcomes after reversal of anticoagulation in intracerebral hemorrhage; and Dr. Amanda Webb examined EM physician COVID-19 readiness and practices. SAEM is right around the corner, and we are eagerly preparing.

Although we might be biased, we believe we have the best teaching faculty in Florida. One physician, however, we wish to specially recognize is Dr. Jose Rubero. This year he received UCF COM’s 2020 Educational Leadership Award. We also wish him a hearty congratulations on being selected as Program Director of a new Emergency Medicine Residency in Pensacola, FL.  

 Furthermore, a warm congratulations goes to our Associate Program Director, Dr. Tracy MacIntosh, who was selected as University of Central Florida College of Medicine’s Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She has published multiple times in this area and has been a great proponent of these ideals both in the emergency department and in the community.

 There are many bittersweet changes on the horizon as the academic year winds down. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has provided us with many unique challenges, our emergency medicine family at Osceola and in Florida has persevered. We hope everyone stays safe in these persistently uncertain times, and we are looking forward to a promising new academic year.

Class of 2024 Match List: Osceola/Greated Orlando (7)

Abigail Alorda, MD
The University of Toledo College of Medicine

Taylor Cesarz, MD
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Natalie Diers, MD
St. George’s University

Robert Pell, MD
University of Central Florida

Alexa Ragusa, DO
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

Bridget Scheveck, MD
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Mitchell Voter, MD
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health