What is your background, and what led you to a career in medicine?
"I grew up in Northeast Tennessee, where my interest in medicine began through sports and managing football-related injuries. Early on, I hoped to pursue a career in sports medicine or orthopedics. Before medical school, I worked in several different roles, but one of the most formative was as a behavioral health technician at a psychiatric hospital. That experience taught me the value of compassion and the importance of meeting people where they are, offering help however you can.
"During medical school at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, I discovered my passion for emergency medicine during an EM rotation. I was drawn to the specialty because it allows me to support people on the worst days of their lives and to be someone patients can rely on when they are frightened, vulnerable or have nowhere else to turn. Emergency medicine also demands strong communication skills, procedural ability and rapid decision-making, which makes every day both challenging and deeply fulfilling."
What inspired your interest in academic medicine and GME?
"During residency at Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center, I always thought I would return to Tennessee to work in one of the community hospitals. However, in my final years of training, I was fortunate to have a program director, Dr. Sop, who believed in me and invited me to serve as a chief resident. In that role, I gained experience in curriculum development, scheduling, teaching and leadership.
"That experience led me to stay on as faculty after residency, where I became deeply involved in program administration, including simulation, research, scheduling and designing innovative didactic sessions. I also focused on continually improving my own teaching and leadership skills.
"Seeing learners progress from medical students to outstanding physicians, and knowing I played a part in their journey, is what keeps me passionate about academic medicine. The return on investment in education is immeasurable, and the opportunity to teach and make a lasting impact on others has been one of the most humbling and fulfilling parts of my career."
How did your path lead you to your role as the associate designated institutional official?
"I am deeply committed to making the greatest possible impact on patient care and helping others as much as I can. That commitment drives everything I do, whether it is providing the best care to my patients, teaching learners or building and leading a residency program that fosters growth and excellence.
"As program director of the Emergency Medicine Residency at CAMC, I have had the privilege of working alongside outstanding residents and faculty who have supported me and shaped my understanding of what makes a truly exceptional training program. I have also been fortunate to serve on the Graduate Medical Education Committee and the Special Review Committee and to collaborate with other program directors as they transition into their new roles.
"I was excited to apply for the associate DIO position because it offers an opportunity to further impact patient care, education, and the development of high-quality learning environments. While I am just beginning this role, I am eager to learn from Drs. Jardine and Campbell and to work closely with them as we continue to pursue excellence in all of our GME programs."
What do you find most rewarding about working with residents and faculty?
"The most rewarding part of my work is collaborating with residents and faculty from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal of providing the best possible care for our patients while helping each other grow into the best versions of ourselves. I genuinely enjoy coaching, mentoring and teaching, and I take great satisfaction in helping others reach their highest potential. I have been fortunate to have several outstanding mentors who supported me throughout my career, and being able to give that back has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my role."
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career so far?
"I have been excited to see our Emergency Medicine program grow and evolve over time. Our clinical environment is outstanding, and the patient volume and diversity of pathology were the main reasons I chose to train here. From the beginning, we set out to strengthen the academic side of our program, turning what was once a weakness into a source of pride. Through teamwork and shared vision, we have built innovative didactics, incorporated regular simulation, developed a robust and diverse faculty group, improved supervision and clinical teaching, implemented structured feedback processes, expanded scholarly activity and created a culture that makes me genuinely look forward to coming to work each day.
"As our program continues to grow, we are proud to see the launch of our new EMS Fellowship, which represents a major milestone and reflects how far we have come. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the accomplishments and lessons I have gained through this journey with other programs, and I am humbled to continue that work in my new role as associate DIO."
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
"Marrying my wife, Brooke, was the best decision I have made in my life. She is definitely my rock and the sense of calm in our family. She and I have two kids, Zoey and Luke, who keep us busy running to different activities throughout the year. Most likely, if I'm not working, I'm at the soccer field supporting them or spending time together as a family. I also really enjoy cooking/baking and playing the guitar, pickleball and golf whenever I can."