Rebecca Barron, MD, MPH

Treasurer

UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate

The Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM) has been a critical resource in my career thus far. I got involved in the organization as a resident (at the urging of one of my former chief residents, who is now a colleague also still involved in AWAEM) and then reinvolved once I reentered academic emergency medicine after a brief hiatus. Being part of AWAEM has allowed me to connect with and learn from inspirational women from all facets of academic emergency medicine. Additionally, I have been able to face personal and professional challenges with more resources and support. Recently, I was the recipient of an AWAEM research award, which allowed me to further pursue my interest in improving acute sexual assault care. In many respects, including in my role as the current regionals committee chair, AWAEM has allowed me to brainstorm ways and enact strategies to make our profession more fulfilling and sustainable. As AWAEM’s Treasurer, I hope to pay all this forward, harnessing my knowledge and experience to maintain and expand AWAEM’s offerings in support of other women on this journey.

Amy Hildreth, MD, MHPE

Treasurer

Uniformed Services University

I would love to continue serving as Treasurer of the Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM) because I am deeply committed to advancing women in our field and supporting our mission of recruitment, promotion and retention of women in academic emergency medicine. Over the past year I have found fulfillment in managing the group finances, ensuring transparency and maintaining a balanced budget that supports our goals. I care deeply about fairness and inclusivity, and I am dedicated to ensuring our academy's funds are used responsibly and equitably to serve all members. It would be an honor to continue serving in this organization.

Alexa Van Besien, MD

Resident Member

Boston Medical Center

As a PGY-3 emergency medicine resident at Boston Medical Center (4-year program), I am passionate about advancing gender equity and fostering leadership development within emergency medicine. I bring a background deeply rooted in both advocacy and educational leadership, highlighted by my experience as President of the Women in Medicine Interest Group at the University of Maryland, where I worked to amplify women's voices in medicine and initiated discussions on gender equity. Through my roles on committees such as the House Staff Quality Improvement Council and as Resident Curriculum Lead for the Unshame Curriculum, I have honed my skills in fostering collaborative, inclusive environments that support the well-being and professional growth of women in emergency medicine.

My commitment to compassionate and human-centered care is evident in my work leading a course on humanism and developing a simulation curriculum aimed at improving care for patients experiencing first-trimester loss. Additionally, I have designed harm reduction and leadership curricula, emphasizing empathy, resilience, and strategic leadership—core values I would bring to Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM).

As a member of AWAEM, I would advocate for initiatives supporting mentorship, gender equity in medical leadership, and academic research that addresses issues pertinent to women’s health and well-being. I am eager to contribute my experiences and energy toward AWAEM’s mission and to help foster a community where women physicians thrive as leaders and innovators.

Caitlin Craft-Hacherl, MD

Resident Member

Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency - Mass General Brigham

I am a PGY-3 resident in the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency (HAEMR) with Mass General Brigham. I am passionate about providing appropriate support for junior residents during training, especially females and gender minorities, and promoting a culture of wellness. I currently serve as a co-lead for the Harvard Women's Initiative at my institution, a co-chair for our residency recruitment team, a member of the SAEM Wellness Committee, and my class liaison on our residency Wellness Committee, all of which I believe has given me experiences in multiple areas that would be beneficial in the role of Resident Member of the Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM) Executive Committee.

Taylor Giller, MD

Resident Member

Emory University

I am a second year resident at Emory University School of Medicine. I am applying for the position of Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM) Resident Member because I believe in the core mission of AWAEM - that is, empowering and encouraging women within the exciting field of emergency medicine. Long before I entered medical school, it became obvious to me that having strong female mentors was going to be critical to my professional development. Now as a current resident, I have faced innumerable trials, as we all do. I truly could not have made it to this point in my career without the guidance of other women in emergency medicine and for that I am eternally grateful. Therefore, I would like to pay it forward to other women entering, or currently in, emergency medicine by contributing what I can to this incredible organization.

Lucia Lin

Resident Member

Denver Health

My name is Lucia Lin, and I am a third-year emergency medicine (EM) resident at Denver Health. I currently serve as the lead for the Women in EM group, where I have organized multiple events over the years that bring together our community—including medical students, residents, and attendings—to discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in this demanding field. Some of our previous themes have included "Saying Sorry," "Empowering Other Women," and "Women in the Resus Room." I believe that building a supportive community is essential, especially given the unique challenges women face in our field on a daily basis.

Trupti Dinesh Patel, DO

Resident Member

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

I am excited to submit my candidacy for a committee position with the Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM). I was first introduced to AWAEM as a medical student at SAEM, and since then have looked forward to becoming more involved. I believe that this role will allow me to act on my passion for advocating for women in our field and addressing the systemic barriers we encounter.

Throughout my training, I have encountered the challenges women experience, including bias in clinical training and underrepresentation in leadership. My involvement in Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM), the EMPower DEI interest group at Sinai, and the women’s studies scholarly track at Sinai emergency medicine has deepened my commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.

If elected, I will focus on initiatives such as establishing mentorship programs that connect residents with experienced faculty, advocating for policies that promote gender equity, and advocating for patients’ and physicians’ right to reproductive healthcare. These efforts aim to create a supportive community that empowers women in emergency medicine. Women now represent half of the medical student body and almost half of physicians, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our voices are heard and valued. Together, we can break barriers and create a more equitable future for women in academic emergency medicine.