Rebecca Barron, MD, MPH

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.