11/15/2013

November President's Message

At ACEP13 in Seattle last month, I had the opportunity to attend the gala premiere of EMRA’s documentary film, “24|7|365: The Evolution of Emergency Medicine.” It was a moving documentary, and I can tell you there were not too many dry eyes in the house, especially with some of the major players actually in attendance. Congratulations to EMRA for conceiving of the idea, arranging for the funding, and then actually seeing the production through. If you’ve not seen the film, and the opportunity presents itself (and it will in the months to come), make every effort to attend.

Of course, the Buckeye state was front and center for this production. We all know the first residency in Emergency Medicine was in Cincinnati, while the first resident was our own Dr. Bruce Janiak. Bruce was there for the premiere and offered some insightful words following the showing of the film. A few of the other early players in EM were also there, including Drs. Judith Tintinalli, Peter Rosen, Pamela Bensen and George Podgorney. Ohio’s own Dr. Dom Bagnoli gave the introductory address, and the whole affair was emceed by Dr. Mel Herbert, who did his usual superlative job.

One of the original founders of our specialty was Dr. Carl Jelenko. He arrived in the Buckeye state in the mid-70’s and started a residency right up the road from Cincinnati at Wright State University. After a few years in the role of founding chairman, Dr. Jelenko unfortunately had a stroke, and he resigned from his chairmanship. Waiting in the wings to take over for him on an interim basis was Dr. James Agna, the original Director of the University of Cincinnati program! So Dr. Agna was not only the Program Director of the very first Department of Emergency Medicine, but also played a role in developing another of the early EM programs. While speaking with Drs. Janiak and Agna, they told me that the curriculum of the first residency at UC was done on “a day to day basis”, a little different from our curricula developed under the auspices of the Residency Review Committee.

The legacy of Ohio’s involvement in, and contributions to, Emergency Medicine is truly amazing. Ohio is replete with excellent Emergency Medicine residencies, both allopathic and osteopathic. Many of the major academic centers have Departments of Emergency Medicine. We’ve had multiple chapter leaders go on to become national leaders (including five ACEP Presidents). And of course our own EM Board Review is the granddaddy of such review courses. (By the way, we will partner with the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Emergency Medicine Foundation in February to take the course on the road to Orlando!)

Making the premiere of “24|7|365” even more poignant is the fact that one of the trailblazing figures in the development of Emergency Medicine, Dr. George Podgorny, passed on within weeks of this ceremony. For most of us, seeing Dr. Podgorny on stage answering questions following the screening will be our last memory of him. How fitting that the premiere of this film would be his swan song. George, rest in peace. And thanks for your historic contributions to the evolution of Emergency Medicine.