2 minute read
President’s Comments
James F. Holmes, Jr., MD, MPH
Elections Are Upon Us
Very soon Americans will go to the polls and vote for a variety of elected positions, amendments, and propositions. I keep hearing that this election is the most important national election in our lifetime, but I am pretty sure that is said every four years. Regardless, it is our civic duty to vote and I urge everyone to take the time on November 3 to vote in the 2020 general election.
However, the primary reason that I write this column is to discuss another important election that is also quickly approaching. Although the annual SAEM election does not draw the fervor of our national elections, it is nonetheless important for our society and academic emergency medicine. We will be voting in February 2021 on a variety of positions across SAEM, including multiple leadership positions in SAEM’s eight academies. Not only do I urge you to vote in the SAEM election in a few months, but I urge you to consider running for a leadership position.
SAEM is a volunteer organization that comes together to improve academic emergency medicine. We offer many opportunities to our members, including the opportunity for leadership roles. Serving in an SAEM leadership role not only benefits the society and the patients we serve, but helps you grow both personally and professionally.
Eight years ago, I received a call from then SAEM President-Elect Alan Jones who inquired about my interests and suggested I run for the SAEM Board of Directors. Prior to that call, I never considered myself “eligible” to be on the SAEM Board, but the prompting from that call changed my career for the better. Never hesitate to suggest to someone to go after something you believe they would be good for; encouragement from others is often all that is needed to spur a successful career path.
For those who are not yet ready to be in an SAEM leadership position, let me instead urge you to get involved in one of the many SAEM committees, academies or interest groups. These groups span the interests of emergency medicine and welcome everyone from medical student to senior physicians. It is with your contributions that SAEM will continue to improve the care for our patients and career opportunities for our members.
ABOUT DR. HOLMES: James F. Holmes, Jr., MD, MPH, is professor and vice chair for research in the department of emergency medicine at UC Davis School of Medicine.
Nominate Yourself or Someone Else for a Leadership Position!
Nominations are being accepted through November 16 for leadership positions for SAEM, RAMS, AACEM, SAEM Academies, and the SAEM Foundation. Leadership positions should be filled by committed individuals who have a wide range of perspectives and possess the relevant skills and experience to effectively lead. If you, or someone you know, fit that description we invite you to submit a nomination in one or more of the categories listed at the nominations webpage.
