The E. D. Dispatch - Fall 2024 - University of Mississippi Medical Center

Message from the Chair

In this issue of The E.D. Dispatch, we welcome new residents and fellows. We celebrate Dr. Utsav Nandi’s Bronze Level Excellence in Research Award for his work on opioid intervention, reconnect with Dr. Ben Hudson in our Alumni Spotlight, and feature Dr. Trey Wofford’s Caribbean sailing journey in our Faculty Spotlight. Join us in recognizing the accomplishments and unique stories that make our department thrive.

Education Update

Dr. Gunalda shares key updates: we matched all 16 PGY-1 positions amid a national decline, received ACGME accreditations for our residency and sports medicine fellowship, and secured initial accreditation for medical toxicology.

Dr. Utsav Nandi Receives the Bronze Level Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Utsav Nandi has been awarded the Bronze Level Excellence in Research Award for his groundbreaking efforts to combat opioid misuse in emergency care.

Meet our New Fellows

Meet our newest fellows! This year, we’re excited to introduce talented physicians joining us in toxicology, sports medicine, research, and emergency medical services. Each brings unique expertise and dedication to advancing care in their fields. Get to know the future leaders helping drive innovation and excellence in emergency medicine at UMMC.

Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Trey Wofford

Dr. Trey Wofford, medical director at UMMC’s adult emergency department, embarked on a 7-month, 2,500-mile sailing journey from the Bahamas to the Virgin Islands. Trading scrubs for the helm of a 42-foot catamaran, he navigated the demanding “Thorny Path” and found both challenges and quiet moments on remote islands. In his reflections, Dr. Wofford shares how this time at sea, with his family by his side, reshaped his approach to medicine and deepened his appreciation for life beyond the ER.

Alumni Spotlight - Dr. Ben Hudson

Dr. Ben Hudson, a 2005 residency graduate, shares his unique journey from emergency medicine on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to his current work in addiction medicine. Following Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Hudson served as an ER physician before transitioning to addiction care, where he now focuses on patients with co-occurring mental health needs. Read about his career path, family life on the Pascagoula harbor, and memorable residency experiences that shaped his approach to medicine.

Follow us on Social Media!

Let's keep in touch. If you haven’t checked out our UMMC EM residency Instagram and Facebook pages, you are missing out! Please send your stories and updates to us. You can reach us via social media or at UMMC-EmergencyMedicine@umc.edu

Fall 2024