Message from the Chair

As we wrap up another remarkable year in the Department of Emergency Medicine, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for the many ways our team has risen to meet the challenges and opportunities before us. Our commitment to excellence in patient care, education, research, and community service continues to distinguish our work at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

This season, our team has extended our mission beyond the walls of the emergency department. Fellows taught hands-only CPR at the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk and Hard Hats with Hearts events, empowering community members with lifesaving skills and confidence in responding to cardiac emergencies. In the spirit of giving back, we partnered with the OB Emergency Room nursing team to support the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, spreading holiday cheer to elders and children in need.

We are also thrilled to celebrate professional milestones and achievements across our department. Dr. Risa Moriarity marked 20 years as faculty at UMMC, sharing reflections on her journey of service, mentorship, and leadership growth. Three of our rising leaders, Drs. Brian Tollefson, Trey Wofford, and Jonah Gunalda, were accepted into the highly competitive SAEM Emerging Leader Development Program (eLEAD), a year-long initiative shaping the future of academic emergency medicine leadership. In recognition of clinical excellence, Dr. Jones was honored with the 2025 Robert S. Caldwell, MD Award, sponsored by the Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi, acknowledging exemplary patient care, documentation, and communication. And across the research enterprise, Dr. Utsav Nandi received a Silver OAVCR Excellence Award for his outstanding success in securing extramural funding and advancing impactful scientific inquiry.

In addition to celebrating individual achievements, we would like to highlight the critical work of our colleagues at the Mississippi Poison Control Center. Whether assisting a parent whose child swallowed melatonin gummies or offering management advice for pesticide exposure, the center handled over 17,000 cases in 2025 alone and continues to safeguard Mississippians through timely, life-saving support and toxicosurveillance efforts. Their collaboration with clinicians and public health partners exemplifies the breadth of our impact on community health and safety.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by every member of our department. As we look ahead to the year to come, I’m confident that our collective efforts will continue to shape the future of emergency care, education, and research at UMMC and beyond.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our patients, our learners, and our community.

Warm regards,

Kendall