From lecterns to SonoGames: EM team makes waves at SAEM 2025

Emergency Medicine faculty and residents participated in Society for Academic Emergency Medicine's annual meeting.

At this year’s Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Annual Meeting, USA Health's Emergency Medicine Residency Program demonstrated leadership in clinical education and innovation on the national stage.

Walker Plash, M.D., residency program director and associate professor of emergency medicine, led an engaging small-group session titled “Designing an Experience-Based Wilderness Medicine Educational Activity.” As wilderness medicine continues to gain popularity among medical students and residents, Plash addressed the growing need for effective, hands-on educational experiences. His session explored best practices for designing realistic, resource-limited learning environments, providing participants with practical tools and strategies for curriculum creation and implementation. 

Caroline Molins, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine, also shared her expertise in clinical education through her session, “Teaching on Shift in Emergency Medicine.” She introduced an SAEM Education Committee–sponsored online curriculum designed to support emergency physicians —particularly those new to supervising students and residents — with practical, evidence-based tools for bedside teaching. Her session provided department leaders and frontline educators with strategies to implement the curriculum locally and improve clinical learning environments.

Residents David Monaco, M.D., Channing Stroud, D.O.,

and William Craig, D.O., competed in the SonoGames.

Additionally, the residency program participated in the annual SonoGames competition, a national ultrasound skills event known for its intensity and excitement, which challenges residents from across the country in ultrasound knowledge and procedural skill. Residents William Craig, D.O.; David Monaco, M.D.; and Channing Stroud, D.O., formed the team, showcasing their knowledge, procedural skill, and teamwork. Their performance highlighted the strength of our ultrasound training and collaborative spirit. Their preparation and performance were guided by dedicated faculty mentors Beau Stokes, M.D.; Kaitlyn Hall, M.D.; and Reshvinder Dhillon, M.D., whose mentorship and ultrasound expertise were instrumental to the team’s success.