A Community Built by & for Women in Emergency Medicine

A Community Built by & for Women in Emergency Medicine

Since 2015, FemInEM has championed belonging, professional growth, and leadership for women across all stages of their EM careers.

Since 2015, FemInEM has championed belonging, professional growth, and leadership for women across all stages of their EM careers.

Since 2015, FemInEM has championed belonging, professional growth, and leadership for women across all stages of their EM careers.

Since 2015, FemInEM has championed belonging, professional growth, and leadership for women across all stages of their EM careers.

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Impact Report

Impact Report

See Our Work in Action

Explore our latest report to see how we’re pushing the conversation forward—and backing it with real impact.

Explore our latest report to see how we’re pushing the conversation forward—and backing it with real impact.

Explore our latest report to see how we’re pushing the conversation forward—and backing it with real impact.

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Our Mission

Emergency medicine serves as a critical access point for reproductive health care. However, inconsistency in training, gaps in resources, and the lack of research specific to emergency care settings create disparities in outcomes for female patients.

FemInEM addresses these challenges by equipping emergency medicine professionals with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to deliver effective care, while also supporting the careers of women in medicine.

Our Mission

Emergency medicine serves as a critical access point for reproductive health care. However, inconsistency in training, gaps in resources, and the lack of research specific to emergency care settings create disparities in outcomes for female patients.

FemInEM addresses these challenges by equipping emergency medicine professionals with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to deliver effective care, while also supporting the careers of women in medicine.

Our Mission

Emergency medicine serves as a critical access point for reproductive health care. However, inconsistency in training, gaps in resources, and the lack of research specific to emergency care settings create disparities in outcomes for female patients.

FemInEM addresses these challenges by equipping emergency medicine professionals with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to deliver effective care, while also supporting the careers of women in medicine.

Our Mission

Emergency medicine serves as a critical access point for reproductive health care. However, inconsistency in training, gaps in resources, and the lack of research specific to emergency care settings create disparities in outcomes for female patients.

FemInEM addresses these challenges by equipping emergency medicine professionals with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to deliver effective care, while also supporting the careers of women in medicine.

Our Story

Our Story

Our Story

Our Story

Through a website, podcast, and academic conferences, FemInEM positively addresses gender disparities, empowering all physicians to be more engaged in their work and better care for themselves and their patients.

Through a website, podcast, and academic conferences, FemInEM positively addresses gender disparities, empowering all physicians to be more engaged in their work and better care for themselves and their patients.

2015:
Founded

FemInEM was established as an LLC, creating a platform to discuss, discover, and support the journey of women in emergency medicine.

2017:
First Conference

FemInEM hosted its first conference, bringing together women and allies in emergency medicine to address gender equity and professional growth.

2019: Supporting Local Conferences

The first conference between FemInEM and the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency Women’s Initiative was organized for residents, fellows and junior faculty on gender equity and advocacy in New England.

2022: Solidifying Our Impact

The organization inspired the adoption of lactation support and maternity leave programs in numerous Emergency Medicine departments, advancing equitable workplace policies.

2025: Meeting the Moment

FemInEM transitioned to the FemInEM Foundation, reaffirming its mission to advance gender equity and improve care for female patients in emergency departments.

2015:
Founded

FemInEM was established as an LLC, creating a platform to discuss, discover, and support the journey of women in emergency medicine.

2017:
First Conference

FemInEM hosted its first conference, bringing together women and allies in emergency medicine to address gender equity and professional growth.

2019: Supporting Local Conferences

The first conference between FemInEM and the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency Women’s Initiative was organized for residents, fellows and junior faculty on gender equity and advocacy in New England.

2022: Solidifying Our Impact

The organization inspired the adoption of lactation support and maternity leave programs in numerous Emergency Medicine departments, advancing equitable workplace policies.

2025: Meeting the Moment

FemInEM transitioned to the FemInEM Foundation, reaffirming its mission to advance gender equity and improve care for female patients in emergency departments.

Who We Are

Who We Are

Leadership Team

Dara Kass, MD

Founder & Strategic Director

New York

Dr. Dara Kass is an emergency medicine physician, public health leader, and equity advocate. A Brooklyn native and former Biden Administration appointee at HHS, she currently works at NYC Health and Hospitals, Lincoln Medical Center. She founded FemInEM to advance gender equity in emergency medicine and champions organ donation reform after donating part of her liver to her son. Dedicated to reproductive healthcare access and public education on health policy, she brings her advocacy to life as a mother of three.

Dara Kass, MD

Founder & Strategic Director

New York

Dr. Dara Kass is an emergency medicine physician, public health leader, and equity advocate. A Brooklyn native and former Biden Administration appointee at HHS, she currently works at NYC Health and Hospitals, Lincoln Medical Center. She founded FemInEM to advance gender equity in emergency medicine and champions organ donation reform after donating part of her liver to her son. Dedicated to reproductive healthcare access and public education on health policy, she brings her advocacy to life as a mother of three.

Dara Kass, MD

Founder & Strategic Director

New York

Dr. Dara Kass is an emergency medicine physician, public health leader, and equity advocate. A Brooklyn native and former Biden Administration appointee at HHS, she currently works at NYC Health and Hospitals, Lincoln Medical Center. She founded FemInEM to advance gender equity in emergency medicine and champions organ donation reform after donating part of her liver to her son. Dedicated to reproductive healthcare access and public education on health policy, she brings her advocacy to life as a mother of three.

Dara Kass, MD

Founder & Strategic Director

New York

Dr. Dara Kass is an emergency medicine physician, public health leader, and equity advocate. A Brooklyn native and former Biden Administration appointee at HHS, she currently works at NYC Health and Hospitals, Lincoln Medical Center. She founded FemInEM to advance gender equity in emergency medicine and champions organ donation reform after donating part of her liver to her son. Dedicated to reproductive healthcare access and public education on health policy, she brings her advocacy to life as a mother of three.

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Director of Research

Oregon

Dr. Esther Choo is an emergency medicine physician, health services researcher, and advocate for gender equity in medicine. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is now an Associate Professor. Her research focuses on women’s health, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and technology-based interventions. A former president of the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine, she also serves as Associate Editor for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Director of Research

Oregon

Dr. Esther Choo is an emergency medicine physician, health services researcher, and advocate for gender equity in medicine. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is now an Associate Professor. Her research focuses on women’s health, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and technology-based interventions. A former president of the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine, she also serves as Associate Editor for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Director of Research

Oregon

Dr. Esther Choo is an emergency medicine physician, health services researcher, and advocate for gender equity in medicine. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is now an Associate Professor. Her research focuses on women’s health, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and technology-based interventions. A former president of the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine, she also serves as Associate Editor for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Director of Research

Oregon

Dr. Esther Choo is an emergency medicine physician, health services researcher, and advocate for gender equity in medicine. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is now an Associate Professor. Her research focuses on women’s health, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and technology-based interventions. A former president of the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine, she also serves as Associate Editor for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Jailyn Avila, MD

Director of Digital Education

California

Dr. Jailyn Avila is an emergency medicine physician, educator, and ultrasound leader. She completed medical school at Loma Linda University, residency in Chattanooga, and an ultrasound fellowship in Lexington, where she later served as an associate professor and Director of Point-of-Care Ultrasound at the University of Kentucky. A co-founder of 5minsono (now Core Ultrasound), she advances ultrasound education globally and currently serves as Core Faculty and Associate Ultrasound Director at the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency.

Jailyn Avila, MD

Director of Digital Education

California

Dr. Jailyn Avila is an emergency medicine physician, educator, and ultrasound leader. She completed medical school at Loma Linda University, residency in Chattanooga, and an ultrasound fellowship in Lexington, where she later served as an associate professor and Director of Point-of-Care Ultrasound at the University of Kentucky. A co-founder of 5minsono (now Core Ultrasound), she advances ultrasound education globally and currently serves as Core Faculty and Associate Ultrasound Director at the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency.

Jailyn Avila, MD

Director of Digital Education

California

Dr. Jailyn Avila is an emergency medicine physician, educator, and ultrasound leader. She completed medical school at Loma Linda University, residency in Chattanooga, and an ultrasound fellowship in Lexington, where she later served as an associate professor and Director of Point-of-Care Ultrasound at the University of Kentucky. A co-founder of 5minsono (now Core Ultrasound), she advances ultrasound education globally and currently serves as Core Faculty and Associate Ultrasound Director at the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency.

Jailyn Avila, MD

Director of Digital Education

California

Dr. Jailyn Avila is an emergency medicine physician, educator, and ultrasound leader. She completed medical school at Loma Linda University, residency in Chattanooga, and an ultrasound fellowship in Lexington, where she later served as an associate professor and Director of Point-of-Care Ultrasound at the University of Kentucky. A co-founder of 5minsono (now Core Ultrasound), she advances ultrasound education globally and currently serves as Core Faculty and Associate Ultrasound Director at the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency.

Rebecca Hellmann, DO

Director of Clinical Education

New York

Dr. Rebecca Hellmann is an emergency medicine physician specializing in medical education and women’s reproductive health. She completed medical school and residency in New York, followed by a medical education fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center and a reproductive health fellowship through the Bridge Foundation. She also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hellmann previously served as Director of Remediation at Hackensack and is now an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Rebecca Hellmann, DO

Director of Clinical Education

New York

Dr. Rebecca Hellmann is an emergency medicine physician specializing in medical education and women’s reproductive health. She completed medical school and residency in New York, followed by a medical education fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center and a reproductive health fellowship through the Bridge Foundation. She also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hellmann previously served as Director of Remediation at Hackensack and is now an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Rebecca Hellmann, DO

Director of Clinical Education

New York

Dr. Rebecca Hellmann is an emergency medicine physician specializing in medical education and women’s reproductive health. She completed medical school and residency in New York, followed by a medical education fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center and a reproductive health fellowship through the Bridge Foundation. She also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hellmann previously served as Director of Remediation at Hackensack and is now an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Rebecca Hellmann, DO

Director of Clinical Education

New York

Dr. Rebecca Hellmann is an emergency medicine physician specializing in medical education and women’s reproductive health. She completed medical school and residency in New York, followed by a medical education fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center and a reproductive health fellowship through the Bridge Foundation. She also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hellmann previously served as Director of Remediation at Hackensack and is now an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Sabena Vaswani, MD, MPH

Director of State Based Reproductive Healthcare Cohorts

New York

Dr. Sabena Vaswani is an emergency medicine physician and global health leader. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a Global Emergency Medicine fellowship at Columbia University, where she also earned an MPH specializing in sexual and reproductive health. Now Director of Global Health and Community Outreach at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell, she brings experience from her career at Google to advance health equity and expand access to care.

Sabena Vaswani, MD, MPH

Director of State Based Reproductive Healthcare Cohorts

New York

Dr. Sabena Vaswani is an emergency medicine physician and global health leader. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a Global Emergency Medicine fellowship at Columbia University, where she also earned an MPH specializing in sexual and reproductive health. Now Director of Global Health and Community Outreach at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell, she brings experience from her career at Google to advance health equity and expand access to care.

Sabena Vaswani, MD, MPH

Director of State Based Reproductive Healthcare Cohorts

New York

Dr. Sabena Vaswani is an emergency medicine physician and global health leader. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a Global Emergency Medicine fellowship at Columbia University, where she also earned an MPH specializing in sexual and reproductive health. Now Director of Global Health and Community Outreach at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell, she brings experience from her career at Google to advance health equity and expand access to care.

Sabena Vaswani, MD, MPH

Director of State Based Reproductive Healthcare Cohorts

New York

Dr. Sabena Vaswani is an emergency medicine physician and global health leader. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a Global Emergency Medicine fellowship at Columbia University, where she also earned an MPH specializing in sexual and reproductive health. Now Director of Global Health and Community Outreach at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell, she brings experience from her career at Google to advance health equity and expand access to care.

Diksha Mishra, MD

Director of Women in Medicine Groups

New York

Dr. Sabena Vaswani is an emergency medicine physician and global health leader. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a Global Emergency Medicine fellowship at Columbia University, where she also earned an MPH specializing in sexual and reproductive health. Now Director of Global Health and Community Outreach at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell, she brings experience from her career at Google to advance health equity and expand access to care.

Diksha Mishra, MD

Director of Women in Medicine Groups

New York

Dr. Sabena Vaswani is an emergency medicine physician and global health leader. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a Global Emergency Medicine fellowship at Columbia University, where she also earned an MPH specializing in sexual and reproductive health. Now Director of Global Health and Community Outreach at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell, she brings experience from her career at Google to advance health equity and expand access to care.

Diksha Mishra, MD

Director of Women in Medicine Groups

New York

Dr. Sabena Vaswani is an emergency medicine physician and global health leader. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a Global Emergency Medicine fellowship at Columbia University, where she also earned an MPH specializing in sexual and reproductive health. Now Director of Global Health and Community Outreach at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell, she brings experience from her career at Google to advance health equity and expand access to care.

Diksha Mishra, MD

Director of Women in Medicine Groups

New York

Dr. Sabena Vaswani is an emergency medicine physician and global health leader. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a Global Emergency Medicine fellowship at Columbia University, where she also earned an MPH specializing in sexual and reproductive health. Now Director of Global Health and Community Outreach at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell, she brings experience from her career at Google to advance health equity and expand access to care.

Andrea Austin, MD

Co-Director of Well-being & Workplace Strategic Advising

California

Dr. Andrea Austin is an emergency medicine physician, simulation educator, and Navy veteran. She is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Healthcare Modeling and Simulation Certificate at the Naval Postgraduate School and the inaugural Simulation Director for Southwest Healthcare. A former lieutenant commander, she deployed to Iraq and trained clinicians at the Navy Trauma Training Center. Dr. Austin chairs the American Association of Wome

Andrea Austin, MD

Co-Director of Well-being & Workplace Strategic Advising

California

Dr. Andrea Austin is an emergency medicine physician, simulation educator, and Navy veteran. She is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Healthcare Modeling and Simulation Certificate at the Naval Postgraduate School and the inaugural Simulation Director for Southwest Healthcare. A former lieutenant commander, she deployed to Iraq and trained clinicians at the Navy Trauma Training Center. Dr. Austin chairs the American Association of Wome

Andrea Austin, MD

Co-Director of Well-being & Workplace Strategic Advising

California

Dr. Andrea Austin is an emergency medicine physician, simulation educator, and Navy veteran. She is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Healthcare Modeling and Simulation Certificate at the Naval Postgraduate School and the inaugural Simulation Director for Southwest Healthcare. A former lieutenant commander, she deployed to Iraq and trained clinicians at the Navy Trauma Training Center. Dr. Austin chairs the American Association of Wome

Andrea Austin, MD

Co-Director of Well-being & Workplace Strategic Advising

California

Dr. Andrea Austin is an emergency medicine physician, simulation educator, and Navy veteran. She is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Healthcare Modeling and Simulation Certificate at the Naval Postgraduate School and the inaugural Simulation Director for Southwest Healthcare. A former lieutenant commander, she deployed to Iraq and trained clinicians at the Navy Trauma Training Center. Dr. Austin chairs the American Association of Wome

Jenny Castillo Cato, MD

Co-Director of Well-being & Workplace Strategic Advising

New York

Dr. Jenny Castillo Cato is an emergency medicine physician with expertise in clinician wellbeing. She trained in Philadelphia and New York City, where she later developed the inaugural Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program for NYC Health + Hospitals and served as Director of Simulation at Winthrop University Hospital. She went on to become Director of Well-being for Columbia’s Emergency Medicine Department. Now practicing in urgent care, she remains committed to advancing clinician wellness and supporting the FemInEM community.

Jenny Castillo Cato, MD

Co-Director of Well-being & Workplace Strategic Advising

New York

Dr. Jenny Castillo Cato is an emergency medicine physician with expertise in clinician wellbeing. She trained in Philadelphia and New York City, where she later developed the inaugural Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program for NYC Health + Hospitals and served as Director of Simulation at Winthrop University Hospital. She went on to become Director of Well-being for Columbia’s Emergency Medicine Department. Now practicing in urgent care, she remains committed to advancing clinician wellness and supporting the FemInEM community.

Jenny Castillo Cato, MD

Co-Director of Well-being & Workplace Strategic Advising

New York

Dr. Jenny Castillo Cato is an emergency medicine physician with expertise in clinician wellbeing. She trained in Philadelphia and New York City, where she later developed the inaugural Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program for NYC Health + Hospitals and served as Director of Simulation at Winthrop University Hospital. She went on to become Director of Well-being for Columbia’s Emergency Medicine Department. Now practicing in urgent care, she remains committed to advancing clinician wellness and supporting the FemInEM community.

Jenny Castillo Cato, MD

Co-Director of Well-being & Workplace Strategic Advising

New York

Dr. Jenny Castillo Cato is an emergency medicine physician with expertise in clinician wellbeing. She trained in Philadelphia and New York City, where she later developed the inaugural Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program for NYC Health + Hospitals and served as Director of Simulation at Winthrop University Hospital. She went on to become Director of Well-being for Columbia’s Emergency Medicine Department. Now practicing in urgent care, she remains committed to advancing clinician wellness and supporting the FemInEM community.

Marta Rowh, MD

Director of the Champions of Change Program

Georgia

Dr. Marta Rowh is an emergency medicine physician and educator at Emory University, where she serves as Assistant Professor and DEIRA Thread Director for the medical school curriculum. With two decades of experience in reproductive health education, she has advanced curriculum development through work with Medical Students for Choice and the Curriculum Mapping Project. Her clinical experience includes abortion care in underserved regions. She now collaborates with AMSA on post-Dobbs reproductive health education initiatives.

Marta Rowh, MD

Director of the Champions of Change Program

Georgia

Dr. Marta Rowh is an emergency medicine physician and educator at Emory University, where she serves as Assistant Professor and DEIRA Thread Director for the medical school curriculum. With two decades of experience in reproductive health education, she has advanced curriculum development through work with Medical Students for Choice and the Curriculum Mapping Project. Her clinical experience includes abortion care in underserved regions. She now collaborates with AMSA on post-Dobbs reproductive health education initiatives.

Marta Rowh, MD

Director of the Champions of Change Program

Georgia

Dr. Marta Rowh is an emergency medicine physician and educator at Emory University, where she serves as Assistant Professor and DEIRA Thread Director for the medical school curriculum. With two decades of experience in reproductive health education, she has advanced curriculum development through work with Medical Students for Choice and the Curriculum Mapping Project. Her clinical experience includes abortion care in underserved regions. She now collaborates with AMSA on post-Dobbs reproductive health education initiatives.

Marta Rowh, MD

Director of the Champions of Change Program

Georgia

Dr. Marta Rowh is an emergency medicine physician and educator at Emory University, where she serves as Assistant Professor and DEIRA Thread Director for the medical school curriculum. With two decades of experience in reproductive health education, she has advanced curriculum development through work with Medical Students for Choice and the Curriculum Mapping Project. Her clinical experience includes abortion care in underserved regions. She now collaborates with AMSA on post-Dobbs reproductive health education initiatives.

Viktoria Koskenoja, MD

Director of Rural Reproductive Health Care

Michigan

Dr. Viktoria Koskenoja is an emergency medicine physician with a focus on rural health. She trained at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and completed residency at the Harvard-Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency. She serves as Medical Director at a Critical Access Hospital in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is the former chair of ACEP’s Rural Section. With extensive experience in reproductive health through Planned Parenthood, she also provides care as part of a local Sexual Assault Response Team.

Viktoria Koskenoja, MD

Director of Rural Reproductive Health Care

Michigan

Dr. Viktoria Koskenoja is an emergency medicine physician with a focus on rural health. She trained at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and completed residency at the Harvard-Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency. She serves as Medical Director at a Critical Access Hospital in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is the former chair of ACEP’s Rural Section. With extensive experience in reproductive health through Planned Parenthood, she also provides care as part of a local Sexual Assault Response Team.

Viktoria Koskenoja, MD

Director of Rural Reproductive Health Care

Michigan

Dr. Viktoria Koskenoja is an emergency medicine physician with a focus on rural health. She trained at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and completed residency at the Harvard-Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency. She serves as Medical Director at a Critical Access Hospital in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is the former chair of ACEP’s Rural Section. With extensive experience in reproductive health through Planned Parenthood, she also provides care as part of a local Sexual Assault Response Team.

Viktoria Koskenoja, MD

Director of Rural Reproductive Health Care

Michigan

Dr. Viktoria Koskenoja is an emergency medicine physician with a focus on rural health. She trained at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and completed residency at the Harvard-Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency. She serves as Medical Director at a Critical Access Hospital in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is the former chair of ACEP’s Rural Section. With extensive experience in reproductive health through Planned Parenthood, she also provides care as part of a local Sexual Assault Response Team.

Sophia Spadafore, MD

Director of Policy and Advocacy

New York

Dr. Sophia Spadafore is an emergency medicine physician and health policy fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she is also an Assistant Professor. She practices clinically at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital Center. A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, she completed her residency at Mount Sinai, serving as Chief Resident. Her work focuses on politics, policy, and the global systems that shape healthcare access and financing.

Sophia Spadafore, MD

Director of Policy and Advocacy

New York

Dr. Sophia Spadafore is an emergency medicine physician and health policy fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she is also an Assistant Professor. She practices clinically at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital Center. A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, she completed her residency at Mount Sinai, serving as Chief Resident. Her work focuses on politics, policy, and the global systems that shape healthcare access and financing.

Sophia Spadafore, MD

Director of Policy and Advocacy

New York

Dr. Sophia Spadafore is an emergency medicine physician and health policy fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she is also an Assistant Professor. She practices clinically at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital Center. A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, she completed her residency at Mount Sinai, serving as Chief Resident. Her work focuses on politics, policy, and the global systems that shape healthcare access and financing.

Sophia Spadafore, MD

Director of Policy and Advocacy

New York

Dr. Sophia Spadafore is an emergency medicine physician and health policy fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she is also an Assistant Professor. She practices clinically at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital Center. A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, she completed her residency at Mount Sinai, serving as Chief Resident. Her work focuses on politics, policy, and the global systems that shape healthcare access and financing.

Asia Nguyen

Program Manager

California

Asia Nguyen is the Program Manager at FemInEM. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Tulane University in May 2024. Asia is passionate about improving access to healthcare, especially reproductive health services. With experience in global health, international development, and reproductive healthcare, she brings a diverse skill set to her work. Asia is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and helping communities get the care they need.

Asia Nguyen

Program Manager

California

Asia Nguyen is the Program Manager at FemInEM. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Tulane University in May 2024. Asia is passionate about improving access to healthcare, especially reproductive health services. With experience in global health, international development, and reproductive healthcare, she brings a diverse skill set to her work. Asia is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and helping communities get the care they need.

Asia Nguyen

Program Manager

California

Asia Nguyen is the Program Manager at FemInEM. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Tulane University in May 2024. Asia is passionate about improving access to healthcare, especially reproductive health services. With experience in global health, international development, and reproductive healthcare, she brings a diverse skill set to her work. Asia is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and helping communities get the care they need.

Asia Nguyen

Program Manager

California

Asia Nguyen is the Program Manager at FemInEM. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Tulane University in May 2024. Asia is passionate about improving access to healthcare, especially reproductive health services. With experience in global health, international development, and reproductive healthcare, she brings a diverse skill set to her work. Asia is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and helping communities get the care they need.

Annalee Baker, MD, FACEP

Lead Editor, FemInEM Frontline

New Jersey

Dr. Annalee Baker is an emergency medicine physician and Associate Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, practicing at University Hospital in Newark. She trained at NYU-Bellevue, later serving as founding core faculty and Associate Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency at Aventura Hospital. She has held leadership roles in medical education, advocacy, and mentorship across NYU, Miami, and Rutgers. A nationally recognized educator, she regularly presents on health equity and combating medical misinformation.

Annalee Baker, MD, FACEP

Lead Editor, FemInEM Frontline

New Jersey

Dr. Annalee Baker is an emergency medicine physician and Associate Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, practicing at University Hospital in Newark. She trained at NYU-Bellevue, later serving as founding core faculty and Associate Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency at Aventura Hospital. She has held leadership roles in medical education, advocacy, and mentorship across NYU, Miami, and Rutgers. A nationally recognized educator, she regularly presents on health equity and combating medical misinformation.

Annalee Baker, MD, FACEP

Lead Editor, FemInEM Frontline

New Jersey

Dr. Annalee Baker is an emergency medicine physician and Associate Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, practicing at University Hospital in Newark. She trained at NYU-Bellevue, later serving as founding core faculty and Associate Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency at Aventura Hospital. She has held leadership roles in medical education, advocacy, and mentorship across NYU, Miami, and Rutgers. A nationally recognized educator, she regularly presents on health equity and combating medical misinformation.

Annalee Baker, MD, FACEP

Lead Editor, FemInEM Frontline

New Jersey

Dr. Annalee Baker is an emergency medicine physician and Associate Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, practicing at University Hospital in Newark. She trained at NYU-Bellevue, later serving as founding core faculty and Associate Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency at Aventura Hospital. She has held leadership roles in medical education, advocacy, and mentorship across NYU, Miami, and Rutgers. A nationally recognized educator, she regularly presents on health equity and combating medical misinformation.

Kimi Chernoby, MD

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer

New York

Dr. Kimi Chernoby is the nation’s only board-certified emergency medicine physician and reproductive rights attorney. She most recently served as Senior Counsel for Reproductive Rights and Health at the National Women’s Law Center and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University. A longtime advocate for reproductive health in the ED, she has advanced policy at state and federal levels, contributed to the AMA Code of Ethics, and is nationally recognized for her expertise in emergency reproductive care.

Kimi Chernoby, MD

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer

New York

Dr. Kimi Chernoby is the nation’s only board-certified emergency medicine physician and reproductive rights attorney. She most recently served as Senior Counsel for Reproductive Rights and Health at the National Women’s Law Center and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University. A longtime advocate for reproductive health in the ED, she has advanced policy at state and federal levels, contributed to the AMA Code of Ethics, and is nationally recognized for her expertise in emergency reproductive care.

Kimi Chernoby, MD

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer

New York

Dr. Kimi Chernoby is the nation’s only board-certified emergency medicine physician and reproductive rights attorney. She most recently served as Senior Counsel for Reproductive Rights and Health at the National Women’s Law Center and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University. A longtime advocate for reproductive health in the ED, she has advanced policy at state and federal levels, contributed to the AMA Code of Ethics, and is nationally recognized for her expertise in emergency reproductive care.

Kimi Chernoby, MD

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer

New York

Dr. Kimi Chernoby is the nation’s only board-certified emergency medicine physician and reproductive rights attorney. She most recently served as Senior Counsel for Reproductive Rights and Health at the National Women’s Law Center and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University. A longtime advocate for reproductive health in the ED, she has advanced policy at state and federal levels, contributed to the AMA Code of Ethics, and is nationally recognized for her expertise in emergency reproductive care.

Molly Estes, MD

Director of Community Engagement

Illinois

Dr. Molly Estes is an emergency medicine physician and educator. She completed residency at the Stanford/Kaiser Emergency Medicine Program and a fellowship in Medical Education at Stanford. She is now an Assistant Professor and Clerkship Director at Northwestern University. A recipient of multiple national teaching awards, Dr. Estes contributes to CME and conference planning for AAEM and CORD and co-hosts the AAEM WiEM “Women’s Wisdom” podcast. Her current work focuses on curriculum design and educational innovation.

Molly Estes, MD

Director of Community Engagement

Illinois

Dr. Molly Estes is an emergency medicine physician and educator. She completed residency at the Stanford/Kaiser Emergency Medicine Program and a fellowship in Medical Education at Stanford. She is now an Assistant Professor and Clerkship Director at Northwestern University. A recipient of multiple national teaching awards, Dr. Estes contributes to CME and conference planning for AAEM and CORD and co-hosts the AAEM WiEM “Women’s Wisdom” podcast. Her current work focuses on curriculum design and educational innovation.

Molly Estes, MD

Director of Community Engagement

Illinois

Dr. Molly Estes is an emergency medicine physician and educator. She completed residency at the Stanford/Kaiser Emergency Medicine Program and a fellowship in Medical Education at Stanford. She is now an Assistant Professor and Clerkship Director at Northwestern University. A recipient of multiple national teaching awards, Dr. Estes contributes to CME and conference planning for AAEM and CORD and co-hosts the AAEM WiEM “Women’s Wisdom” podcast. Her current work focuses on curriculum design and educational innovation.

Molly Estes, MD

Director of Community Engagement

Illinois

Dr. Molly Estes is an emergency medicine physician and educator. She completed residency at the Stanford/Kaiser Emergency Medicine Program and a fellowship in Medical Education at Stanford. She is now an Assistant Professor and Clerkship Director at Northwestern University. A recipient of multiple national teaching awards, Dr. Estes contributes to CME and conference planning for AAEM and CORD and co-hosts the AAEM WiEM “Women’s Wisdom” podcast. Her current work focuses on curriculum design and educational innovation.

Thank You to Our Dedicated

Thank You to Our Dedicated

Board of Directors

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Chair

Oregon

Dr. Esther Choo is an emergency medicine physician, health services researcher, and advocate for gender equity in medicine. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is now an Associate Professor. Her research focuses on women’s health, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and technology-based interventions. A former president of the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine, she also serves as Associate Editor for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Chair

Oregon

Dr. Esther Choo is an emergency medicine physician, health services researcher, and advocate for gender equity in medicine. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is now an Associate Professor. Her research focuses on women’s health, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and technology-based interventions. A former president of the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine, she also serves as Associate Editor for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Chair

Oregon

Dr. Esther Choo is an emergency medicine physician, health services researcher, and advocate for gender equity in medicine. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is now an Associate Professor. Her research focuses on women’s health, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and technology-based interventions. A former president of the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine, she also serves as Associate Editor for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Esther Choo, MD, MPH

Chair

Oregon

Dr. Esther Choo is an emergency medicine physician, health services researcher, and advocate for gender equity in medicine. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and a fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is now an Associate Professor. Her research focuses on women’s health, intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and technology-based interventions. A former president of the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine, she also serves as Associate Editor for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Kinjal Sethuraman, MD, MPH

Vice-Chair

Maryland

Dr. Kinjal Sethuraman is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland and Medical Director of Hyperbaric and Dive Medicine at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. With 24 years of experience, she leads one of the nation’s busiest emergency-capable hyperbaric chambers. A past president of AWAEM, she is an active mentor and national leader in SAEM. Her research focuses on gender equity and brain injury, including work as a site PI for the HOBIT trial.

Kinjal Sethuraman, MD, MPH

Vice-Chair

Maryland

Dr. Kinjal Sethuraman is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland and Medical Director of Hyperbaric and Dive Medicine at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. With 24 years of experience, she leads one of the nation’s busiest emergency-capable hyperbaric chambers. A past president of AWAEM, she is an active mentor and national leader in SAEM. Her research focuses on gender equity and brain injury, including work as a site PI for the HOBIT trial.

Kinjal Sethuraman, MD, MPH

Vice-Chair

Maryland

Dr. Kinjal Sethuraman is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland and Medical Director of Hyperbaric and Dive Medicine at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. With 24 years of experience, she leads one of the nation’s busiest emergency-capable hyperbaric chambers. A past president of AWAEM, she is an active mentor and national leader in SAEM. Her research focuses on gender equity and brain injury, including work as a site PI for the HOBIT trial.

Kinjal Sethuraman, MD, MPH

Vice-Chair

Maryland

Dr. Kinjal Sethuraman is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland and Medical Director of Hyperbaric and Dive Medicine at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. With 24 years of experience, she leads one of the nation’s busiest emergency-capable hyperbaric chambers. A past president of AWAEM, she is an active mentor and national leader in SAEM. Her research focuses on gender equity and brain injury, including work as a site PI for the HOBIT trial.

Jenny Beck-Esmay, MD

Treasurer

New York

Dr. Jennifer Beck-Esmay is an emergency medicine physician, associate professor, and assistant residency director at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West in New York City. She completed medical school at the University of Minnesota and residency at NYU-Bellevue. Passionate about medical education and gender equity, she has contributed to leading EM platforms including FemInEM, R.E.B.E.L. EM, EM:RAP, and CoreEM, and has spoken nationally and internationally. She is also a proud mom to Lilith and her cat, Khonshu.

Jenny Beck-Esmay, MD

Treasurer

New York

Dr. Jennifer Beck-Esmay is an emergency medicine physician, associate professor, and assistant residency director at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West in New York City. She completed medical school at the University of Minnesota and residency at NYU-Bellevue. Passionate about medical education and gender equity, she has contributed to leading EM platforms including FemInEM, R.E.B.E.L. EM, EM:RAP, and CoreEM, and has spoken nationally and internationally. She is also a proud mom to Lilith and her cat, Khonshu.

Jenny Beck-Esmay, MD

Treasurer

New York

Dr. Jennifer Beck-Esmay is an emergency medicine physician, associate professor, and assistant residency director at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West in New York City. She completed medical school at the University of Minnesota and residency at NYU-Bellevue. Passionate about medical education and gender equity, she has contributed to leading EM platforms including FemInEM, R.E.B.E.L. EM, EM:RAP, and CoreEM, and has spoken nationally and internationally. She is also a proud mom to Lilith and her cat, Khonshu.

Jenny Beck-Esmay, MD

Treasurer

New York

Dr. Jennifer Beck-Esmay is an emergency medicine physician, associate professor, and assistant residency director at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West in New York City. She completed medical school at the University of Minnesota and residency at NYU-Bellevue. Passionate about medical education and gender equity, she has contributed to leading EM platforms including FemInEM, R.E.B.E.L. EM, EM:RAP, and CoreEM, and has spoken nationally and internationally. She is also a proud mom to Lilith and her cat, Khonshu.

Tracy Sanson, MD

Board Member

Florida

Dr. Tracy Sanson is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and leadership consultant. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, she has held leadership roles with the U.S. Air Force and the University of South Florida. Through her consulting firm, she focuses on leadership development, faculty growth, and wellness. A recipient of ACEP’s Judith E. Tintinalli Education Award, she has served in key roles within SAEM, CORD, and ACEP, while raising three accomplished daughters.

Tracy Sanson, MD

Board Member

Florida

Dr. Tracy Sanson is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and leadership consultant. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, she has held leadership roles with the U.S. Air Force and the University of South Florida. Through her consulting firm, she focuses on leadership development, faculty growth, and wellness. A recipient of ACEP’s Judith E. Tintinalli Education Award, she has served in key roles within SAEM, CORD, and ACEP, while raising three accomplished daughters.

Tracy Sanson, MD

Board Member

Florida

Dr. Tracy Sanson is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and leadership consultant. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, she has held leadership roles with the U.S. Air Force and the University of South Florida. Through her consulting firm, she focuses on leadership development, faculty growth, and wellness. A recipient of ACEP’s Judith E. Tintinalli Education Award, she has served in key roles within SAEM, CORD, and ACEP, while raising three accomplished daughters.

Tracy Sanson, MD

Board Member

Florida

Dr. Tracy Sanson is a board-certified emergency physician, educator, and leadership consultant. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, she has held leadership roles with the U.S. Air Force and the University of South Florida. Through her consulting firm, she focuses on leadership development, faculty growth, and wellness. A recipient of ACEP’s Judith E. Tintinalli Education Award, she has served in key roles within SAEM, CORD, and ACEP, while raising three accomplished daughters.

Aviva Lee- Parritz, MD

Board Member

Massachusetts

Dr. Aviva Lee-Parritz is a board-certified OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with decades of leadership in diabetes in pregnancy and interdisciplinary models of care. She trained at Tufts and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and has spent over 40 years developing collaborative programs with endocrinology to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. A leader in safety-net settings, she helped create national models like Project Respect and Centering Pregnancy™, championing reproductive justice through education, policy, and innovative clinical programs.

Aviva Lee- Parritz, MD

Board Member

Massachusetts

Dr. Aviva Lee-Parritz is a board-certified OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with decades of leadership in diabetes in pregnancy and interdisciplinary models of care. She trained at Tufts and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and has spent over 40 years developing collaborative programs with endocrinology to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. A leader in safety-net settings, she helped create national models like Project Respect and Centering Pregnancy™, championing reproductive justice through education, policy, and innovative clinical programs.

Aviva Lee- Parritz, MD

Board Member

Massachusetts

Dr. Aviva Lee-Parritz is a board-certified OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with decades of leadership in diabetes in pregnancy and interdisciplinary models of care. She trained at Tufts and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and has spent over 40 years developing collaborative programs with endocrinology to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. A leader in safety-net settings, she helped create national models like Project Respect and Centering Pregnancy™, championing reproductive justice through education, policy, and innovative clinical programs.

Aviva Lee- Parritz, MD

Board Member

Massachusetts

Dr. Aviva Lee-Parritz is a board-certified OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with decades of leadership in diabetes in pregnancy and interdisciplinary models of care. She trained at Tufts and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and has spent over 40 years developing collaborative programs with endocrinology to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. A leader in safety-net settings, she helped create national models like Project Respect and Centering Pregnancy™, championing reproductive justice through education, policy, and innovative clinical programs.

Kelly M. Treder, MD, MPH

Board Member

Massachusetts

Dr. Kelly Treder (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Boston University School of Medicine and a board-certified Complex Family Planning subspecialist. She earned her MD and MPH from the University of Washington, completed residency at Northwestern/Stroger Hospital, and a fellowship at Boston University/Boston Medical Center. She now serves as Associate Director of the Complex Family Planning Fellowship and Director of Family Planning Research, focusing on person-centered care, reproductive inequities, and the impacts of racism on health.

Kelly M. Treder, MD, MPH

Board Member

Massachusetts

Dr. Kelly Treder (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Boston University School of Medicine and a board-certified Complex Family Planning subspecialist. She earned her MD and MPH from the University of Washington, completed residency at Northwestern/Stroger Hospital, and a fellowship at Boston University/Boston Medical Center. She now serves as Associate Director of the Complex Family Planning Fellowship and Director of Family Planning Research, focusing on person-centered care, reproductive inequities, and the impacts of racism on health.

Kelly M. Treder, MD, MPH

Board Member

Massachusetts

Dr. Kelly Treder (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Boston University School of Medicine and a board-certified Complex Family Planning subspecialist. She earned her MD and MPH from the University of Washington, completed residency at Northwestern/Stroger Hospital, and a fellowship at Boston University/Boston Medical Center. She now serves as Associate Director of the Complex Family Planning Fellowship and Director of Family Planning Research, focusing on person-centered care, reproductive inequities, and the impacts of racism on health.

Kelly M. Treder, MD, MPH

Board Member

Massachusetts

Dr. Kelly Treder (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Boston University School of Medicine and a board-certified Complex Family Planning subspecialist. She earned her MD and MPH from the University of Washington, completed residency at Northwestern/Stroger Hospital, and a fellowship at Boston University/Boston Medical Center. She now serves as Associate Director of the Complex Family Planning Fellowship and Director of Family Planning Research, focusing on person-centered care, reproductive inequities, and the impacts of racism on health.

join in advancing gender equity in emergency medicine

Our partners share our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all clinicians, regardless of gender, can thrive. Together, we work to amplify diverse voices, break down barriers, and create opportunities for growth and leadership.

Through collaboration, partners support FemInEM’s mission to drive systemic change and cultivate a more equitable future in healthcare.

Become A Partner

join in advancing gender equity in emergency medicine

Our partners share our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all clinicians, regardless of gender, can thrive. Together, we work to amplify diverse voices, break down barriers, and create opportunities for growth and leadership.

Through collaboration, partners support FemInEM’s mission to drive systemic change and cultivate a more equitable future in healthcare.

Become A Partner

join in advancing gender equity in emergency medicine

Our partners share our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all clinicians, regardless of gender, can thrive. Together, we work to amplify diverse voices, break down barriers, and create opportunities for growth and leadership.

Through collaboration, partners support FemInEM’s mission to drive systemic change and cultivate a more equitable future in healthcare.

Become A Partner

join in advancing gender equity in emergency medicine

Our partners share our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all clinicians, regardless of gender, can thrive. Together, we work to amplify diverse voices, break down barriers, and create opportunities for growth and leadership.

Through collaboration, partners support FemInEM’s mission to drive systemic change and cultivate a more equitable future in healthcare.

Become A Partner

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Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.

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