Congratulations to Dr. Jullette Saussy for being recognized by ACEP with the 2016 ACEP Award for Outstanding Contribution in EMS.  This award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in EMS of national significance or application.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Saussy worked as both an EMT and paramedic.  She then went on to complete medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans.  She served as medical director for New Orleans Emergency Medical Services and directed operations during Hurricane Katrina.  She then became medical director for the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.  After arriving in DC, Dr. Saussy assessed her new department and recommended changes to improve the system but was met with significant resistance.  Faced with what she felt was poor organization and a lack of accountability and unable to get her recommendations considered, Dr. Saussy chose to resign.  Her resignation letter was published in the Washington Post.

Dr. Saussy’s work and story were the feature of an early FemInEM profile which can be read here.

Dr. Saussy is a true leader within emergency medicine and the field of EMS.  She is incredibly deserving of this award.

Congratulations Dr. Saussy!