Laura Tilley

Hello GSACEP! It is hard to believe that summer is coming to an end. A couple of updates regarding our Chapter. First, we are continuing to execute our strategic plan that was established under the tremendous leadership of our past president, Dr. Andrea Austin. Our board and members have been busy working to achieve goals set out to better serve our members to include focus groups for awards, membership, and advocacy. Several specific examples include working to establish a mentorship program and also a white paper outlining how our members can effectively advocate for themselves, even while federal employees or on active duty. Thank you to all involved for your hard work on this...

Available Resources

As the situation in Afghanistan unfolds, we understand that many of our members are experiencing various reactions that are difficult to express and process. GSACEP stands with all our members. We honor your past and current service to our country. Veterans may question the meaning of their service of whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. You are not alone. Please note the following resources are available...

The Passing of a Legend

Joseph Litner, MD, PhD, FACEP passed away at the age of 75 in his home in Dupont, WA on the 15th of May, 2021 after a painful and heroic battle with hepatocellular carcinoma. He leaves behind his wife, Maria Hugi, MD, his sister Bluma Litner, PhD, and his two sons, David and Jonathan. Originally born on July 6th, 1945 in Montreal, Canada to the late David Litner and Sylvia Litner, Dr. Litner enjoyed a long and successful career serving in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Washington as a well-respected emergency medicine physician...

Ever wonder how you can participate in political advocacy as a military physician?  You might be surprised by how much you can be involved in the process! Each year the Council elects members to the Board of Directors and ensures "grassroots" involvement in the democratic decision-making process. The council meets once a year for two days in conjunction with the College’s annual Scientific Assembly and votes on resolutions that may be introduced by any member. The Council also votes on proposed changes to the organization’s bylaws. The Resolutions debated at Council help set policy and the agenda for the actions of the College in the upcoming years.  Any issue that impacts our members and the practice of emergency medicine can be brought as a resolution and debated for the good of our members...

Chad Kessler, MD

One mile, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, one mile again, all with body armor or a weighted vest…as fast as you can. That was how I spent an hour (OK, 13 seconds less than an hour if we’re keeping track) of my Memorial Day this year.  Better known as a “Murph” workout in the Cross-Fit community, this particular tradition honors Navy SEAL LT. Michael Murphy, killed in combat on June 28th, 2005 in the Hindu Kush Mountains. Without regard for his own life, LT. Murphy put himself in the line of fire to save his team. The Air Force pararescueman that brought home one member of Operation Red Wings and recovered LT. Murphy’s body was none other than Dr. Josh Appel. Yes, that Josh Appel, our very own Tucson VA Emergency Medicine chief...

Torree McGowan, MD

Emergency Medicine is a young specialty, but its roots stretch back centuries, intricately intertwined with the history of military conflicts.  The battlefield has served as a catalyst for creating some of the basic ideas which define emergency medicine as a distinct medical discipline, and a crucible for refining existing medical knowledge.  No other human condition consistently produces large numbers of traumatic injuries and communicable diseases like wars, and the development of emergency medicine can be traced through the evolving conflicts of the past millennia...