The challenges that we face are far more complex than our founders could have ever imagined. Crucial issues such as the devaluation of emergency care as an essential service, the devastating opioid crisis, and the daunting challenge of sustainable health care financing beg our immediate attention and creativity. The approach must be strategic and skilled through effective health policy. As a senior leader in health policy at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., I have been uniquely prepared to do just this. I understand how the federal government, agencies, private entities, and think tanks operate and how they are most effectively influenced. I also understand the implementation of change through policy. Having forged beneficial relationships with key stakeholders, my skills set additionally includes the ability to effectively employ health policy strategy that utilizes myriad collaborative approaches.

As ACEP charts crucial territory, now is the time to promote experienced leadership that is purposeful, passionate, and policy-minded to ensure that our voice is not only heard but also respected and heeded.

Virgil W. Smaltz, MD, MPA, FACEP (New York)

Current Professional Positions: self-employed emergency physician working as an independent contractor at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, New York, and Oswego Hospital, Oswego, New York
Internships and Residency: emergency medicine residency, West Virginia University, Morgantown
Medical Degree: MD, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia (1993)

Response

Insurance companies, the government, and others are affecting our ability to care for patients. My experience in small (West Virginia) and large (New York) chapters allows me to have a broad perspective on the issues. I was involved in passing the prudent layperson standard in West Virginia and continue to be involved in fighting for patient protections in New York. I will bring to the ACEP Board of Directors someone who has worked in many aspects of emergency medicine.

I started my career as a clerk and then as a manager in the emergency department. I have volunteered as an EMT, firefighter, paramedic, and flight medic. I have worked as a staff physician and as a director. My work background has been as a hospital employee, small and large contract group employee, and now as a locum tenen. This varied employer background gives me insight into how issues affect the delivery of care in varied situations. I am currently working with residents in a community-based emergency medicine residency, and my daughter is a second-year medical student. I have definitely become more aware of the issues facing our residents and students and how we must address them to ensure their success in their future careers. I have an excellent perspective on the issues that we are faced with. It would be easy to say I have all of the answers or even some of them.