Alison Smith, MD, MPH, FACEP, graduated residency in 2017 from the University of Utah Health and remained in Salt Lake City as an attending emergency physician. Dr. Smith is a former Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association (EMRA) representative to the ACEP Board of Directors and currently serves as president of the Utah ACEP Chapter. Dr. Smith offers some advice for ACEP members traveling to her city for ACEP25.

ARRIVAL DAY: Saturday, Sept. 6

On a backcountry ski tour day, Dr. Smith poses for a picture with friends at Summit Park, Utah. (Click to enlarge.)

After checking into a hotel and taking a minute to recover from the flight, Dr. Smith recommends getting your bearings via an outdoor activity. There are plenty of options. “On a Saturday afternoon, I might take my kids to the children’s museum or the planetarium,” Dr. Smith said. On a normal Saturday evening, you’ll find her on a hike or mountain bike ride with her friends or family.

“I typically do something outdoors every day,” she said. “Tonight, for example, my girlfriends and I are going for a trail run, and then we might go to a brewery afterward.”

Some favorite breweries Dr. Smith suggests include the following:   

• TF (Templin Family Brewing), located in the Granary District close to downtown Salt Lake City, specializes in traditional and barrel-aged beers.
• Fisher Brewing Company, located in the Granary District, serves fine ales and lagers on draft in the brewery taproom.

“You could also get food from one of the food trucks outside these breweries and find some live music,” Dr. Smith said.

With fall colors popping, Dr. Smith takes a ride at Biking Corner Canyon in Draper, Utah. (Click to enlarge.)

Although she doesn’t eat out much, Dr. Smith said a tourist coming into town for ACEP25 might enjoy dinner at Urban Hill, Avenues Proper, Takashi Sushi, or Aker.

ACEP25 DAY ONE: Sunday, Sept. 7

Dr. Smith said she never wants to miss the ACEP25 Opening Session and she is excited about this year’s lineup. For breakfast she recommended the Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade, located on W. 1700 St., about a 10-minute drive from the Salt Lake City Convention Center. Tulie Bakery, on E. 700 St., is also a great option, as is the Rose Establishment, a coffee and breakfast spot closer to downtown.

For those who just drink coffee for breakfast, Dr. Smith said there are several good coffee shops within walking distance of the conference hotels and convention center. From there, it’s straight to the Opening Session.

This year, ACEP welcomes Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Scott Hamilton, who will tell his story of perseverance and hope. Hamilton won a gold medal in the 1984 Winter Olympics and is a four-time World Champion who battled cancer later in life, enduring three brain tumor diagnoses. Hamilton channels his cancer battle into charitable work and uses his platform to speak about resilience.

Dr. Smith rappels on a canyoneering day in southern Utah. (Click to enlarge.)

Later in the session “The Pitt” actor Noah Wyle, along with writer and producer Joe Sachs, MD, FACEP, and medical advisor Mel Herbert, MD, FACEP, sit for an exclusive panel discussion moderated by incoming ACEP President L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP. Wyle, Dr. Sachs, and Dr. Herbert will share how they capture the chaos, intensity, and humanity of the emergency department with stunning realism, and why the show has deeply resonated with emergency physicians across the country. Shown on Max, “The Pitt” has been picked up for a second season.

“I’m really looking forward to those. I’ll get there in plenty of time to get a good seat,” said Dr. Smith, who, as President of the hosting Utah Chapter, will also be giving a brief welcome speech during Opening Session.

With an hour or so before lunch and dozens of education options, Dr. Smith said she will scan the schedule and try to find an interesting session related to pediatrics, cardiology, or a specific clinical topic on which she wants to brush up. She has a few favorite speakers— Amal Mattu, MD, FACEP; Scott Weingart, MD, FACEP; and Corey Slovis, MD, are at the top of the list.

At lunchtime, Spitz or Ivey & Varley are great options near downtown, she said. Spitz is a Greek and Mediterranean option whereas Ivey & Varley offers American food and one of the largest balconies in the city.

Dr. Smith goes on a family hike with James, Knock (4), and Finn (2) to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. (Click to enlarge.)

Back at the convention, Dr. Smith said she would probably try to stop by the Exhibit Hall, but not for too long, as sessions are in full swing. Then, it’s time for the Section Hall Crawl at 5 p.m., followed by dinner.

“I always enjoy the Exhibit Hall, but I’m the kind of person who will spend some time there and try to see as much as I can in one trip,” she said. “I may pop back in here and there, but probably not go every day of the convention. At the end of the first day, I’d probably go to dinner somewhere downtown like Whiskey Street, White Horse, Current, or Copper Common. Or consider Aker—which is more upscale—or Franklin House, which has great cocktails and delicious food.”

ACEP25 DAY TWO: Monday, Sept. 8

The second day is tricky because Dr. Smith starts early, but she knows the EMRA party is at 10 p.m.

After a quick cup of coffee, or something small for breakfast, she will attend some education sessions and catch up with old friends in the hallways. Because ACEP25 attendees aren’t locked into sessions they choose in advance, Dr. Smith said flexibility allows for a more enjoyable conference, more time for networking, and more time to recharge.

Lunch is usually another walkable local spot—Eva’s Bakery, Red Rock Brewing, or Laziz Kitchen are great options—followed by more time in the education halls. A couple of hours later, she will have been inside for a huge portion of the conference so far, and that’s too much.

“I try to be present every day, but I also give myself permission to step outside.” she said. “It’s only 10 minutes from downtown to some trails, so I’d suggest you rent a city bike and ride around or head up to the Foothills for a hike and great views of downtown and the Great Salt Lake!” One hike she recommended is called The Living Room, which has chairs of stone at the top that look out over the entire Salt Lake Valley.

Back at the convention center, panel discussions featuring high-profile speakers or hot topics will close out the day. Dr. Smith loves infectious disease and anything related to public or global health.

Dinner gets Dr. Smith ready for the EMRA party.

“I love the EMRA party because I’m able to catch up with old friends I haven’t seen in years,” she said. “It’s always a great time.”

ACEP25 DAY THREE: Tuesday, Sept. 9

Dr. Smith said there’s a good chance she will have to work a shift on one of the final two days of the convention, so it’s time to fit in some things she has missed. Rather than go out for lunch on this day, she might try to find a noon session—perhaps one of the lunch education sessions in the Exhibit Hall. She might stop by Research Forum and see what’s at the EMF Silent Auction. This might be another day to slip away for a hike for a couple of hours.

She also plans to attend ACEP’s Block Party, which is back by popular demand. This highenergy bash from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is where attendees come to celebrate, network, unwind, and enjoy fantastic food, drinks, and entertainment. With live music, games, and local vibes, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your day.

ACEP25 DAY 4: Wednesday, Sept. 10

Dr. Smith called herself a conference nerd, so she wouldn’t recommend slipping out early on the final day of the convention. What she does recommend is getting away from the convention center during the afternoon before heading back home.

“This is crucial,” she said. “I think this convention being in Salt Lake City is the perfect chance to get a balance of education and outdoor activities. The weather this time of year is going to be perfect. Try to get outside with your friends—whether it’s an outdoor restaurant, brewery, or hike through the hills.”

Dr. Smith said guests, particularly first-timers to Utah, should rent a car and drive into the Cottonwood Canyons or drive up to Park City. Even if you don’t go for a hike—which is invigorating—at least get above the tree line.

“That’s the quintessential Utah experience,” she said. “Get outside and see those views. It’s amazing, and it’s why people live here.”

Mr. Scheid is the Content Director at ACEP.