The loss of Dr. James Roberts leaves a significant void in emergency medicine. As a specialty, we should collectively pause to absorb the magnitude of his impact and influence and remember the man he was. Our patients and our specialty are better off because of Jim’s work, the trails he blazed, and the manner in which he passionately poured his wisdom into future leaders until the end. If Jim could read this, he would clarify that he’s not leaving a void – he’s simply passing the torch to the rest of us.  

Dr. Mazzeo is vice chair of clinical operations and professor of clinical emergency medicine at Penn Medicine Hospital.