Aine Yore, MD, FACEP

Current Professional Positions: Physician, North Sound Emergency Medicine; Director and President, Physician Practice (includes roles as Claims Manager, Revenue Cycle Management Chair, and Human Resources Chair)

Internships and Residency: Emergency Medicine Residency, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2000)

Medical Degree: MD, Northwestern University (1997)

Response: Council brings together 436 of the best and brightest members of our profession to discuss the most challenging issues facing emergency medicine—a huge investment, and a precious opportunity. As a Council Officer, I will work to leverage this valuable resource to its fullest.

The best part of Council is the debate: big personalities with big ideas engaging in thoughtful, passionate exchanges. Sometimes there are sharply differing viewpoints, and other times, there is general agreement with nuanced dialogue on the optimal way to craft a policy. Usually, the presiding officer doesn’t need to intervene. Council is largely self-regulating. Both pro and con positions are presented, and a dialogue follows. Eventually, a motion is made to close debate. As long as both sides have been fairly represented, that motion is in order—and the Council (not the presiding officer) decides whether to proceed. Only rarely must the Chair overrule a premature motion if only one side has been heard.

The true challenge to efficiency? Emergency physicians’ greatest strengths: We think on our feet, we solve problems, and we can’t resist trying to improve things—even from the microphone. Thus appears the dreaded “friendly amendment” or “minor wordsmithing.” The Chair must be firm in requiring that amendments follow standard procedures for submission. As Vice Speaker, I would ensure that expectation is clearly set and consistently upheld—for both fairness and efficiency.

The presiding officer must also navigate procedural complexities, as debate often wanders into the weeds of second-order amendments. Keeping testimony focused and on point is essential to sound decision-making. It takes a light touch to do this while respecting points of personal privilege, smiling through a few curmudgeonly declarations from Council elders, and helping the process feel not just efficient—but even a little fun.

Ultimately, this is about reading the room, respecting the process, and honoring the voices in it. After more than a decade attending Council, I look forward to serving in this role—to keep us continually thinking and moving forward, while ensuring every meaningful voice is heard.