As an emergency medicine physician and researcher, I have long sought better ways to provide care for patients. Research has been my means to advance the field and improve the lives of patients. In 2009, I assumed the role of Director of Acute Care Research at Duke University’s Division of Emergency Medicine. In this position, I lead a team of clinical research coordinators and research assistants and am responsible for the Division of Emergency Medicine’s overall research mission. In this role, I have also led or been involved in multiple clinical trials and interdepartmental sponsored projects. More recently I also assumed the title of Vice Chair of Clinical Research for our department, overseeing research in many disciplines and mentoring junior faculty and trainees. I continue to be actively involved with SAEM because of the people who share my passion to improve emergency care through research and education.