The E. D. Dispatch - Winter 2026 - University of Mississippi Medical Center

Message from the Chair

In this issue of The E.D. Dispatch, we celebrate the many ways our emergency medicine team continues to lead with excellence and compassion. From community outreach and lifesaving education to national leadership recognition, research achievements, and milestone anniversaries, this letter reflects the collective impact of our faculty, residents, and staff.

20 Years as Faculty at UMMC

In celebration of her 20 years as a faculty member at UMMC, Dr. Risa Moriarity reflects on the unexpected journey that brought her to Mississippi, the lessons learned in the emergency department, and the mentors and experiences that shaped her leadership. Her story is one of service, growth, and gratitude. Read the full Q&A to learn more about the perspectives that continue to guide her work at UMMC.

Three UMMC EM Physicians Chosen for eLEAD

Three UMMC emergency medicine physicians, Drs. Brian Tollefson, Trey Wofford, and Jonah Gunalda, have been selected for SAEM’s competitive eLEAD program. This year-long national leadership initiative recognizes emerging leaders in academic emergency medicine and provides mentorship, networking, and leadership development. Read more about this exciting achievement and what it means for our department.

Community Outreach Highlights

Our emergency medicine team has been busy making a difference beyond the hospital this season, from teaching hands-only CPR at American Heart Association events to partnering with the OB Emergency Room nursing team to support local elders and children through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Click to read more about how our team is giving back.

Dr. Utsav Nandi Honored with Silver OAVCR Excellence Award

Dr. Utsav Nandi has been honored with a Silver OAVCR Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional success in securing extramural research funding and advancing impactful scientific inquiry. This distinction highlights his contributions to UMMC’s research mission and places him among the Medical Center’s top investigators. Click to read more about this well-deserved achievement.

Dr. Rachel Jones Receives 2025 Robert S. Caldwell, MD, Award

Dr. Rachel Jones has been named the recipient of the 2025 Robert S. Caldwell, MD, Award, recognizing exceptional performance in patient care, documentation, and communication as a senior resident at UMMC. This prestigious honor highlights a commitment to excellence and professionalism in emergency medicine. Click to read more about this well-deserved recognition.

Mississippi Poison Control Center faculty, from left, assistant managing director Mallory Pullman, managing director Jenna Davis and medical director Dr. Michael Marlin, pose for photo.

That’s my job: Mississippi Poison Control Center

When a worried parent calls after their toddler swallows a handful of melatonin gummies, or an ER physician needs guidance managing a snakebite, the phone rings at the Mississippi Poison Control Center and a team of poison information specialists is ready to help.

Follow us on Social Media!

Let's keep in touch. If you haven’t checked out our UMMC EM Residency Instagram and Facebook pages, you are missing out! Please send your stories and updates to us. You can reach us via social media or at UMMC-EmergencyMedicine@umc.edu

Winter 2026