I am an emergency physician with a focus on pediatrics and disaster preparedness and a background in military medicine.  My 5 years serving in the US Navy provided invaluable training in complex disaster management, including mass casualty incidents, blast/bomb injuries, and CBRNE topics.  Following my deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan and shift out of the military, I transitioned to Children’s National Hospital (CNH) and focused my career on pediatric emergency medicine while still working in an adult ER part time.  My military experience proved invaluable for my current role as Assistant Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness.  In this position I work with multiple departments and disciplines in the hospital to develop and implement plans for various disasters including mass casualties, active shooter, Hazmat/Decontamination, and biological threats/outbreaks. I often represent the Emergency Department (ED) to coordinate citywide and institutional planning and response with other teams including:  the DC Department of Health, CNH Safety & Emergency Management, Infection Control, Occupational Health and Infectious Disease departments.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as the ED lead on the pandemic response, guiding the department through the evolving science with dual focus on staff safety and patient care.  I currently serve as the Pediatric Medical Director for Children’s National as a Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center.