Program Director's Welcome

Welcome to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Emergency Medicine Residency where our motto is “Ex traditione, exellentia”, Latin for “from tradition, excellence”. Established in 1973, we are proud to have one of the oldest EM residency programs in the country. Being a well-established program doesn’t mean we don’t change or evolve; we strive to stay up to date and innovative.

The mission of our residency program is to cultivate compassionate and competent emergency medicine specialists through a comprehensive training program that focuses on the development of strong clinical skills, teamwork, and evidence-based medicine. Our primary teaching site, University Health-Truman Medical Center, is an urban safety-net, Level 1 Trauma center with a diverse patient population. Our residents also gain outstanding pediatric experience at nationally renowned Children’s Mercy Hospital. In short, our residents are prepared to work and excel in any setting post-graduation; from high-volume trauma centers to rural sites, from academic to community settings.

One of our programs greatest strengths is its people; both faculty and residents. We attract residents who are bright, energetic, and highly motivated yet also maintain a friendly, laid back “Midwest” vibe. Our residents come from all regions and backgrounds to become a cohesive, tight-knit group who genuinely enjoy each other’s company, both at work and at play. The same can be said of our faculty, who are known for their dedication, approachability, and passion for teaching. Many of our faculty hold leadership roles both locally and nationally. We have multiple fellowship-trained faculty members, in the fields of Toxicology, Ultrasound, Administration, and EMS. Our department is also fortunate to have a Ph.D. Research Director and three Research Coordinators. We are also excited to now offer a Medical Education Fellowship.

Other unique features of our program include: a new 2 week wellness elective, regular opportunities for teaching, and an emphasis on feedback. We also permit moonlighting beginning in the second half of PGY2. Senior EM residents can take a 2 week wellness elective which emphasizes our 3 wellness pillars- healthy lifestyles, career development, and community service. Regarding regular opportunities to teach- we feel strongly that teaching is one of the best ways to learn and improve leadership skills. Residents have opportunities to teach a variety of learners in multiple settings including clinical, didactic, and simulation.

Feedback is essential for resident growth and program feedback is essential for our residency. We believe self-improvement is a life-long skill. We have a robust approach to resident feedback that includes frequent, meaningful and open feedback provided via a variety of approaches (electronic shift evaluations, ED summary block evaluations, quarterly 1:1 resident meetings with program leadership and faculty advisors). Residents have a strong voice in our department; they sit on multiple committees, and we value the feedback they provide regarding their education. Adaptations to our curriculum and rotations often occur based on their feedback- our program today has been shaped by the residents of our past.

Kansas City is a special place to live; many say it is a big city with a small-town feel. I like to think that our residency program is similar; we work at a high-volume urban trauma center, yet we also foster an atmosphere of community and family that the Midwest is known for. Our faculty and residents’ commitment to our patients and each other, and teamwork continue to inspire and humble me. I believe that EM residents will receive excellent training at ACGME approved EM programs, and that at UMKC our faculty, residents, and program culture set us apart from the rest and make us one of the best places to learn and train. As an applicant, we know you have many choices and big decisions to make; thank you for taking the time to learn about our program.

Emily Hillman M.D., MHPE
Associate Professor
EM Residency Program Director
Director Simulation Education UMKC School of Medicine

Amy Stubbs M.D.
Associate Professor
EM Senior Associate Residency Program Director

Melanie Camejo M.D., MHPE
Assistant Professor
EM Associate Program Director
MedED Fellowship Program Director
EM Clerkship Director

Jim O’Brien M.D.
Assistant Professor
EM Assistant Program Director
EM Assistant Clerkship Director