Department of Emergency Medicine

Leadership in academic medicine can come with challenges that are rarely talked about— isolation, burnout, and making tough decisions. “Leadership positions can feel lonely, particularly for new leaders,” said Brian Zink, MD, Senior Advisor and Adjunct Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan. “There is often a sense of vulnerability and even imposter syndrome when you assume these roles.” Dr. Zink has been in many leadership positions in academic medicine for over 30 years, including nearly 12 years as chair of emergency medicine at Brown University and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Faculty Development at UMMS. He has entered what he calls “a next phase of life,” instead of retirement. He is now helping others navigate the pressures of leadership through coaching, mentorship, and faculty development. “The big thing that I'm trying to help people with is how to have a satisfying, enjoyable life, and how to find joy in their leadership role,” Dr. Zink said. “Leadership can be very time-consuming, very intense. I want to help leaders find clarity, confidence, and balance in their careers.” He began his career at Michigan Emergency Medicine in 1992 as one of the department’s first faculty members. Early on, his early career focused on alcohol effects and trauma research. Afterward, he transitioned into leadership roles in the medical school before becoming chair at Brown, where he helped lead and grow their emergency medicine department for nearly 12 years.

Survivors share essential lessons about CPR and lifesaving action to improve outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Flowers, applause, and proud smiles filled the room as the Department of Emergency Medicine celebrated its 2026 residency and fellowship graduates on June 12. Surrounded by family members, friends, faculty mentors, and even children, graduates marked the culmination of years of rigorous training and the beginning of careers dedicated to caring for patients during life's most critical moments. “It's because of you that many patients have been healed,” said Prashant Mahajan, MD, MPH, MBA, Department Chair. “Since many will not celebrate you, I want you to celebrate yourselves.” The ceremony recognized 16 graduating emergency medicine residents and seven fellowship graduates who will continue their careers in emergency medicine, critical care, medical education, pediatric emergency medicine, and emergency medical services across the country.

How the “Tell Me What Happens Next” initiative is being used by the Department of Emergency Medicine’s new Division of Clinical Informatics using artificial intelligence.

Hosted by the Weil Institute, the Kahn and Massey Grand Challenges awarded a total of $1.1 million across ten multidisciplinary teams representing 15 departments at the University of Michigan.

Study finds emergency EEG study suggests need for faster seizure diagnosis and care options for patients.