Memorial Healthcare System

History

As one of the largest public healthcare systems in the U.S., Memorial Healthcare System stands at the forefront of emergency medical care, managing an impressive annual volume of approximately 500,000 patient visits across its Emergency Departments. The 3-year Emergency Medicine residency program at Memorial offers unparalleled exposure to a richly diverse patient population, ensuring an exceptional training experience.

Residents immerse themselves in a spectrum of clinical environments, from the high-intensity Memorial Regional Trauma Center & comprehensive stroke center, serving a dynamic urban community, to the suburban setting of Memorial Hospital West, and the specialized pediatric care offered at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital & Trauma Center. This varied experience allows residents to encounter a wide array of pathologies, preparing them to handle complex medical conditions with expertise and confidence.

Memorial fosters a comprehensive education through a dynamic curriculum, including interactive weekly didactics, engaging case-based learning, and resident-led monthly journal clubs. Emphasis is placed on robust board exam preparation and enhancing clinical skills with state-of-the-art simulation training, allowing residents to hone their abilities in high-stakes scenarios within a controlled setting.

Beyond exceptional clinical training, the residency program at Memorial thrives in a collaborative learning environment and offers unique avenues for professional development and mentorship. Experience the energy and innovation of South Florida while advancing a career in one of the most vibrant and supportive medical communities.

Leadership

District Medical Director: Dr Randy Katz
Chief, Department of Emergency Medicine: Dr Steven Katz
Program Director: Dr Leon Melnitsky
Assistant Program Director: Dr Hanan Atia
Research Director: Dr Eric Boccio
Emergency Ultrasound Director: Dr Brian Kohen
Prehospital Medicine Director: Dr Sandra Lopez
EM Critical Care Director: Dr Lara Goldstein
Pediatric EM Directors: Dr Jheanelle McKay & Dr David Hooke
Student Clerkship Director: Dr Yehuda Wenger
Program Administrator: Chemene Michel
Program Administrator: Anthony Suarez

Training Locations

The best emergency physicians are shaped by exposure to diverse patient cases and a variety of hospital settings. Rotations at multiple hospitals across the district give residents the adaptability, confidence, and expertise essential to excel in any emergency situation.

Memorial Regional Trauma Center & Stroke Center (~90,000 patients/year)

Memorial Regional Hospital (MRH), a 797-bed facility, is one of Florida's largest hospitals and home to one of only seven Level 1 Trauma Centers in the state. Offering a diverse array of services—including advanced cardiac, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and emergency care—MRH provides the opportunity to treat a wide range of high-acuity cases. With about 90,000 annual Emergency Department visits, it offers unparalleled exposure to both emergent illnesses and complex trauma, making it an exceptional training ground for residents. In April 2024, MRH became Florida's first and only resuscitation center for excellence.

Memorial Hospital West (~90,000 patients/year)

Memorial Hospital West, a 502-bed academic facility, offers a dynamic learning environment with diverse patient populations and a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. With an annual Emergency Department volume of approximately 90,000 and an admission rate of 38%, residents gain exposure to both high patient volumes and complex cases, ensuring comprehensive clinical training. The hospital’s diverse patient base also provides invaluable experience in cultural competence, enhancing sensitivity and adaptability in patient care.

Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital & Trauma Center (~80,000 patients/year)

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is a 226-bed quaternary care facility and Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, offering extensive services to a high-acuity pediatric patient population. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Children’s Hospital” in multiple specialties, it handles approximately 80,000 annual ER visits and provides cutting-edge care from board-certified pediatric specialists. The hospital offers an exceptional training environment and a unique residency experience within a state-of-the-art health system.

Memorial Hospital Miramar (~60,000 patients/year)

Memorial Hospital Miramar’s 36-room Emergency Department is one of the busiest in Broward, with over 60,000 annual visits. This diverse patient population provides an excellent training ground for residents to develop a broad range of diagnostic and treatment skills. As a Primary Stroke Center within the Memorial Health System, the hospital offers access to nearly every medical specialty on call. Additionally, it features dedicated pediatric and obstetric emergency rooms, ensuring specialized care for all patient demographics. Memorial Miramar delivers a dynamic environment that blends exceptional patient care with top-tier resident education.

Curriculum

PGY1

Emergency Medicine, which includes one month of orientation - 6 months
MICU - 1 month
Pediatric Emergency Medicine - 2 months
Internal Medicine - 1 month
Anesthesia - 3 weeks
EMS - 2 weeks
Ultrasound - 2 weeks
Vacation - 4 weeks

PGY2

Emergency Medicine (integrated longitudinal adult and pediatrics) - 8 months
MICU - 1 month
SICU - 1 month
PICU - 1 month
Ultrasound - 2 weeks
Vacation - 4 weeks

PGY3

Emergency Medicine (integrated longitudinal adult and pediatrics) - 8 months
SICU - 1 month
Electives (2) - 6 weeks
EM Administration/Education - 1 month
OBGYN - 2 weeks
Pediatric Anesthesia - 2 weeks
Vacation - 4 weeks

Didactics/Education

The Department of Emergency Medicine is committed to delivering a robust didactic program that complements and enhances the clinical training of our residents. This educational experience includes the following:

Interactive core clinical content lectures & tiered learning sessions
Dedicated pediatric EM didactics
Initial 4-week block dedicated orientation block
Suture, Splint & Ultrasound workshops
Resident-led morbidity & mortality
Longitudinal Prehospital Medicine, Ultrasound, Research & Critical Care Series
Disaster & MCI Drills
Intern & PharmD collaborative 'med ahead' pharmacology review infographics
Dedicated difficult airway seminars
Medical Simulation at two high fidelity sim centers
Monthly resident-led journal club
One-on-one skill-level specific procedure lab with high fidelity mannequins & task trainers
Asynchronous & in-person board review
Participation in regional EM critical care conferences
Administration, leadership, career planning, and professional continuity workshops
Interdepartmental learning/simulation
Understanding Healthcare Series sponsored by the Central Graduate Medical Education Office

Contact Information

703 N Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

Chemene Michel - CheMichel@mhs.net (Emergency Medicine Program Administrator)
Anthony Suarez - AntSuarez@mhs.net (Emergency Medicine Program Administrator)
Undergraduate Medical Education - ume@mhs.net