EMS

Sandra Lopez, MD

Dr. Sandra Marcela Lopez serves as the EMS Director and Core Faculty for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Memorial Healthcare System. With a background in both clinical and prehospital care, Dr. Lopez completed her EMS Fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital and Emergency Medicine Residency at Johns Hopkins University, where she completed her FAST track in EMS and Global Health. She currently serves as the Associate Medical Director for Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety, where she plays an active part in protocol development, Q/A, and education.

Dr. Lopez's dedication to EMS education is evident through her involvement in the longitudinal EMS curriculum, monthly didactic lectures, and simulation exercises. She leads residents through comprehensive EMS training, including mock cardiac arrest simulations and mass casualty drills. The EMS rotation is consistently a favorite rotation among the residents. Dr. Lopez also serves as a mentor for those interested in pursuing an EMS fellowship, guiding them through the administrative aspects of medical direction, protocol development, and participation in EMS research projects. With a strong commitment to both education and emergency medical services, she continues to shape the next generation of emergency physicians.

EMS

core rotation

PGY-1

The core EMS rotation (3 weeks) provides residents the opportunity to learn and appreciate the fundamental aspects of out-of-hospital care. Residents will have the opportunity to choose to rotate with Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue (PPFR) and/or Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety (HFRBS).

EMS

Elective rotation

PGY-3

Residents can choose to use their elective time to gain additional EMS experience. The rotation can be tailored to the residents specific needs and/or interests. The elective is available to residents interested in pursuing an EMS fellowship and for those interested in using their senior resident clinical skills in the field.

  • Longitudinal EMS Curriculum

    The longitudinal EMS curriculum is designed to provide residents with continuous exposure to emergency medical services throughout their training. This includes a monthly EMS lecture during didactics, which ensures a strong theoretical foundation. Residents are also invited to participate in EMS/ED Cardiac Arrest Integrated Simulations, collaborating with local EMS agencies to manage mock cardiac arrest scenarios, simulating patient care from the field through to the Emergency Department. Additionally, residents take part in the Annual Mass Casualty Incident Drill, gaining practical experience in managing large-scale emergencies in collaboration with multiple agencies.

  • Additional Opportunities

    Residents have a range of additional opportunities to further enhance their EMS training. They can assist in coordinating disaster drills for the residency program and hospital system, providing valuable experience in emergency preparedness. Residents also have the chance to attend and instruct educational sessions for EMS clinicians, including lifeguards, EMTs, and paramedics. Residents are also able to attend First There, First Care and Gathering of Eagles conferences, offering exposure to cutting-edge practices in emergency care. Residents can also engage in EMS-focused research projects and attend agency and county EMS meetings, deepening their involvement in the broader EMS community.

  • EMS Fellowship Interest

    For residents interested in specializing in EMS, the program offers comprehensive exposure to the key aspects of an EMS physician’s role, including Medical Direction, Education, and Administration. There are opportunities to explore subspecialties like disaster medicine, hazardous materials, and tactical medicine. Several faculty members serve as EMS Medical Directors and have mentored past graduates in pursuing this career path. Residents can gain hands-on experience in the administrative side of EMS, including participation in Q&A meetings, protocol development, and attendance at county and state EMS meetings. This broad exposure, combined with faculty mentorship, will prepare residents for an EMS fellowship or a future role as a medical director.

Fellowship positions of our graduates

FAQs

  • You can join one of our ongoing projects or propose your own under the mentorship of faculty like Dr. Boccio. Research is integrated into the residency curriculum, ensuring ample time for both clinical training and scholarly activities.

  • Our program offers mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to advanced research tools, including data analytics and simulation labs. Residents work closely with experienced faculty to publish and present their findings at national conferences.

  • Absolutely! Our faculty members provide step-by-step guidance to ensure that all residents, regardless of experience, can engage in impactful research.

Emergency Medical Services IN South FLorida

Memorial Healthcare System is one of the largest public health systems in the country, with over 500,000 emergency department visits per year. Our focus on community-based research allows residents to work on projects that have immediate real-world impact, improving the health of underserved populations while shaping the future of emergency medicine.