January 17, 2008

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has recognized Michael I. Greenberg, MD, MPH, FACEP, professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, as a "Hero of Emergency Medicine." The campaign, which is part of ACEP's 40th anniversary, recognizes emergency physicians who have made significant contributions to emergency medicine, their communities and their patients.

"Emergency physicians are on the front lines of America's health care system, providing the essential community service of emergency care," says ACEP President Linda L. Lawrence, MD. "The dedication, passion and commitment Dr. Greenberg has shown embodies the vision of ACEP's founders and the ideals of our specialty."

In addition to serving as professor of emergency medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, Greenberg is the chief of the division of medical toxicology and the program director of the medical toxicology fellowship training program. His contributions to academic emergency medicine have been immense, including over 200 articles, abstracts and book chapters written and textbooks authored, edited and co-edited. He has trained residents for nearly 30 years, educating them to comply with the very highest standards in the field. He is among an elite group of physicians holding concurrent board certifications in emergency medicine, occupational medicine and medical toxicology. His research on endotracheal administration of medications is among the seminal work in the field.

"I was surprised and pleased to be honored in this way by ACEP," said Greenberg. "Being recognized by one's colleagues is both gratifying and humbling. However in reality, the real 'heroes' of emergency medicine are all the attending emergency physicians, emergency medicine residents, and emergency nurses who work hard everyday, often in difficult circumstances, to provide lifesaving care and the last, best, safety net for the public's health."

In addition to his work in academic medicine, Greenberg has donated thousands of hours as the police physician for the Upper Merion Township Police for the past 25 years, writing and reviewing policies relevant to the health of officers and persons in custody. He has provided immunizations and training in first aid and work-related health issues, and he developed a training program for officers intended to promote survival following assaults by deadly weapons.