Emory Physician Kathryn L. Hall-Boyer Honored as ’Hero of Emergency Medicine’

The “Hero of Emergency Medicine” recognition by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has been given to Kathryn L. Hall-Boyer, MD, FACEP, clinical educator in the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine.

The Hero of Emergency Medicine campaign is part of ACEP’s 40th anniversary and recognizes emergency physicians who have made significant contributions to emergency medicine, their communities and their patients.

“Kathy is a well-deserving recipient of this honor as someone who has so faithfully served not only her patients here in Georgia at Emory, but also the men and women who so honorably defend our country each and every day,” says Katherine Heilpern, MD, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory School of Medicine. “We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and unwavering commitment to caring for her fellow citizens and America’s service men and women.”

Hall-Boyer is a commander in the 7303rd Medical Training Support Battalion, Ft. Gordon, Ga. Army Reserve. She became a certified EMT before beginning medical school with the Navy at the Uniformed Services University in 1979. She was eventually stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she spent a year as medical director of the emergency department. After completing her emergency medicine residency, Hall-Boyer eventually returned to academic medicine with Emory University. In 2000, she joined the Army Reserve and has since deployed to Germany and Bosnia and spent two years at the southeast reserve headquarters. In 2007 she took command of a reserve medical training support battalion.

Hall-Boyer serves as chair of the American Association of Women Emergency Physicians section of ACEP and is a member of the ACEP Ethics Committee. She has received numerous military awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal and a Defense Service Medal.

“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. Hall-Boyer has shown embodies the vision of ACEP’s founders and the ideals of our specialty.”

ACEP is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine with more than 25,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.