MEMA is delighted to welcome: Leon C. Adelman, MD, MBA, FACEP
Please share with us where you attended medical school and tell us about why it made the top of your list.
I attended the University of North Carolina School of Medicine because “I’m a Tar Heel born, I’m a Tar Heel bred. And when I die, I’m a Tar Heel dead.”
Please share with us where you completed residency and how/why you ended up choosing that location.
I attended the Harvard-Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency at Beth Israel Deaconess because I had a premonition that Andrew Moczula would also do his residency at the BI.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine.
I was named after my great-grandfather, Dr. Leon Unger. The elder Leon was Chicago’s first allergist and a long-time physician leader at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Medicine was my destiny.
What about becoming a physician was attractive?
A series of mentors have attracted me to medicine over the years. I was attracted by their dedication to learning, healing, and caring.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty?
I did a fourth-year rotation at Carolinas Medical Center and was hooked.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice?
I most enjoy the teamwork of practicing emergency medicine, especially during resuscitations. I also enjoy learning a little bit about each patient’s life.
What led you to practice with MEMA? How long have you been with MEMA?
MEMA does emergency medicine the right way. I wanted to be part of that. I start in July 2025.
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you?
At my first job, an ED tech died in a car crash. The way the ED team – physicians, nurses, techs, admin – all came together to support each other during an incredibly difficult moment was a powerful reminder of how important community is in emergency medicine.
What are some of the biggest challenges of your practice, for a clinician practicing in the emergency department?
Distractions. The frequent distractions make a difficult job even more challenging.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations?
ACEP & AAEM. I’m also the Vice President of the UNC School of Medicine Alumni Association.
Have you received any awards or been recognized from your peers? If so, tell us about it!
- New Medical Director of the Year Award, VEP Healthcare (2018)
- Physician Leader of the Year Award, Physician Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee Haslam School of Business (2016)
- BID-Milton Hospital Excellence in Physician Collaboration Award (2012)
- University of North Carolina Medical Alumni Loyalty Fund Scholarship (2004–2008)
Who/what did you want to be as a child?
A pilot.
What about Charlotte excites you?
Joining an awesome emergency medicine group.
Do you have any hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you?
I enjoy writing about the business of emergency medicine and the EM workforce.