David T. Overton Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine
Welcome from the Department Chair
In the Department of Emergency Medicine, we provide care for patients with a broad spectrum of emergent and urgent conditions. Together, our team of over 80 specialty-trained, board-certified emergency physicians participate in our clinical, teaching, and research programs at WMed.
Our faculty provides world-class emergency, trauma, and medical services in the emergency departments of Beacon Kalamazoo and Bronson Methodist Hospital. Combined, these ACS-verified trauma centers treat over 160,000 emergency department patients each year. We are supported by highly skilled emergency nurses, physician assistants, residents, and students. Our department provides a diverse environment for learning clinical emergency medicine, and we sponsor outstanding training at the undergraduate, residency, and fellowship levels. Our alumni have assumed leadership roles throughout the nation, practicing in every venue, from small practice groups to large academic centers.
Our Mission
- We provide high quality care to every patient we serve while promoting health equity in our region and beyond.
- We provide mentorship and evidence-based training to educate our learners, promoting professionalism, leadership, and life-long learning, while preparing them to successfully practice in any setting.
- We conduct meaningful research to improve knowledge and patient safety in the practice of emergency medicine.
Our Vision
Leadership
To be a national leader that shapes emergency medicine through innovation in clinical care, education, and research, continually embracing and contributing to scientific advancements.
Academics
To be an innovator in emergency medicine training, embracing simulation and the most current education strategies. We will produce exceptional, ethical, compassionate emergency physicians who advance the field through leadership, scholarship and discovery. We will continue to expand our research efforts to impact the future of emergency medicine and improve patient care.
Community
To serve our community by providing education, exceptional care, and promoting health equity. We aim to foster an inclusive environment to empower all in our department to achieve their maximum potential.
The David T. Overton Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine
In December 2024, the medical school announced the establishment of its first endowed chair - the David T. Overton Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine - with a generous gift from David Overton, MD. The endowment will promote excellence in the field of emergency medicine at WMed. Dr. Overton served as the founding chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at WMed.
During a career span of more than four decades, Dr. Overton has established an impressive legacy as a physician, educator, and longtime leader in graduate medical education. John D. Hoyle, Jr., MD, has the distinction of serving as the inaugural David T. Overton Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine and will use the endowment funds to support learners and help further the academic mission and research enterprise within the department.