PINEHURST — Emergency medicine physician Katherine Newell, M.D., was recently named FirstHealth EMS associate medical director.
This appointment includes the FirstHealth Regional EMS System, which comprises EMS in Chatham, Montgomery, Richmond and Lee counties, as well as EMS units and specialty care transport units within Moore County and Hoke County EMS systems.
Dr. Newell joined Sandhills Emergency Physicians and FirstHealth of the Carolinas in 2018. She earned her medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and completed residency training in emergency medicine at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Newell said she was interested in a career in medicine from a very young age. “I particularly love the field of emergency medicine,” she said. “It is an honor and privilege to provide care in someone’s hardest moments. Every shift challenges me with unique spontaneity.”
While training in Washington, D.C., Dr. Newell obtained additional experience in disaster preparedness at the national level. “I had the opportunity to participate in many large events that included training for complex mass casualty scenarios. This experience demonstrated the importance of a large well-trained dynamic team,” she said.
As associate medical director, Dr. Newell will implement improvements in EMS training and quality processes.
“A critical aspect in the care of emergency patients is prehospital care,” said Dr. Newell. “First responders are valued emergency medicine team members. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve in this important role.”
According to Matthew Harmody, M.D., medical director, FirstHealth Regional EMS System, Dr. Newell is a demonstrated leader at Sandhills Emergency Physicians. “With her EMS experience during residency training, she will make a great addition to the leadership team at FirstHealth EMS.”
