GALVESTON, Texas - Dr. Brian S. Zachariah, medical director of the division of emergency medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, has been named a "Hero of Emergency Medicine" by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The award is a part of the ACEP's 40th anniversary to recognize emergency physicians who have made significant contributions to their profession and communities.
The president of ACEP, Dr. Linda L. Lawrence, said that the "dedication, passion and commitment Dr. Zachariah has shown embodies the vision of ACEP's founders and the ideals of our specialty."
Lawrence cited Zachariah's role during Hurricane Rita when he rode out the storm at UTMB and tended to patients. "He stayed on the island to care for the sick and injured in the face of great personal danger. His leadership inspired other staff members to willingly help in the effort," Lawrence said.
Zachariah said he was honored by the recognition.
"I'm very privileged to be recognized by my peers in this way. I'm not really sure I deserve this honor and I was a little hesitant when it was first mentioned to me that I was nominated," Zachariah said. "However, I like to think that I'm not accepting this for me and my actions at UTMB, especially during Hurricane Rita, but for the emergency physicians here and elsewhere who stepped up during Rita and who did and continue to do so during crises large and small around the country."
"Most never get the recognition they deserve and therefore they're my heroes and the real winners of this award," he said.
Zachariah, former president of the Texas College of Emergency Physicians, is a lieutenant colonel in the Texas State Guard and is the commanding officer for the Galveston Company of the Texas Medical Brigade.
ACEP is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine with more than 25,000 members. For more information, go to http://www.acep.org/.