Amanda Amen, M.D.

 I like to stay active, especially outdoors, and spend a lot of time catching up with my friends and family over food. I also love to dance and make up for what I lack in skill with extra enthusiasm.

Why did you choose UCLA for Residency?

In addition to having an incredible reputation and being in an amazing location, the concept of being in a “liberal arts” emergency medicine program really resonated with me. This along with meeting so many awesome people while I was rotating made me feel like I could really develop into the well-rounded emergency physician I hope to be. I was also really interested in being at a split program where I would have the opportunity to train in both academic and county training sites and feel like I will be prepared to work anywhere after residency.

What is your favorite place to visit/thing(s) to do in/memory from living in LA? If you have never lived here before, what are you most excited about?

I'm most excited about retiring my parka, exploring the amazing food scene, and taking advantage of everything outdoors I’ve never had in the Midwest!

What are your areas of interest within EM or future career plans?

I have many interests within emergency medicine including social EM, prehospital EM, and critical care. I’m looking forward to exploring different areas throughout residency and laying the foundation for an academic career. 

Are you involved in any research or national EM committees etc? If so, what?

I was involved in several research projects throughout medical school including one project examining disparities in prehospital emergency care and one project examining violence against physicians in the ED. I also served as chair of the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians Medical Student Council and recently completed my term as the Midwest Coordinator on the EMRA Medical Student Council. I hope to continue to be involved in research and organized EM throughout residency!

Any hidden talent(s)?

Picking out the perfect watermelon every time.

Next vacation stop?

I got to do a community/tropical medicine rotation in Mexico this past February and am dying to go back.

Where would we find you if not in the department?

I’d like to say definitely on the beach or a scenic trail, but I’ll probably spend equal time on my couch or in TJ Maxx.