Morristown, N.J. - October 3, 2023 - Matthew Letizia, DO, FACOEP, medical director for Saint Elizabeth University's Physician Assistant program, has been named 2023 NAEMT/Bound Tree-Sarnova EMS Medical Director of the Year for his dedication to excellence in the medical community. 

Each year, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) collaborates with other national Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions in EMS. Specifically, the EMS Medical Director of the Year Award recognizes a medical director who demonstrates clinical excellence in the performance of EMS medical direction and oversight, and serves as a role model for all EMS agency personnel.

Award Criteria

• Consistently demonstrates commitment to clinical excellence in EMS.
• Advocates for the advancement of emergency medical care and evidence-based EMS protocols.
• Champions all aspects of EMS patient and practitioner safety. 
• Effectively mentors EMS practitioners throughout all stages of their professional development.
• Serves as an outstanding role model for EMS agency personnel and within the community.

In addition to Saint Elizabeth University, Letizia serves as medical director for numerous agencies, spanning northern and central New Jersey, encompassing police, fire, ocean rescue and emergency medical services. His active engagement includes conducting a wide spectrum of training sessions, crafting essential policies, and formulating crucial procedures to enhance the quality of care and safety within these organizations. "Supporting first responders is a profound passion of mine," Letizia said. "Becoming an emergency room physician has been a lifelong aspiration, and I'm very thankful for the opportunity to impact lives daily through my work in the EMS field.”

Dr. Letizia, a Kean University graduate, obtained his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine – Midwestern University and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Seton Hall University/Saint Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, N.J. He is Board Certified by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine.

As testimony to his impact in EMS, Dr. Letizia has deservedly been the recipient of the 2021 Robert D. Aranosian, DO, FACOEP, Excellence in EMS Award from the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, as well as the 2018 EMS Physician of the Year awarded by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services and New Jersey Emergency Services Council.