Michael Fraser appointed as new ACEP Executive Director amid focus on emergency medicine challenges
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Michael Fraser, PhD, MS, CAE, as its new Executive Director, effective from November 1. Fraser’s appointment marks a new chapter for ACEP as it reinforces its role as the national voice of emergency medicine, focusing on advocacy, education, and policy initiatives aimed at empowering emergency physicians and enhancing their practice.
Michael Fraser brings over two decades of extensive leadership experience in public health and physician organisations, having most recently served as the CEO of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). During his tenure at CAP, Fraser managed strategic initiatives in pathology and laboratory medicine, focusing on emerging healthcare challenges such as digital pathology and health equity. His prior executive roles included leadership at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the Pennsylvania Medical Society, where he played pivotal roles in shaping public health policy and organisational direction.
Fraser’s academic credentials underscore his expertise; he holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master’s in Management from Michigan State University. Additionally, he serves as an affiliated faculty member at George Mason University’s College of Public Health in Fairfax, Virginia, and has contributed more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, reflecting a strong commitment to research and education.
In accepting the leadership role, Fraser expressed honour at joining ACEP. He highlighted the critical role emergency physicians play at the intersection of healthcare and public health systems and emphasised his dedication to collaborating with members to advance the specialty and support emergency care providers in their mission to care for anyone, anytime.
The appointment followed a comprehensive national search that actively involved member input, prioritising candidates with operational expertise, collaborative leadership skills, and a firm commitment to ACEP’s mission and values. According to ACEP Immediate Past President Alison Haddock, MD, FACEP, Fraser’s combined experience in public health leadership and association management positions ACEP and its membership for long-term success at a crucial time. Haddock underscored pressing challenges faced by emergency physicians, including threats to their professional autonomy and operational obstacles that hinder their work.
Fraser succeeds Sandy Schneider, MD, FACEP, who served as Interim Executive Director, leading the organisation through a period of important transition. Dr Schneider expressed confidence in Fraser’s leadership and dedication, anticipating his guidance will strengthen ACEP’s strategic efforts and member support.
ACEP’s Board of Directors and Search Committee emphasised their commitment to strategic, mission-driven leadership with Fraser’s selection, signalling a focus on sustaining and enhancing the organisation’s advocacy and educational roles amid evolving healthcare environments. Fraser’s extensive background, which includes a pivotal role shaping public health policy across numerous states and territories while at ASTHO, is expected to inform his leadership as ACEP navigates challenges and opportunities in emergency medicine.
This leadership change comes at a time when emergency medicine faces significant pressures, making Fraser’s appointment a critical step in positioning ACEP to address complex issues and advocate effectively for the specialty, its physicians, and the patients they serve.