Virginia College of Emergency Physicians

02/06/2026

Today we want to honor Dr. James Dudley, a Northern Neck emergency physician who passed away on January 30. We spoke to a few docs who knew or worked with Dr. Dudley, who served as our president from 2004-2006. What emerged is a picture of a steady voice for emergency medicine in Virginia — kind, thoughtful, and always happy to help.

Dr. Dudley worked as an emergency physician at Riverside Tappahannock for nearly 40 years and was deeply involved in its medical group leadership. At the same time, he was the operational medical director of EMS agencies on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. He provided medical care at free clinics and at local jails and prisons. For a time, he was the only medical examiner for local funeral homes in this region. He served as a policy advisor for Virginia-level medical legislation and sat on supervisory boards for medical associations including the Medical Society of Virginia. He was a mentor to young people, a guide to his team, and a "center of gravity" in the eastern Virginia medical community.

For his contributions, Dr. Dudley received VACEP's Career Achievement Award in 2010.

And most importantly: He was deeply proud of his family (four children), devoted to his wife of 41 years Carolyn, loved the Northern Neck, and brought warmth and humility to every role he held.

And his obituary is well worth your time. Our condolences to his family and friends.

James Roane Dudley, an emergency medicine physician serving communities across the Middle and Upper Peninsulas of Virginia, died on Friday, January 30, 2026, peacefully at home.

11/03/2025

The emergency department is often the intersection of the legal and healthcare systems, and the types of situations that later end up in court. That makes a treating physician or nurse a neutral witness to what actually happened, how the patient presented, and what the medical findings showed.

VACEP president Jesse Spangler, MD, FACEP recently spoke with Richmond trial attorney and former U.S. Army JAG officer Sharif Gray to discuss everything doctors need to know about subpoenas, depositions, and offering expert testimony — and how to get paid for it all. The recording is an informative listen for residents, new attendings, and other physicians who need some clarity on the process.

Listen/watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YpJsYDKYU4

Also of interest to members of the: Medical Society of Virginia ENA (Emergency Nurses Association) Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association American College of Emergency Physicians - ACEP

Being subpoenaed to testify in court can be intimidating, especially for physicians. So what happens when the sheriff shows up at your hospital with a subpoe...

10/23/2025

This is it! Today (10/23) is the LAST DAY to submit your nominations for ACEP Awards or nominate yourself for a position on the Board of Directors or as an ACEP Councillor for Virginia. Submissions close tonight!

Awards: www.vacep.org/awards

Leadership: www.vacep.org/board-nomination-form

10/22/2025

Nominations are open for VACEP Awards. Explore them and check out our new Educator of the Year Award. Nominations close November 14. Winners are announced at VACEP '26.

www.vacep.org/awards

10/16/2025

Honor the best of Virginia emergency medicine: Nominate yourself or a peer for the VACEP emergency medicine awards. Hurry! We're looking for the best Medical Director, Rising Star, Researcher, Educator (new this year!) and our veteran Career Achievement Award.

Nominations close October 23.

http://vacep.org/awards

10/15/2025

Do you have what it takes to lead the future of VACEP?

Take your practice beyond the bedside and join an all-volunteer team of ER docs dedicated to making our specialty better for our fellow physicians and patients in our care.

Nominations are open for the VACEP Board of Directors as well as ACEP Councillor for Virginia. HURRY! Nominations close October 23.

https://www.vacep.org/board-nomination-form

10/13/2025

Fellows, residents, med students: Join the research poster presentation at VACEP '26. It's a great way to participate in the Conference and share knowledge and insights with the community.

Deadlines:
October 27: Abstract due
January 29: Final research/case study due

Submit your abstract: vacepabstracts.societyhq.com

Register for the full Annual Conference at vacep.org/conference

10/10/2025

Nurses in the state of California who obtain doctorate degrees can’t be referred to as “Doctor” after a judge ruled it as “inherently misleading.”

The Sept. 19 ruling found nurses being referred to as “Doctor”—even with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree—without holding the title of a licensed physician can be misleading and ultimately not protected under the Constitution’s First Amendment.

More at the link.

Judge Jesus G. Bernal ruled nurses being referred to as "Doctor" can be misleading to patients since they aren't licensed physicians.

10/07/2025

Back for its second year at our Annual Conference, the ED Leadership Summit convenes medical directors and healthcare experts to discuss issues and share ideas to make you a better leader and equip you with knowledge to better manage medical ops.

Attend the ED Leadership Summit as part of our 2026 Annual Conference. Registration is OPEN at www.vacep.org/conference.

09/24/2025

If you need acetaminophen messaging for your patients, the American College of Emergency Physicians - ACEP has you covered.

ACEP addresses the safety and efficacy of Tylenol (acetominophen) for pregnant patients in the ED. Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/3IB6YuB

08/15/2025

About 7% of tiny, rural emergency departments nationwide don't have an attending physician on site 24/7. The reason, of course: Cost pressures.

In Virginia, while many rural emergency departments are covered by NPs and PAs, VACEP passed a law that went into effect in July requiring an on-site physician 24/7 in every one. Indiana and South Carolina have the same law, built on model legislation from the American College of Emergency Physicians - ACEP.

This piece from KFF Health News explores the issue and quotes none other than Leon C. Adelman, MD, MBA, FACEP, a former VACEP member now practicing in Wyoming. A longtime analyst of our specialty, Dr. Adelman shares his views on onsite physician requirements, as does ACEP president Alison Haddock, MD, FACEP.

Questions to consider:
> Are rural communities receiving the level of emergency care they deserve?
> How can we better support advanced-practice providers facing extraordinary responsibility?
> What steps can we take to ensure universal physician coverage in ERs, regardless of location?
> How do we bridge the gap and make emergency care fair and reliable for every community?

There was no doctor on-site when a patient arrived in early June at the emergency room in the small hospital at the intersection of two dirt roads in this town of 400 residents. There never is.

07/08/2025

“A new analysis by researchers at Brown University School of Public Health estimates this bill could force more than 600 nursing homes to close nationwide. That’s 600 places caring for grandparents, stroke survivors, or adults with disabilities. When those doors shut, the whole system jams up—and the fallout lands in your local ER.“

Tucked inside the massive bill is a "wrecking ball" for local hospitals, writes Dr. Ashish Jha.