Seven New Faculty Members Join UA Department of Emergency Medicine

July 6, 2017

The University of Arizona Department of Emergency Medicine adds seven new faculty members.

Josie Acuna


Josie G. Acuña, MD, joins the department as clinical assistant professor and emergency ultrasound faculty member after recently completing an Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship at the UA, where she also received her medical degree. She completed residency training at Staten Island University Hospital. Dr. Acuna practices at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South.


Maili Drachman

Maili A. Drachman, MD, has been appointed clinical assistant professor after completing of an Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship at University of California, Irvine. Dr. Drachman received her medical degree from the UA and completed residency training at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She practices at both Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South.

K. Moses Mhayamaguru

Kubwimana Moses Mhayamaguru, MD, EMT-P, joins the department as clinical assistant professor after recently completing an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fellowship at the UA. Dr. Mhayamaguru received his medical degree from Manila Central University FDT Medical Foundation in the Philippines, as well a bachelor of science degree in biology and nursing from the Adventist University of Philippines. He completed emergency medical technician training from St. Petersburg College in Florida, and emergency medicine residency training at the UA. His clinical interests include prehospital medicine with a special interest in helicopter EMS and tactical EMS, airway management, and healthcare policy. He practices at both Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South.


Jennifer L. Plitt, MD, clinical assistant professor, received her bachelor and medical degrees, as well as completed residency training and a Medical Simulation Fellowship, at the UA. She practices at both Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South. Her interests include medical simulation education.

 


Amber Rice, MD, MA, clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine, also is a UA alumnus, having received bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees, master’s degree and medical degree from the UA. In addition, she completed her residency training and an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fellowship at the UA. Dr. Rice is active in EMS research and serves as deputy medical director for the Tucson Fire Department. She practices at both Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South.  

 

Elaine Situ-LaCasse, MD, a recent UA Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship graduate, joins the department as clinical assistant professor. She received her bachelor degree, medical degree and completed residency training at the UA. She practices at both Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South. In addition to her clinical responsibilities as an emergency ultrasound faculty member, she serves as director of emergency ultrasound education for medical students, residents, and fellows. Dr. Situ-LaCasse's research interests are ultrasound education and cardiac ultrasound.

Melissa E. Zukowski, MD, MPH, joins the department as clinical associate professor and medical director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson. She comes to the department from Tucson Medical Center, where she recently served as medical director of the TMC Pediatric Emergency Department. Dr. Zukowski received her bachelor, master and medical degrees, as well as completed her residency training in combined emergency medicine and pediatrics, from the UA. Her interests include pediatric trauma and child abuse and advocacy.