According to the Honorable Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage Dr. Matthew Letizia, a nearly lifelong resident of New Jersey, who is the Medical Director for the City of Elizabeth Police, Fire and EMS and is based out of Trinitas Regional Medical Center, was recently named the Nation's EMS Physician of the Year.
"I am pleased to congratulate Dr. Letizia on this prestigious award from the ACOEP," said Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. "Being on the frontline, especially during a pandemic, is no easy feat, but to be named the top EMS Physician nationwide during these times is truly remarkable.
His dedication, commitment, and leadership to the many different sectors in Elizabeth and beyond is clearly an indication of the type of person he is, and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your continued service to our City and residents."
According to Mayor Bollwage, the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) presents special awards to those individuals making a difference in emergency medicine each year.
The Robert D. Aranosian, D.O., FACOEP - Excellence in EMS Award is "an award that specifically honors one physician nationwide whose performance in the field of emergency medical services has furthered the operation, teaching and/or development of the specialty through his or her actions, dedication and deeds."
Dr. Letizia, a graduate of Kean University, 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 a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine.
In addition to the traditional certifications, Dr. Letizia is certified by the Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support (CONTOMS) Program sponsored by the U.S. Park Police and completed the CONTOMS Medical Director's course.
He is also certified in Tactical Combat Casualty Care as well as completed the Active Threat Integrated Response course by LSU NCBRT Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education.
Dr. Letizia is the Medical Director of more than a dozen northern and central New Jersey police, fire, and emergency medical services agencies. Specifically, he is the Medical Director for the Elizabeth Police, Fire and EMS, one of the biggest in the state as the fourth largest City.
Dr. Letizia provides guidance and leadership from the minute the 911 call comes in to the second they arrive at the doors to Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
He works hard to stay up to date with all updated policies and procedures and works with all of the top officials in Elizabeth to make the City's operations run smoothly.
Dr. Letizia is as likely to be found giving a lecture at the scene of a fire or in the back of an ambulance after his shift as he is in his own Emergency Department.
In 2018, Dr. Letizia was named EMS Physician of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services and New Jersey Emergency Services Council.
In 2016, the Elizabeth Fire Department, led by Dr. Letizia as Medical Director, was named EMS Agency of the Year by the same governing council.
The American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) comprises attending physicians, residents and medical students from across the United States who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of the field of emergency medicine.