Congratulations to Dennis Laird, MD for being named as the September 2024 NES Provider Spotlight! Dr. Laird serves as a Site Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey and as a NES Regional Medical Director.
Here’s a bit about Dr. Laird in his own words:
Background:
I was born in NYC, grew up in the Bronx (Go Yankees!) and spent all my formative years in my hometown. My graduation ceremony from high school was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue! I went to Fordham University for undergrad and attended Columbia for medical school. My training started out at the old St. Luke’s-Roosevelt (I was born in Roosevelt Hospital!) before taking myself to NJ to complete my residency in EM. I was going to be a colorectal surgeon before I fell in love with EM. Fun fact, Dr. Steve Wexler also started out at SLR after completing his EM training at Jacobi in the Bronx, but we did not meet at SLR. I met Dr. Neil Schamban at Boston Children’s where I did an elective month during my EM residency. I did my pediatric EM fellowship in Hartford taking my first job at Waterbury Hospital after bumping into Neil in the ED at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center! I have many fond memories of Waterbury especially meeting a rising young doctor on the go by name of Steve Wexler! Steve took me under his wing and taught me lots about EM and life even when he had to take me out to the woodshed as assistant director. We were all sad that day he left for Day-Kimball. Little did I know that our paths would cross again.
What I do for the company:
For years, Steve expressed interest in me joining a rising company. I finally hitched up to NES 7-8 years ago, and I have had an amazing experience: one full of growth, learning and challenges. Initially, I worked wherever NES needed me: Louisiana, Alabama, Arizona, Massachusetts and Connecticut. NES was gracious enough to offer me my first site medical directorship at Russell Medical Center. From there I moved on to Natchitoches Regional with a couple of other places finally landing back where it all started in Newark, NJ. I “came home.” I did my trauma training at the old NJ Trauma Center and pediatric EM at University Hospital both.
What makes me stay:
I have worked for multiple other companies practicing EM, but there have been none like NES. At Envision, TeamHealth and others you are not member of a team in the same way. Our leadership is accessible, and NES always strives to do its best. We establish relationships and become part of the fabric of the community. This is unique in EM companies, and it makes it easy to remain. I feel at home.
Which work benefit or perk is my favorite:
I have been able to travel across this great country of ours, and I have had fantastic experiences everywhere. I recognize that people all want the same: to be respected and valued. It does not matter if you are in NJ, Mass, Alabama or Arizona. Working at NES has afforded me that opportunity.
Favorite part of my job:
Patient care. I get to do what I love to do in places I never would have thought to visit if I had not been working for NES. I strive for efficiency, expediency, and quality. I want the best outcome for my patients with the least amount of fuss.
Thank you for being part of our team, Dr. Laird!
