Dr. Matthew Letizia, DO, FACOEP, of Trinitas Regional Medical Center was recently named the nation’s EMS Physician of the Year for his commitment to the health and well-being of the City of Elizabeth, as the Medical Director for the City of Elizabeth Police, Fire and EMS.
Each year, the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) presents special awards to those who have make a difference in emergency medicine. This year, Dr. Matthew Letizia was honored with the 2021 Robert D. Aranosian, D.O., FACOEP – Excellence in Emergency Medical Services Award. It is given to 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.
In an awards ceremony after the ACOEP membership meeting, Dr. Letizia accepted the honor, established in 2004 in recognition of the contributions made by Robert D. Aranosian, D.O., FACOEP (1942–2003).
“This is real honor for me,” said Dr. Letizia, a resident of Mahwah, New Jersey and a graduate of Kean University. “There are so many dedicated EMS colleagues, who, very much like me, are just doing what we can to serve the community. We care about people and providing a sort of human safety net goes beyond the classification of a ‘job.’ It’s been a passion of mine that defines who I am.”
Dr. Letizia is the Medical Director of more than a dozen northern and central New Jersey police, fire and emergency medical services agencies, as well as an ocean rescue team on the Jersey Shore. He 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.
“Staff members like Dr. Letizia, who go above and beyond the call of duty, are who make Trinitas great,” said Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer. “He’s doing what he loves, which is taking care of our community, often while most of the community is sleeping. He is one of our superheroes and we are very proud of this well-deserved recognition.”
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. Earlier, in 2016, led by Dr. Letizia as Medical Director, Elizabeth Fire Department was named EMS Agency of the Year by the same governing council.
Dr. Letizia, a dedicated husband and the father of a twin boy and girl, 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 in Newark, New Jersey. He is Board Certified by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine. The Emergency Department at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, has been his home base since 2007.
Dr. John D’Angelo, Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Trinitas, has worked closely with Dr. Letizia over the past nine years. “Dr. Letizia has a true passion for pre-hospital care,” remarked Dr. D’Angelo. “He recognizes that EMS providers are an extension of our emergency department, our hospital and the surrounding community. He respects the often austere environment in which pre-hospital providers operate. These professionals are smart, dedicated and committed to exceptional patient care. We witnessed their calling during the pandemic, over and over again. Regardless of the pulse in the emergency department, Dr. Letizia stops and greets all of the EMS colleagues with a smile and a firm hand shake. His humility is welcoming and inclusive. Co-workers and patients know he cares about them. They sense he is in the ‘arena’ with them. They respect his love of the craft and we are lucky to have him as a true asset and friend.”
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 he completed the CONTOMS Medical Director’s course. He is also certified in Tactical Combat Casualty Care, as well as having completed the Active Threat Integrated Response course by LSU-NCBRT Academy of Counter Terrorist Education.
ABOUT TRINITAS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Trinitas Regional Medical Center, a major center for comprehensive health services for those who live and work in Central New Jersey, is a Catholic teaching medical center sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in partnership with Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation. With 12 Centers of Excellence across the continuum of care, Trinitas has distinguished itself in cardiology, cancer care, behavioral health, renal care, nursing education, diabetes management, wound healing and sleep medicine. For more information on Trinitas Regional Medical Center, visit: www.TrinitasRMC.org or call (908) 994-5138.
