J. David Gatz

J. David Gatz, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He also serves as the Assistant Medical Director of the UMMC Adult Emergency Department, bringing clinical expertise and administrative leadership to emergency care.

Education:

• 2006–2010: Ohio Wesleyan University – Bachelor of Arts, Biochemistry, Pre-Medicine, Zoology (Summa Cum Laude)
• 2011–2015: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine – Doctor of Medicine
• 2015–2018: University of Maryland Medical Center – Residency in Emergency Medicine
• 2018–2019: Chief Resident and Administrative Fellow in Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center

Research & Clinical Focus:
Dr. Gatz’s clinical and research interests center on emergency medicine, with a strong emphasis on patient safety and quality improvement. His work spans renal transplant management, spinal cord injury, and opioid overdose interventions, reflecting a commitment to both high-acuity care and public health crises.

His publications demonstrate a dual focus on clinical case management and systemic quality improvement in emergency settings. Topics include managing complex transplant patients, preventing complications from emergency procedures, and optimizing outcomes in neurocritical emergencies.

Awards & Recognition:

• Walter Byers Award (2011) – NCAA’s top postgraduate scholar-athlete honor
• Best Resident Presenter (2016, 2017)
• Resident of the Year (2017) – Mercy Medical Center
• Senior Resident Lecture of the Year (2018)
• Outstanding Resident/Fellow Colleague (2019) – UMMC
• First Place – Best Scientific Writing or Technical Reporting (2019)

Leadership & Service:
Dr. Gatz has held leadership roles including Chief Resident and Administrative Fellow, focusing on patient safety and quality initiatives. He also served as the Graduate Medical Education House Staff Officer of Patient Safety and Quality, contributing to institutional policy and education.