Mike Wells

Mike Wells is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and an Honorary Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He leads research in emergency weight estimation and drug dosing with emphasis on obese patients while supporting geriatric emergency medicine initiatives.

His educational credentials include a Ph.D. (2018) and MSc(Med) (2008) in Emergency Medicine, MBBCh medical degree (1992), and intercalated BSc(Med) (1987) and BSc.Hons (1988) from the University of the Witwatersrand, plus a Diploma in Transthoracic Echocardiography (2013) from the Medical University of Vienna.

Dr. Wells' research spans pediatric and adult emergency weight estimation systems, most notably the internationally endorsed PAWPER tape. His work integrates patient safety, metacognition, point-of-care ultrasound, prehospital care, and geriatric emergency protocols. He has pioneered methodologies accounting for body habitus in weight estimation and drug dosing calculations.

His 2024-2025 publications reveal dual research trajectories: geriatric head trauma investigations focusing on anticoagulation risks, dementia complications, and fall-related injuries alongside technological innovations in weight estimation using 3D imaging and systematic validation of dosing protocols. This work bridges clinical emergency care with engineering solutions for vulnerable populations.

Recognition includes:

• Order of the Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa (2016)
• Fellow of the College of Emergency Medicine (FCEM(SA))
• Fellow of the Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa (FEMSSA)

With over 20 Master's candidates supervised to completion, Dr. Wells maintains active editorial leadership as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the African Journal of Emergency Medicine and Associate Editor for JACEP Open. His research is supported by ongoing collaborations with South African institutions and international emergency medicine societies.

At Florida Atlantic University, he is building a dedicated research team focused on refining weight estimation tools for diverse body types and expanding evidence-based protocols for geriatric emergency care through interdisciplinary partnerships.