Matt Letizia: Fostering Unity in Emergency Services

Every journey to a career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is as individual as the person undertaking it. Some are drawn by a lifelong aspiration to save lives, the dream to be an EMT or paramedic, while others see it as a stop on the path to nursing, firefighting, or law enforcement. Then there are those like Matthew Letizia, DO, FACOEP, whose path was less direct, but no less committed.

For Dr. Letizia, the dream was always clear: to be a physician, specifically an emergency medicine physician. Yet, the call to become an EMS physician wasn't initially part of the plan. However, destiny has a way of steering the course.

Getting Started in EMS

Becoming an EMS physician, working within administration, and gaining field experience on the streets were not initial targets for Dr. Letizia. And he never saw himself becoming the medical director for an EMS agency, never mind numerous ones.

After he had obtained his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University, he completed his residency in emergency medicine at Seton Hall University - Saint Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, N.J. Newark is the busiest EMS system per capita in the United States. It can be a rough and tumble environment and the emergency departments in Newark are overwhelmed with an extraordinarily high number of patients.

After completing his residency, he made his way over to the Emergency Department at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, N.J., and became board-certified by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and then Fellowed by the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians.

His entry into EMS all started when Laurie Sheldon, professor and EMT Program Director at Union County College, was looking for a medical director for their program. Laurie's choice of Dr. Letizia was not arbitrary; his reputation had preceded him. He had already been well-known to all of the EMS providers who brought patients to his emergency department, and he had a reputation for being smart, approachable, friendly, and truly respected by EMS personnel.

Putting in the Work at Medical Director 

Dr. Letizia is the EMS medical director for many police, fire, EMS, ocean rescue, and transport agencies across northern and central New Jersey, including the city of Elizabeth, the fourth largest city in the state. He is more than just a name; he is a driving force within the organizations he serves. Dr. Letizia has become an unparalleled leader in EMS medical direction as consistently demonstrated by his dedication to training and education, as well as his commitment to quality improvement, safety, leadership, and clinical excellence.

Dr. Letizia regularly holds scheduled lectures throughout the state on a myriad of topics. He is an engaging and inspiring educator who seamlessly links theory to practice, through relevant real-world experiences. Some of the greatest and most notable learning experiences occur during his ride-alongs when he mentors and teaches in the field, on the scene, and in real-time; “Every call is a learning opportunity” as he always preaches. 

Certified by the Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support Program, Dr. Letizia has also completed the CONTOMS Medical Director's course, trained in Tactical Combat Casualty Care, he has also completed the Active Threat Integrated Response course by the LSU National Center for Biomedical Research and Training Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education. He is not satisfied being a medical director who sits behind a desk. 

One of his biggest challenges is when he needs to separate himself from being part of the team, drinking coffee at the station, going on calls, to doing his job as the medical director, especially when it comes to quality improvement and having to provide correction and oversight. For some medical directors, this may be a problem, but for Dr. Letizia, he had already gained the respect of the men and women who are providing the care, day in and day out. His colleagues recognize that quality improvement initiatives are not punitive but rather opportunities for growth and development. They hold him in high regard for his commitment to these efforts.

Dr. Letizia's approach is altruistic. He seeks to build bridges between EMS, law enforcement, and fire agencies, as well as career and elected officials, the public, and healthcare systems. 

Most of this boils down to his philosophy of being an active participant in the organizations he provides service to and not a passive observer. He is constantly learning, which is key to his job as an emergency medicine physician, but it is crucial to his job as the medical director for the organizations he serves. Sharing that knowledge and his clinical experience is crucial to those who care for the patients in the community. It elevates the care that patients receive and provides a level of improvement that many organizations have not experienced. He isn’t afraid to put the work in and providing timely, important presentations to the teams in all of the communities he serves demonstrates his commitment to quality patient care.  

Dr. Letizia's Altruistic Spirit

As testimony to his impact in EMS, Dr. Letizia has deservedly been the recipient of the 2023 NAEMT EMS Medical Director of the Year as well as the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services Directors Award. In 2021, the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) honored him with Robert D. Aranosian, D.O., FACOEP—Excellence in Emergency Medical Services Award. In 2018, he 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. Respect amongst his peers, awards, and accolades only tell part of the story. 

Four years ago, Dr. Letizia lost his father to leukemia. As a physician, especially an emergency medicine physician, who makes life and death decisions regularly, death is always a specter, something that you are never comfortable with, but one you know. When it pierces the Teflon lab coat and hits on home turf, the pain is all too ever-present. 

Everyone responds uniquely to the loss of a loved one. For some, like Dr. Letizia, it becomes a catalyst for meaningful action. Reflecting on the care his father had received and acutely aware of the critical blood shortages that plague the country, Dr. Letizia was inspired to set up a blood drive; to give back to the world those gallons of blood that were selflessly donated so his father could battle cancer. This single event sparked a movement—now, many of the agencies Dr. Letizia is involved with regularly host blood drives, turning personal grief into a communal offering of hope and life. In 2023, alone, he held 14 blood drives and collected a total of 564 pints (70.5 gallons) of blood.

In the world of emergency services, where every second counts and every decision can tip the balance, Dr. Letizia stands out not only as a leader but as a beacon of humanity. His journey marked by the dedication of a physician, the courage of a frontline warrior, and the compassion of a son who has known loss, reflects the essence of EMS. Through the kaleidoscope of his experiences, he has not only elevated the standards of care but also instilled a spirit of camaraderie and excellence that transcends the call of duty. As the accolades accumulate and the communities thrive under his guidance, it’s the unspoken impact of his work, the lives saved, and the countless hearts reassured, that truly encapsulates his legacy. Dr. Letizia's story is a testament to the profound truth that in giving of ourselves, we receive; and in serving others, we find our greatest calling.