The adult emergency department at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
Two members of the Vanderbilt Emergency Medicine community received awards from the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD) ahead of its 2026 academic assembly. CORD provides resources, develops best practices for emergency medicine training programs and offers professional development for leaders in emergency medicine education.
James Jordano, MD, was one of two resident physicians nationwide to be recognized with the Resident Academic Achievement Award, presented annually to an emergency medicine resident who has demonstrated great potential as a future faculty member through academic productivity, commitment to teaching and service to their program.
Jordano, chief resident, PGY-3, attended Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and began his residency in Emergency Medicine in 2023. His academic interests include research, social emergency medicine, leadership and operations. A native of Connecticut, Jordano is focused on identifying ways to improve patient care and resource utilization across socioeconomic statuses. After completing his residency, he will remain with Vanderbilt Health as a fellow through the VA Quality Scholars program.
Leah Colucci, MD, MS, an instructor of emergency medicine at Yale School of Medicine who will join Vanderbilt Emergency Medicine faculty this summer as an attending physician, was presented with the Judith Tintinalli Faculty Scholarship Award. Named in honor of CORD’s founder, this award supports a resident with significant interest and activity in education and covers attendance for the upcoming academic assembly.
Colucci grew up Florida and completed her undergraduate, master’s and medical degrees at the University of Miami. Now completing a fellowship in Emergency Medical Services and Education Scholarship at Yale School of Medicine, Colucci will pursue academic president education, advocacy and championing physician-led care.
“The Department of Emergency Medicine is excited to recognize James for his contributions to patient care and research during his time at Vanderbilt Health, and eager to welcome a fellow award winner to our team this summer when Leah joins us,” said Matthew Pirotte, MD, residency program director in the Department of Emergency Medicine who holds the Keith D. Wrenn directorship for Emergency Medicine. “As the awards suggest, these two physicians are high achievers in every facet of their work. Their academic aptitude and leadership has been evident throughout their postgraduate education, and we are proud to have them on our team.”
