The Department is pleased to announce that on July 1, 2026, the School of Medicine promoted  J. David Gatz, MD, to the rank of Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine as a clinical administrator.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, pre-medicine, and zoology from Ohio Wesleyan University, Dr. Gatz earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 2015, Dr. Gatz began his residency with our department, where he served as chief resident and completed an administrative fellowship in emergency medicine his final year. Upon graduating from residency, Dr. Gatz joined our faculty.

In the decade we have known Dr. Gatz, he has displayed an extraordinary dedication to patient care, healthcare administration, and medical education. After serving as an attending physician at the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Downtown Campus (DTC) for just one year, we selected Dr. Gatz to serve as Assistant Medical Director. In 2022, we promoted him to Associate Medical Director; this summer, he was officially promoted to Medical Director at our DTC ED.

Dr. Gatz is tirelessly committed to helping patients receive exemplary, high-quality, timely care. With a strong focus on improving efficiency, quality, and safety, Dr. Gatz has addressed some of the most complex, system-wide challenges at our DTC ED. As a result of Dr. Gatz’ leadership and his collaboration with fellow faculty and Medical Center colleagues, our Downtown Campus has experienced an unprecedented reduction in its “left without being seen” rate, reversing decades of prolonged ED wait times.

In the midst of his significant administrative and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Gatz has maintained a remarkable commitment to research, with over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles published to date. Dr. Gatz is a talented administrator, conscientious clinician, dedicated researcher, devoted mentor, and passionate educator. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gatz on his promotion.