23 Oct Nicholas Aunchman, MD: A 2025 Unsung Hero
Dr. Aunchman has had a transformative impact on our Emergency Department. Under his leadership, it has become the most desirable site to work within the network. He has improved staffing, developed a supported and skilled APP workforce, created a successful fast track area, and implemented an observation program. His infectious positivity has fostered interdepartmental collaboration, directly improving patient care. Despite the daily pressures of a busy ED, he consistently shows up with a smile, offering unwavering support to every team member. His presence alone lifts morale, and his leadership makes people want to stay and give their best. Staff describe him as kind, honest, inspiring, and relentlessly positive. He leads by example, expects excellence, and holds himself to the same standard. He’s the kind of leader who throws himself at every challenge with enthusiasm, humor, and data-driven strategy. He makes people feel seen and valued, from nurses to techs to providers. His energy and authenticity have created a culture of excellence, fun, and deep care for one another. Dr. Aunchman’s leadership has made a lasting, tangible impact on our ED, our patients, and our staff. He is the heart and soul of our department, and we are all better because of him.
Dr. Aunchman’s contribution stands out because of the rare way he blends deep community commitment with visionary leadership. While many in leadership roles focus on high-level goals, Nick is hands-on and fully immersed in the day-to-day life of our ED. His dedication goes beyond initiatives—he builds lasting trust, tackles complex problems head-on, and makes others feel empowered to lead alongside him. His passion for continuous improvement is tireless, yet never at the expense of compassion. What’s most unique is how he brings energy and purpose to even the most routine or difficult moments, turning challenges into opportunities. He doesn’t seek recognition—he seeks solutions, always with the well-being of patients, staff, and the community in mind. His approach is grounded, personal, and deeply impactful. In a busy system, Dr. Aunchman manages to make people feel heard, supported, and proud to be part of something greater.
In summary, Dr. Nicholas Aunchman is a remarkable emergency physician whose leadership, compassion, and commitment to excellence make him an ideal candidate for the New York ACEP Unsung Heroes of Emergency Medicine award. He embodies the essence of what it means to be an emergency physician, and it is with great enthusiasm that I recommend him for this well-deserved recognition.
Recipient Bio:
Dr. Nicholas Aunchman completed his undergraduate degree at North Carolina State University. He attended medical school at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ and subsequently completed an Ultrasound Fellowship through the Ultrasound Leadership Academy in Lexington, KY in 2017. He joined the Emergency Department at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in 2014. This hospital is now part of the University of Vermont Health Network – a six-hospital network serving patients in Northern New York and Vermont. He has served as Medical Director of the ED since July 2020. In addition to his leadership role at CVPH, he actively contributes to several key hospital-wide committees, including the Professional Service Committee, the Network Pharmacy Committee, and the Mission, Vision, and Values Task Force. Through these roles, he ensures that the voice of the Emergency Department is consistently represented, advocating passionately for initiatives that improve healthcare across the North Country.
– Erica Lash, MD