Our DC Metro Area Leadership


What do you think MEMN brings to the EM community?

"MEMN brings a high level of administrative leadership and clinical expertise to the patients, hospitals and communities we serve. We have a diverse and well-rounded group of physicians and mid-level providers who bring the best and latest practice standards to the bedside everyday. We are compassionate, engaged, hardworking, innovative and involved. We understand the importance of, and need for, both leadership and teamwork in the clinical practice of Emergency Medicine."

With MEMN since 1994

Rhamin Ligon, MD (she/her)

Executive Director, MEMN

What do you think MEMN brings to the EM community?

MEMN brings a high level of administrative leadership and clinical expertise to the patients, hospitals and communities we serve. We have a diverse and well-rounded group of physicians and mid-level providers who bring the best and latest practice standards to the bedside everyday. We are compassionate, engaged, hardworking, innovative and involved. We understand the importance of, and need for, both leadership and teamwork in the clinical practice of Emergency Medicine.

With MEMN since 1994

Doug Mayo, MD (he/him)

Regional Director

What do you think MEMN brings to the EM community?

"As a not-for-profit, that is closely affiliated with the University of Maryland Department of Emergency Medicine, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, as well as the University of Maryland Medical System, MEMN brings the excellence of University of Maryland emergency medicine care to the community. Our structure and organization enables us to focus on providing excellent patient care, while providing competitive compensation to our emergency medicine providers. We are able to strike that balance between doing right for our patients, our providers, and our organization partners."

With MEMN since 2004


"By necessity, emergency medicine encompasses elements from across the other medical specialties (and at times venomous animal/insect identification, mechanical engineering, tetris, or whatever may be required). What I think is most rewarding is the ability to draw on that knowledge and ability and be what the patient and their family needs when they need it most."

With MEMN since 2014

Karen Baker, MD (she/her)

Site Medical Director, Largo

What is your philosphy on Emergency Medicine?

The appeal of Emergency medicine for many is the opportunity to provide skilled interventions for those with urgent illness or injury, however I consider equally important our responsibility to emotionally support and educate our patients, families, and communities. The ease of access to the ED affords us the chance to address public health issues as well as ensuring our patients have the resources and knowledge to autonomously address their health conditions.

With MEMN since 2012

Lou Vega, MD

Site Medical Director, Laurel


What is your philosphy on patient care? 

"Honoring human dignity and meeting people where they are is the difference between standard of care and excellent care."

With MEMN since 2005


What is your philosophy on patient care?

"Physicians possess a unique body of knowledge and skills that may be used for the benefit of patient care. As patients put their trust in us, it is important that we understand their needs. Patients want to be able to trust the competence and efficacy of their caregivers as well as to be able to negotiate the healthcare system effectively. They also want to be treated with dignity and respect. The keys to meeting these expectations are education and inclusion. We must make efforts to ensure that those under our care fully understand the processes that affect them. Equally important, is including them as partners in all aspects of their care. In this way, we can enhance the patient experience and create a mutually beneficial relationship where both patient and physician achieve their care goals."

With MEMN since 2012

Wendell Pierson, MD (he/him)

Site Medical Director, Bowie

What is your philosophy on patient care?

Physicians possess a unique body of knowledge and skills that may be used for the benefit of patient care. As patients put their trust in us, it is important that we understand their needs. Patients want to be able to trust the competence and efficacy of their caregivers as well as to be able to negotiate the healthcare system effectively. They also want to be treated with dignity and respect. The keys to meeting these expectations are education and inclusion. We must make efforts to ensure that those under our care fully understand the processes that affect them. Equally important, is including them as partners in all aspects of their care. In this way, we can enhance the patient experience and create a mutually beneficial relationship where both patient and physician achieve their care goals.

With MEMN since 2012